BAI announces cash reward of Rs. 50 lakh for PV Sindhu, Rs 10 lakh for Pullela Gopichand

The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has announced a cash reward of Rs. 50 lakh for star Indian shuttler P.V. Sindhu for her momentous feat at the Rio Olympics.

Sindhu who, despite losing an opportunity to bag a maiden gold in the prestigious quadrennial event, on Friday created history by becoming the first woman Indian athlete to clinch a silver medal in Olympics after she lost her summit showdown against world number one Carolina Marin.

BAI president Akhilesh Das Gupta told ANI it was amazing to watch her match yesterday as well as today.

"I felt really nice, though P.V. Sindhu couldn't get us gold and the way she played was not easy, as she played against world number one champion Carolina and performed amazingly well," Gupta said adding, "it was a well fought game and I believe that Sindhu was no less than Carolina."

"Though Carolina is more experienced, but this is a matter of pride not only for us, but also a proud moment for 125 crore population," he added.

Giving details about the cash rewards, the BAI president said, "On this occasion, the Badminton Association of India has announced Rs 50 lakh in her honour and her coach Gopi Chand would be awarded with Rs 10 lakh."

"A sum of Rs. 15 lakh would be awarded to the supporting staff along with the physiotherapists- who are never acknowledged will be given," Gupta added.

After producing a spirited fight-back to clinch the first game, the 21-year-old lanky shuttler from Hyderabad failed to capitalize on it and went on to lose the next two games with a big margin against world number one Carolina Marin in the women's singles event.

The Spaniard took about one hour and 20 minutes to outclass Sindhu, the two-time bronze medallist at the World Championship, 19-21, 21-12, 21-15 and seal a gold medal in a nerve-wracking summit showdown.

The silver medal comes after Sakshi Malik won the Bronze in 48-kg freestyle wrestling event.

Earlier, Sindhu produced a perfect blend of power and aggression as she registered a 21-19, 21-10 win over reigning All England singles champion Nozomi Okohura of Japan to book her place in the finals of the prestigious quadrennial event and assure India of its second medal at the ongoing Rio Olympics and in the games' history.

Sindhu has now become the second Indian player in badminton to win an Olympic medal after Saina Nehwal, who had clinched bronze in London four years ago.

With the feat, Sindhu has also become the fifth Indian woman to clinch a medal in Olympics history after Karnam Malleswari, Mary Kom, Saina Nehwal and Sakshi Malik.