BAI announces cash awards for Sindhu, Gopichand

New Delhi, Aug 19 (IANS) Badminton Association of India (BAI) President Dr. Akhilesh Das Gupta on Friday announced a cash award of Rs 50 lakh for shuttler P.V. Sindhu, who scripted history by bagging the silver in women's singles competition at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Das Gupta also announced an award of Rs. 10 lakh for national badminton coach Pullela Gopichand, who trained Sindhu to achieve this feat.

The World No. 10 Indian lost to Spain's Carolina Marin 21-19, 12-21, 15-21 in the thrilling Final held at Riocentro.

This is India's first silver medal in badminton. Saina Nehwal won the first medal - bronze - for India in badminton in the 2012 London Olympics.

Praising Sindhu's efforts, Das Gupta said, "I congratulate her for this historical achievement and bringing laurels for India. This is a huge milestone in Indian Badminton fraternity and it shows the strength of Indian badminton at the world stage. This silver medal will surely motivate lakhs of children to take up the sport and inspire them perform above their ability. On behalf of BAI and Indian Badminton fraternity, I am congratulating her again for marvellous achievement."

"I also congratulate coach P Gopichand who again took India to new heights. Padma Bhushan Gopichand brought many laurels in his playing days and now his players are achieving new feats. Indian Badminton fraternity is very lucky to have a coach and mentor like him," he added.