Badminton has gained immense popularity in India over the last decade, with Indian players making a strong impact on the global stage. With increased investments in the sport, prize money, sponsorship deals, and government support, the earnings of Indian badminton players have grown significantly. However, salaries and overall earnings vary based on a player’s ranking, endorsements, participation in leagues, and achievements.
In this article, we will explore the different sources of income for Indian badminton players in 2025, their estimated salaries, and the financial challenges they face.
1. Sources of Income for Indian Badminton Players
Badminton players in India earn money from multiple sources, including tournament prize money, sponsorships, and government rewards.
A. Tournament Prize Money
Earnings from tournaments contribute significantly to a badminton player’s income. The prize money varies depending on the level of the tournament.
BWF World Tour Events (2025): The prize money for BWF tournaments is structured as follows:
- BWF World Tour Super 1000: $1,500,000 (approx. ₹12.5 crore)
- BWF World Tour Super 750: $850,000 (approx. ₹7 crore)
- BWF World Tour Super 500: $420,000 (approx. ₹3.5 crore)
- BWF World Tour Super 300: $210,000 (approx. ₹1.75 crore)
Top Indian players such as PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, Kidambi Srikanth, HS Prannoy, and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty compete in these tournaments and earn a substantial amount from prize money.
Olympics and World Championships: While the BWF does not offer prize money for these tournaments, medal winners receive significant financial support from the Indian government and sponsors.
National Championships: The Badminton Association of India (BAI) organizes national tournaments with a total prize pool ranging from ₹50 lakh to ₹2 crore in 2025.
B. Sponsorships and Endorsements
Sponsorship deals form a major part of an elite Indian badminton player’s income. Top players have endorsement contracts with brands such as Yonex, Li-Ning, Adidas, Red Bull, Tata, and MRF.
Top Player Endorsement Deals (2025)
- PV Sindhu: ₹60 crore annually from brands like Bank of Baroda, Bridgestone, and Nike.
- Lakshya Sen: ₹10-20 crore from brands like Tata Motors and Li-Ning.
- Chirag Shetty & Satwiksairaj Rankireddy: ₹10-15 crore from endorsements.
- Kidambi Srikanth & HS Prannoy: ₹5-10 crore from sponsorships.
Mid-level and young players also earn endorsements but at a lower scale, between ₹50 lakh to ₹3 crore annually.
C. Premier Badminton League (PBL) Salaries
The Premier Badminton League (PBL) continues to be a lucrative source of income for Indian players. In the 2025 edition, the salaries of players in the auction were as follows:
| Category | Salary Range (PBL 2025) |
|---|---|
| Top Indian Players | ₹80 lakh – ₹1.5 crore per season |
| Mid-Level Players | ₹30 lakh – ₹80 lakh per season |
| Young & Emerging Players | ₹10 lakh – ₹30 lakh per season |
With rising investments in the league, salaries for top Indian players have grown significantly.
D. Government Rewards & Cash Prizes
The Indian government provides cash rewards to players for major achievements.
Olympic Medalists (2024 Paris Olympics Rewards):
- Gold: ₹5-10 crore (varies by state)
- Silver: ₹3-5 crore
- Bronze: ₹2-3 crore
Asian Games & Commonwealth Games Medalists: ₹50 lakh – ₹2 crore
Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna & Arjuna Award winners receive financial grants and lifelong pensions.
Many state governments also offer additional cash incentives, job security, and land allotments for top-performing athletes.
E. Social Media & Brand Collaborations
With the rise of digital media, badminton players also earn through social media promotions and collaborations.
- PV Sindhu: Charges ₹15-20 lakh per sponsored Instagram post.
- Other top players: Earn ₹5-10 lakh per post depending on their following.
This source of income is becoming increasingly important for financially sustaining young players.
2. Estimated Salary and Earnings of Indian Badminton Players (2025)
| Player Category | Annual Earnings (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Top Players (Sindhu, Sen, Srikanth, Satwik-Chirag, Prannoy) | ₹10-50 crore |
| Mid-Level Players (Ranked 20-50 in the world) | ₹2-10 crore |
| Upcoming Players (Ranked 50-100 in the world) | ₹50 lakh – ₹2 crore |
| National-Level Players | ₹10 lakh – ₹50 lakh |
The earnings gap between top-ranked and lower-ranked players remains significant due to sponsorship differences and tournament participation.
3. Financial Challenges for Indian Badminton Players
While top Indian players earn substantial amounts, upcoming players and those ranked outside the top 50 face financial struggles. Some challenges include:
- High Training and Travel Costs: Coaching, tournament travel, and accommodation expenses range from ₹20-40 lakh per year.
- Lack of Sponsorships for Young Players: Many young athletes struggle to attract sponsors until they make a mark internationally.
- Inconsistent Earnings: Since badminton does not have fixed salaries like cricket, players rely heavily on performance-based income.
To address these challenges, private academies, corporate sponsorships, and government programs like Khelo India are playing a key role in supporting young talent.
4. Future Prospects for Badminton Player Salaries in India
With India’s rising dominance in world badminton, player salaries are expected to grow further. The sport is attracting more viewership, sponsorship deals, and prize money, making it more lucrative than ever.
Factors driving future salary growth:
- Higher BWF Prize Money – Expected increase in tournament rewards.
- More Corporate Investments – Companies are sponsoring emerging players.
- Increased Popularity of PBL – More franchise-based leagues may emerge.
- Government Support Programs – Funding for young players is improving.
By 2030, top Indian badminton players may earn on par with global stars from countries like China, Indonesia, and Denmark.
Conclusion
Badminton player salaries in India have seen a massive rise, with top players earning in crores. However, the financial journey of a player remains challenging, especially for those outside the top ranks. As the sport continues to grow in India, improved sponsorship opportunities, league structures, and government initiatives will ensure better earnings for upcoming players.
For young Indian shuttlers, the future looks promising both in terms of recognition and financial stability, making badminton a viable and rewarding career choice in 2025 and beyond.
Anurag is the founder and editor of SportsScroller.com, a premier platform dedicated to delivering comprehensive coverage of various sports, including cricket, football, volleyball, basketball, and chess. With a deep passion for sports journalism, Anurag ensures that the content is both engaging and informative, catering to sports enthusiasts and professionals alike. Because of his passion and under his leadership, SportsScroller.com has become a trusted source for the latest sports news, in-depth analyses, and insightful articles, reflecting his commitment to excellence in sports media.
