Indian Badminton Team Receives Major Support for Thomas and Uber Cup Finals
Significant Financial Aid for Badminton Team
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has announced a substantial logistical and financial backing exceeding Rs 1.45 crore for the Indian badminton squad's participation in the upcoming Thomas and Uber Cup Finals, taking place in Horsens, Denmark, from April 24 to May 3.
A total of 34 members, including 20 players, five coaches, and nine support staff, have made their way to Denmark for this prestigious championship, as detailed in a recent press release.
Prominent athletes such as PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, Kidambi Srikanth, and the doubles team of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, along with promising newcomers, will represent both the men's and women's teams. The lineup also features several athletes from the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) Core and Development programs.
The Indian men's team is set to compete against Canada, Australia, and China in the Thomas Cup, while the women's team will face Denmark, Ukraine, and China in the Uber Cup. India made history by clinching the Thomas Cup in 2022, defeating Indonesia in the final, marking a significant milestone that established the nation as a formidable force in men's team badminton.
The Rs 1.45 crore support package, approved under TOPS, encompasses airfare, accommodation, visa expenses, accreditation, daily allowances, food allowances, insurance, and miscellaneous expenses for all team members. Additionally, SAI has ensured a comprehensive support system, including specialized coaches, physiotherapists, trainers, and masseurs accompanying the team.
The upcoming Thomas and Uber Cup Finals hold particular importance in the context of Indian badminton's future, especially since the sport will not be included in the 2026 Commonwealth Games. With India set to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030, badminton is anticipated to return as a prominent event in the centenary edition of the Games.
Thomas Cup 2026 squad: Lakshya Sen, Ayush Shetty, Kidambi Srikant, HS Prannoy, Kiran George, Satwik Sairaj, Chirag Shetty, Amsakarunan Hariharan, M R Arjun, Dhruv Kapila.
Uber Cup 2026 squad: PV Sindhu, Unnati Hooda, Tanvi Sharma, Isharani Baruah, Devika Sihag, Gayatri Gopichand, Treesa Jolly, S Kavipriya, Simran Singhi, Tanisha Crasto.