Why badminton ace Saina Nehwal is 'hurt'

It has been two years since Saina Nehwal became the first Indian shuttler to win an Olympic medal (bronze). However, she is yet to receive the cash award promised by the then Andhra Pradesh government, which has left the Hyderabad player 'hurt'.

It has been two years since Saina Nehwal became the first Indian shuttler to win an Olympic medal (bronze). However, she is yet to receive the cash award promised by the then Andhra Pradesh government, which has left the Hyderabad player 'hurt'.

The then chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, N Kiran Kumar Reddy, had announced a prize-money of Rs 50 lakh for Nehwal after her achievement in the London Games. Back then Andhra Pradesh was one state, before it was divided to carve out Telangana.

On a day when a BJP leader opposed Sania Mirza's appointment as the Telangana brand ambassador, Nehwal took to Twitter to express her disappointment over not receiving the award.

“I am happy to know that sania mirza has become the brand ambassador of telengana and I am proud of telengana but (sic)"

"-I am very hurt and sad that I have still not received the cash award from my state for the Olympic bronze medal that I won for my country (sic)."

She later told HT: "Yes, I tweeted about it. I was told about the award by the Andhra government, but there has still not been any response from them. I just want to say I want to get what I deserve. I am proud to be from Telangana and hope to win many more titles for the state."