UK Sport chiefs have rejected funding application appeals by seven sports that hoped for a cash boost ahead of the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Archery, badminton, fencing, table tennis and weightlifting, and Paralympic sports goalball and wheelchair rugby will now receive no financial aid from the lottery-backed funding agency.
Badminton is the biggest loser as it was given £5.7 million ($7.1 million) ahead of last year's Rio Olympic. The sizeable cut comes despite the sport hitting its medal target thanks to a bronze medal in the men's doubles. In a press release, Rod Carr, chairman of UK Sport, said: "I'd like to thank all the sports for their professionalism and openness throughout this process. Our decision is in no way a reflection on them, their athletes or support personnel and everything that they have achieved to date.
UK Sport has already handed out £345 million ($430 million) to 31 Olympic and Paralympic sports for their Tokyo preparations, although that total is £2 million ($2.4 million) less than the record amount invested for Rio.