In response to recent reports, Ashwini Ponnappa, the prominent Indian shuttler, has categorically denied claims that she and her women’s doubles partner, Tanisha Crasto, received Rs 1.5 crore from the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). This scheme, managed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, is designed to provide financial support to Olympic athletes.
The report, published by PTI, suggested that Ponnappa had received significant funds under this scheme. However, Ponnappa took to X (formerly Twitter) to refute these claims, expressing frustration over the inaccuracies in the article. She questioned the validity of the information, stating, “How can an article be written without getting facts right? How can this lie be written? Received 1.5 CR each? From whom? For what?”
Ponnappa clarified that she has been self-funding her participation in tournaments until November last year. She explained that she was included in the TOPS scheme only after qualifying for the Paris 2024 Games, and her inclusion was limited to the duration of the Olympic Games. “The truth is that I am not funded by any organization. My inclusion in TOPS was only after our qualification for the Olympics and is limited to that period,” she noted.
She also highlighted a specific issue regarding the support for their doubles coach, who was integral to their training but was not allowed to travel with them. Ponnappa’s comments underscore her dissatisfaction with the support she received compared to the substantial funding mentioned in the report.
PTI has responded by asserting that the information used in the report was derived from a Sports Ministry document titled ‘Pathway to Paris,’ which details the financial assistance allocated to athletes. They also shared a screenshot from this document that outlines the funding provided under the TOPS scheme.
During the Paris Olympics cycle, badminton received considerable support, including 13 national camps and 81 foreign exposure trips, all funded under TOPS. The Sports Authority of India’s (SAI) Mission Olympic Cell allocated Rs 72.03 crore, marking it as one of the largest funding allocations among the nearly Rs 470 crore spent on India’s Olympic preparations across various disciplines.
Despite the investment, the results in Paris did not meet expectations, illustrating the challenges and unpredictability inherent in Olympic competition. This includes high-profile disappointments such as Lakshya Sen’s losses in the semifinals and bronze play-off matches.
