Saina Nehwal pays Rs 70 lakh, but no sign of money for which she's been taxed

HYDERABAD: Saina Nehwal's association with Deccan Chronicle initially seemed like a cheering story of a non-cricketer sportsperson too bagging plum endorsement deals.

Unfortunately for her, the 22-year old has apparently not been paid since the beginning of this year, with those in the know pegging the amount at Rs 3-4 crore. Worse, she has paid advance tax of Rs 70 lakh but is yet to receive the money from DC.

Saina was the brand ambassador of Deccan Chronicle newspaper until she signed a three-year deal with Rhiti Sports in July. DC also managed her endorsement deals.

Saina had endorsed more than half-a-dozen products during her association with DC and the agreement was that the money would be routed to her account through her managers. While she has not received the full amount, the tax authorities served a notice for Rs 70 lakh on her projected annual earnings from her contract with DC.

According to sources, Saina paid the tax on September 30 and has approached DC thrice after that through her agent but her requests have fallen on deaf ears.

"We know they are facing financial problems but at least they should have given us a time frame. The money belongs to Saina and they should have paid her after keeping their share. The Rs 70 lakh she paid as tax was from the cash rewards she received after winning bronze in London," a source close to Saina said.

Saina and her father Harvir Singh Nehwal refused to comment on the issue.