Ashwini Ponnappa Criticizes Financial Misrepresentation Ahead of Paris Olympics

Indian doubles badminton player Ashwini Ponnappa criticized the sports ministry for allegedly misrepresenting financial support provided to her in the lead-up to the Paris Olympics. Ponnappa claimed that she received no individual financial assistance or personalized coaching, despite official documents stating otherwise. She expressed shock and disappointment over the situation.

Indian doubles badminton specialist Ashwini Ponnappa on Tuesday criticized the sports ministry, alleging a lack of individual financial assistance in the build-up to the Paris Olympics and claiming her request for a coach was denied.

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) released a document detailing financial support for Indian athletes bound for Paris. According to the document, Ponnappa received Rs 4,50,000 under TOPS and Rs 1,48,04,080 under the Annual Calendar for Training and Competition, which included expenses for recovery equipment, international competitions, and a sparring partner during the Tokyo cycle.

"I'm absolutely shocked. I don't mind not getting money, but telling the nation that I did is ridiculous. I haven't received it," Ponnappa told PTI. She clarified that expenses cited in the document were for all players in the national camp, not individual support for her. Ponnappa also revealed she had to pay for her personalized trainer out of pocket.

(With inputs from agencies.)