Indian tennis player Sumit Nagal has recently demanded an annual fee of around Rs 45 lakh from the All India Tennis Association (AITA) to play in the Davis Cup tournament. This demand has created a weird feeling sensation in the tennis world in India. People have started speculating whether Sumit Nagal is actually prioritizing money over the honour of representing his nation with pride on the International Stage. But is it really so? Has an Indian Tennis stalwart stooped so low? Well, not really.
Sumit Nagal said it is a common practice in professional sports to compensate players for their services, whether they represent their country or not. There was a difference of opinion in the executive of AITA over this issue. Some members believed that players should represent the country without any financial demands, while others believed that performance-based bonuses could be the right solution. Finally, the committee authorized the Davis Cup captain to speak to Nagal.
What does AITA say about Sumit Nagal and his Money Demand?
AITA finally accepted Sumit Nagal’s terms. A source said the annual demand is Rs 45 lakh, which is around Rs 20 lakh per match. Reasonable given the importance of competition. In international tournaments like the US Open and the French Open, players win a lot of prize money in the first round, so the demand for Sumit Nagal cannot be overstated.
Nagal, who pulled out of the Davis Cup match against Sweden due to an injury, clarified that the decision was based on medical advice. Sumit Nagal said, “It is an honour for me to play. But playing with an injury could be detrimental not only to my health but also to the future of the team.”
In his defence, Sumit Nagal said on social media, “I would like to clarify that it is normal in professional sports for athletes to be compensated for their participation in events. It is not for any personal gain.”
So what are your opinions on Sumit Nagal’s demands for compensation from AITA? Especially around the time he sidelined himself with an injury not participating in the Davis Cup? Let us know in the comments below.
