BAI announces Rs.5 lakh award for Srikanth

New Delhi, March 16: The Badminton Association of India (BAI) on Monday announced a cash award of Rs.5 lakh for World No.4 Kidambi Srikanth for winning the Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold on Sunday.

Srikanth has been in terrific form. He defeated two-time Olympic and five-time World Champion Lin Dan in his own backyard in the Chi Open last year.

Top seed at the Swiss Open, Srikanth did not disappoint by defeating compatriot Ajay Jayaram in the semis and Viktor Axelsen in the fil 21-15, 12-21, 21-14.

“Srikanth is playing outstandingly at this moment and we need to reward our athletes for the recognition they acquire at the intertiol level. Backed by the performance at the Swiss Open, expectations will be high on Srikanth to get a podium finish at the upcoming India Open to be held here from March 24," BAI President Akhilesh Das Gupta said. IANS