Source: REUTERS/KAIPFAFFENBACH
[Saba Sports News] Forbes, the American financial magazine, recently
unveiled its 2023 global female athletes’ earning list. Leading the pack was
tennis star Iga Swiatek, who topped the list with earnings of $23.9 million.
Among badminton players, Pusarla Venkata Sindhu, known as India’s “No.
1”, secured the 16th spot on the list with earnings of $7.1 million. It is
reported that approximately $100,000 of Sindhu’s earnings came from competition
bonuses, while the remaining $7 million was derived from various off-court
commercial activities. Although Sindhu participated in fewer competitions this
year, her standout moment came during the Commonwealth Games in the first half
of the year. Not only did she clinch the women’s singles championship, but she
also led the Indian team to victory in the team championship. This achievement
significantly boosted her popularity, as the Commonwealth Games holds great
importance in the hearts of Indians. Additionally, Sindhu triumphed over
Chinese player Wang Zhiyi at the Singapore Open, securing the women’s singles
championship and further solidifying her status as a hero among the Indian
populace. Sindhu’s success showcases that even in a niche sport like badminton,
players who reach the pinnacle of the sport can achieve life-changing
victories.