Former Olympic badminton silver medallist Gail Emms said yesterday she was devastated by the news that her sport is one of five to be stripped of funding by UK Sport in the run-up to Tokyo 2020.

Badminton is the only sport to have its funding removed despite winning a medal in Rio when Marcus Ellis and Chris Langridge claimed a surprise bronze in the men’s doubles competition.

Emms, who won silver in Athens in 2004 with mixed doubles partner Nathan Robertson and went on to win the world title in Madrid two years later, said she did not understand how the performance in Rio could cause funding to be withdrawn.

Emms said: “My initial reaction is: ‘Hang on a sec, we’ve won an Olympic medal’ — you’d think that if you go out there and win an Olympic medal it guarantees some funding.

“I think badminton deserves some explanation and I’m sure they will appeal against the decision.

“We’re not asking for £27 or £30 million like some sports. We’re not asking for anything near that and if I was one of those guys who went out there and came back with a medal, I’d be fuming.”

Emms, 39, who is on the GB Badminton board, said she now fears for Great Britain’s hopes of maintaining its position among the global elite.

She added: “You’ve got Chris and Gabrielle Adcock who are eighth in the world in mixed doubles and Rajiv Ouseph who is in the world top 20 in the men’s rankings.

“It’s not like we haven’t got anyone up there. Even a funding cut would have been something to get used to but to have it all taken away is incredible and I just can’t see what the reasoning is behind it.”

British Fencing described its funding cut as “unexpected” after its performance in Rio, where Richard Kruse came within two points of claiming the country’s first Olympic medal for 52 years in the men’s foil.

In a statement the governing body said: “This is obviously a very disappointing and unexpected decision for everyone in British Fencing and one which we will be seeking to appeal.

“We recognise the financial constraints that British Sport is operating under. However, over the last cycle the programme has transformed into a recognised and professional world-class programme which is delivering consistent and improving international results.

“We believe that our athletes have the talent, skills and determination to win Olympic medals and this decision is a serious setback for them and the wider sport.”

In contrast, British Gymnastics was celebrating an increase in funding of over £2m to £16.68m following the unprecedented success of its team in Rio.