New Delhi, March 8 (IANS): The total prize money of the country's premier badminton tournament -- India Open Super Series -- has been increased from $200,000 to $250,000 this year.

"It was the decision of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) to increase the prize money of the Super Series tournaments. Now $250,000 is the minimum prize money which a Super Series has to offer," Badminton Association of India (BAI) vice-president T.P.S. Puri told IANS Saturday.

The tournament, elevated to the Super Series level in 2011, will be played at the Siri Fort Sports Complex here from April 1-6 and top players from around the world will be participating in the competition.

The closing date for sending entries was Feb 25.

Defending champions World No.1 Lee Chong Wei (men's singles) and World Champion Ratchanok Intanon (women's singles) have also confirmed their participation.

"All top players have confirmed their participation including defending champions Lee Chong Wei and Ratchanok Intanon. The top Chinese players are also going to play in the tournament," Puri added.