The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has allocated over Rs. 1.45 crore to aid the Indian badminton team at the BWF Thomas and Uber Cup Finals in Horsens, Denmark, from April 24 to May 3. The support includes logistical and financial assistance for the 34-member Indian team, consisting of players, coaches, and support staff.
India’s badminton team, featuring top athletes like PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, Kidambi Srikanth, and the doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, will compete in the prestigious championships. The team comprises players from the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) Core and Development groups, aiming for success in both men’s and women’s categories.
In the Thomas Cup, the Indian men will face Canada, Australia, and China, while the women’s team will compete against Denmark, Ukraine, and China in the Uber Cup. India’s victory in the 2022 Thomas Cup against Indonesia marked a historic milestone, establishing India as a formidable force in men’s team badminton on the global stage.
The support package sanctioned under TOPS covers various expenses such as airfare, accommodation, visa fees, daily allowances, insurance, and more for all team members. The Sports Authority of India has also arranged a dedicated support system with specialized coaches, physiotherapists, trainers, and masseurs accompanying the team to ensure comprehensive assistance.
The upcoming Thomas and Uber Cup Finals in 2026 hold significance for Indian badminton, especially with the sport excluded from the 2026 Commonwealth Games. As India gears up to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030, badminton is expected to play a pivotal role in the centenary edition of the Games.
