Saina signs up 40-crore deal with Rhiti Sports

India's badminton queen Saina Nehwal has signed up a 40-crore deal with Rhiti Sports Management company, making her the country's highest paid sportsperson outside cricket.

India's badminton queen Saina Nehwal has signed up a 40-crore deal with Rhiti Sports Management company, making her the country's highest paid sportsperson outside cricket.

The London Olympics bronze-medallist shuttler had a three-year contract with Deccan Chargers which expired early this month.

"I am very happy to be associated with Rhiti Sports and look forward to start a working relationship with them. With Rhiti's background and credibility, they know how to balance things and that is a big plus point," said Saina, who signed a three-year contract with Rhiti Sports.

"The strides Rhiti has taken in the Sports industry in recent times made it an easy choice for me. I would like to also thank, Mr Vinod Dhawan, vice president Badminton Association of India, who played a key role in helping form this association," she added.

Saina Nehwal poses with her bronze medal after beating China's Wang Xin in their bronze medal women's singles badminton match at the London 2012 Olympic Games. AFP

Saina Nehwal looks on from a jeep heading to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at India Gate, following a felicitation ceremony in New Delhi. AFP/Sajjad Hussain