BAI announces cash award for Srikanth

K. Srikanth.

Badminton Association of India (BAI) President Akhilesh Das Gupta on Monday announced a cash award of Rs. 5 lakh for World No.4 Kidambi Srikanth in recognition of the young shuttler’s Swiss Open victory on Sunday.

“Srikanth is playing outstandingly at this moment and we need to reward our athletes for the recognition they acquire at the international level,” Gupta said in a statement.

High expectations

“Backed by the performance at the Swiss Open, expectations will be high on Srikanth to get a podium finish at the upcoming Yonex Sunrise India Open, 2015 to be held in New Delhi from 24th March,” he added.

Srikanth, who was the top seed at Basel event, He defeated Viktor Axelsen in the finals 21-15,12-21,21-14 to claim the title.

He has been in terrific form in recent times, defeating two-time Olympic and 5-time World Champion Lin Dan in his own backyard at China Open.