Saina Nehwal praises Badminton Association's new model of financial governance

New Delhi, Feb 19(ANI): India's ace shuttler Saina Nehwal on Friday said that the launch of Badminton Association of India's (BAI) new model of financial governance will help the underprivileged players.

The BAI unveiled a new model of financial governance announcing that approximately Rs. 70 million would be paid to the association over the three-year sponsorship contract period.

Nehwal, who is ranked six on the international circuit, said that such a sponsorship would be an encouragement for the badminton lovers of the country.

"I feel really proud that such big sponsors are coming and also regarding the badminton which is very good. We all need such kind of encouragement and support and being a player I know it's very tough to play without financial help if we get such kind of help then we don't have to worry about anything else and just focus on our game and perform even better," Nehwal said.

BAI president V.K. Verma said that he was very happy that every single rupee from this sponsorship deals will ultimately go to the benefit of the players.

"Once again one is very happy and this very happy and joyous day where all the Badminton lovers would see a ray of stronger hope in Indian badminton and with the firm commitment that every single rupee from this sponsorship deals will ultimately go to the benefit of the players," Verma said.

"We also would like to say that we would like to see badminton not exactly autonomous but also self reliant that we don't have to lean on anybody for launching projects and the programmes those we have in mind," he added.

The dignitaries present on the occasion included distinguished players like Prakash Padukone, Ami Ghai and Pullela Gopichand. (ANI)