Sports Minister congratulates Saina Nehwal, K Srikanth on their return

New Delhi: Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Sarbananda Sonowal congratulated K Srikanth and Saina Nehwal for creating history at the China Open Super Series badminton and promised complete support in their endeavour for winning many more titles.

Srikanth and Nehwal title triumphs in China was the first time that India bagged both the men's and women's singles crowns in any major international tournament. While this was Srikanth's first ever Super Series crown, Saina took her tally of Super Series titles to eight.

"Your recent performance in China Open has made every sports fan in the country proud. I have no doubt that you would prove to be an inspiration to many girls and boys to take up badminton as a career and excel. I am sure this feat of yours will motivate numerous youngsters to work hard to reach the pinnacle of glory," Sonowal said in a message to the two players.

Both Saina and Srikanth are part of the Badminton Association of India's elite group which undergoes over 200 days of training at the national camps. Their trips for major international tournaments are also funded by the Sports Ministry through the Sports Authority of India's Long Term Development Program.

"With the government also putting in place a mechanism to identify and support sportspersons who could win laurels at the 2016 Rio Olympics, the players will be provided all the necessary support to prepare for the quadrennial events," Sonowal said.