BAI Rewards Paris Paralympics 2024 Medalists with INR 50 Lakh

New Delhi, September 24, 2024: The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has announced a cash reward of INR 50 lakh for Indian para-badminton players who secured five historic medals at the Paris Paralympics 2024. BAI President and Assam Chief Minister, Hon’ble Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, praised the athletes for their remarkable performance, which included India’s highest-ever medal tally at the Paralympic Games.

Indian para-shuttler Nitesh Kumar claimed gold in the Men’s Singles SL3 category, while Suhas Yathiraj bagged silver in the Men’s Singles SL4 event, repeating his Tokyo 2020 success. Making history, Thulasimathi Murugesan, Manisha Ramadass, and Nithya Sre Sivan became the first Indian women to secure Paralympic badminton medals, with Thulasimathi earning silver in the Women’s Singles SU5 and Manisha and Nithya claiming bronze in the SU5 and SH6 categories, respectively.

Prize Distribution:

• Gold medallist Nitesh Kumar will be awarded INR 15 lakh.
• Silver medallists Suhas Yathiraj and Thulasimathi Murugesan will each receive INR 10 lakh.
• Bronze medallists Manisha Ramadass and Nithya Sre Sivan will be awarded INR 7.5 lakh each.

BAI Secretary General Sanjay Mishra praised the athletes’ consistent performances on the world stage, highlighting the association’s commitment to furthering para-badminton in India. “The cash rewards are just one way to recognize their incredible achievements at the Paralympics,” he said. Mishra also emphasized BAI’s ongoing initiatives to develop para-badminton in India and provide the necessary support to the players.

To celebrate the players’ success and understand their future needs, BAI will arrange a virtual interaction session with the athletes, given their busy tournament schedule.

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