BAI announces Rs 5 lakh for Srikanth for Aus Open victory

The 24-year-old Srikanth extended his stellar run of form to become the first Indian male shuttler to win two consecutive Superseries title.

Celebrating the historic moment, BAI president Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced a bounty for the shuttler, who not only won his fourth superseries title but also also became the only sixth badminton player in the world to make it to three consecutive super series finals on the trot.

In the finals, he was up against the current Olympic champion Chen Long of China and the Gunter lad was at his supreme best against the World No. 6, winning the match 22-20, 21-16 in a rather comfortable manner.

Sarma was delighted at Srikanth's feat and congratulated him after his amazing win.

"We are really very proud of Srikanth for his achievements. It is simply phenomenal.He has not only made the whole country proud once again but has etched his name among the best and no word would enough to praise Srikanth," Sarma said.

Reiterating the president's views, BAI secretary general Anup Narang added, "It is indeed a very huge achievement for Srikanth and Indian badminton. The entire BAI is in a jubilant mood and I am sure so is the badminton fans across the country."

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, among others, lavished praise on Srikanth "PM @narendramodi congratulates @srikidambi for his accomplishments during #MannKiBaat," PMO India tweeted. The triumph is his second successive after clinching the Indonesia Open Super Series Premier title last week and Tendulkar said he was proud of "champion" Srikanth.

"Heartiest congratulations to @srikidambi on winning 2nd successive superseries title. Proud of you champion! #AustralianSS," wrote Tendulkar on his twitter handle.

Another former India cricketer Virender Sehwag also extended his best wishes as he wrote, "Congratulations @srikidambi on beating reigning Olympic & World Champion Chen Long & winning a 4th Superseries title. Take a bow, Srikanth !

Srikanth's compatriot H S Prannoy tweeted: "Looks like it's getting tough for everyone to Clinch titles when Indian boys are in form!! Congrats @srikidambi."

Denmark shuttler Mathias Boe felt Srikanth's achievement of winning back-to-back titles was rare. "Massive congrats @srikidambi back to back titles, not many players have done that. Jai hind."

Former India hockey captain Viren Rasquinha not only applauded Srikanth but also his coaches, especially national coach Pullela Gopichand.

"Congrats @srikidambi what a stunning win. Salute!! Amazing work Gopichand, Indonesian coaches @GoSportsVoices," he wrote on his twitter handle.

Tennis ace Sania Mirza said, "@srikidambi on fire love it.. huge congratulations once again .. keep it rolling."

Hockey player Rupinder Pal Singh added, "Congratulations @srikidambi for yet another title! Here's to many more in the future."