Gutta, Ponnappa disgusted by the IBL functioning

The way the Indian Badminton League has handled issues relating to the auction has been termed ‘disgusting’ by Indian ace Jwala Gutta.

India’s top two women badminton players Ashwini Ponnappa and Jwala Gutta were initially named as icons of the IBL. Their base price was fixed at $50,000. However, as a last minute decision their price were reduced to half, on the the eve of the auction even without taking the players into confidence.

The IBL has said that due to the scrapping of the doubles event, there was a thought that there should be a reduction in the base prices.

Ashwini was then sold for a price of $25,00o and Jwala roped in $31,000, both much lower than the initial prices they were promised. Players such as Pradnya Gadre, who is yet to create a name for herself at the international level, was picked up for about $46,000.

Both players have expressed unhappiness over the treatment meted out to them by the IBL.

The officials of the IBL have reviewed the development and have promised both players more money in the coming days. But this sort of a reaction after events have passed by, has not gone down well with the players.

Ponnappa speaking to Times of India said that it was not the remuneration but how the matter was handled that was disappointing.

“I am not worried about money. But I am terribly disappointed by the way it was handled. They kept us in the dark about all these developments. We brought honour to the country and we were looking forward to this new tournament. But I am sorry to say that the league has started on a wrong note.” she added.

“This is not the way to treat players. They are saying that they would give us more money. But sport is not about money. We take pride in excelling in the game and doing well for the country.” said Ponnappa.

Jwala Gutta was even more forthright in her opinions and believed that sportsmen and women who brought laurels to the nation had to be treated with more dignity.

“We are definitely hurt. We did not become icons because they gave us that honour. We earned it through our achievements. We won a World championship medal and also Commonwealth Games gold,” she said.

“It is disgusting… this is not the way to start a new venture,” added the Indian ace.

The duo however, have not pulled out of the league, and are scheduled to play.