📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / David W. Carmichael
Sports
Funding glitch almost derails Indian junior badminton team's Cairo trip
✍️ The Indian Express
🗓 04 Nov 2026, 10:16 AM
👁 8
A delay in the release of funds nearly prevented the Indian junior badminton squad from traveling to Cairo for the World Junior Championships, officials said.
New Delhi – The Indian junior badminton team faced a last‑minute crisis when a delay in government funding threatened to keep the players from flying to Cairo for the World Junior Championships. Officials said the funds, earmarked for travel, accommodation and equipment, were not released until hours before the scheduled departure.
Team manager Rajesh Kumar explained that the delay stemmed from procedural bottlenecks in the sports ministry’s disbursement process. After urgent appeals by the Badminton Association of India, the required amount was finally cleared, allowing the squad to board a chartered flight late on Wednesday.
The team, which includes several rising stars who have performed well in recent national events, is now set to compete in Cairo from November 10‑17. Coaches hope the episode will not affect the players’ preparation and that they can focus on delivering strong performances on the international stage.
Team manager Rajesh Kumar explained that the delay stemmed from procedural bottlenecks in the sports ministry’s disbursement process. After urgent appeals by the Badminton Association of India, the required amount was finally cleared, allowing the squad to board a chartered flight late on Wednesday.
The team, which includes several rising stars who have performed well in recent national events, is now set to compete in Cairo from November 10‑17. Coaches hope the episode will not affect the players’ preparation and that they can focus on delivering strong performances on the international stage.