Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy Thursday announced a cash award of Rs.50 lakh for Indian badminton champion Saina Nehwal for her victories in the Swiss Open, Thailand Open and Indonesia Open.

The chief minister also hoped that Saina will win the gold medal in the forthcoming London Olympics.

He said Saina has become pride of the nation by winning many championships.

According to a statement from the chief minister's office, the cash incentive announced for Saina is the highest given to any sports personality in the state's history.

Saina retained Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold trophy in March. She won the Thailand Open early this month and Indonesian Open Super Series this week. (IANS)