Badminton loses out as UK Sport announces Olympics funding for Tokyo
Archery, fencing, weightlifting and wheelchair rugby will also not receive funding over the next Olympic cycle
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Badminton was the big loser after UK Sport announced its investment in Olympic and Paralympic sports for Tokyo 2020.
The sport has had its funding cut despite Marcus Ellis and Chris Langridge winning bronze to secure Britain's first men's doubles medal at Rio this year.
Archery, fencing, weightlifting and wheelchair rugby will also not receive funding over the next Olympic cycle.
Badminton had its funding cut from £7.4million to £5.9million after London 2012, after no players managed the minimum fourth to eighth-placed finish which had been targeted.
Yet despite the surprise success of Ellis and Langridge, the sport will not get a slice of the £345million of National Lottery and government funding which UK Sport has announced will be invested over the next four years.
UK Sport CEO Liz Nicholl said: "With each of the sports affected we have a commitment to see their transition out of funding is supported.
"They have got medal potential they have progressed as sports, but we cannot reach to funding them for Tokyo. Conversations are going on with thosesports."
Cycling has had its funding cut by more than £4million, to just over £26million, despite winning 12 medals in Rio - six of them gold - to exceed its target of 10.
Rowing and modern pentathlon were the only sports not to meet expectations in Rio, and both have had their funding trimmed by around £500,000 and £300,000 respectively.
UK Sport confirmed its aggregate medal potential for Tokyo is between 51-85 Olympic and 115-162 Paralympic medals.
In Rio Team GB won 67 Olympic medals, and ParalympicsGB took home 147.
UK Sport chairman Rod Carr said: "These are critical funding decisions for sports to take them on their journey to Tokyo 2020 and beyond so the historic success at Rio can be maintained.
"We have received incredible support from the government, who have confirmed their commitment to funding our ambitions through to Tokyo 2020, providing the financial assurances needed for the continued evolution of our high-performance system to ensure the athletes and sports with strong medal potential have what they need to inspire the nation."
A decision has been deferred on UK Sport's investment in wheelchair tennis while it explores the Lawn Tennis Association and Tennis Foundation's ability to access sufficient non-grant income to fund themselves.
PA.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments