A crowdfunding site started for Singapore badminton player Loh Kean Yew has raised $170,000 for the player with Indonesia bigwig Bachtiar Karim rewarding him $200,000
Defeating India’s Kidambi Srikanth in last year’s BWF World Championship, Singapore Loh Kean Yew went onto become the new champion of the badminton world.
He’s kept his strong form going at the ongoing India Open as well with him making it all the way into the final of the marquee tournament, one which will be held on Sunday. And in the midst of his stellar run, Loh has rightfully been serenaded with a rafts of gifts, ones which include staggering cash rewards as well.
Loh Kean Yew Crowdfunding Campaign Adds To $200,000 Reward From Bachtiar Karim
A crowdfunding campaign started by Wei Chan, an SBA committee member on January 2 has already gone onto accrue $170,000 with more than 700 donors contributing for Loh. Local business leaders and individuals as well as SBA and its equipment and apparel sponsor Li-Ning have also chipped to the tune of $130,000 to take the money raked in by Loh to over $300,000.
However, the largest individual cash prize accorded to him has now come in from The Karim Family Foundation, which is set up by the family of Indonesian tycoon Bachtiar Karim and his wife Dewi Sukwanto. It has rewarded Loh with $200,000 in a bid to allow the player to keep pursuing his aspirations of winning an Olympics medal.
Loh said, “I am very grateful to the many sponsors and well-wishers like Mr Karim who have offered various rewards and encouragement following my win. For athletes, this is a recognition of our hard work and sacrifices.”
Loh is also in the process of negotiation a six year sponsorship deal with SBA.
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