Women's Beach Volleyball game
Symptoms of arterial injuries - cold, blue or pale fingers during or right after intense play - which according to the researchers could be the result of little blood clots emanating from the damaged artery, were reported by 27 percent of volleyballers surveyed. Reuters

The women's Great Britain squad for London Olympics 2012 hasn't secured any major sponsorship so far, says a report.

Half a million tickets have been sold for beach volleyball events at the summer games, but the Daily Mail reports that the squad has not attracted any corporate endorsement.

Beach volleyball players draw lot of spectators at the Olympics as the players are known for their striking figures and high energy performance.

The newspaper writes that while the bikini outfits of the players make it the second most popular event after the men's 100m final, they have left the sport with an image problem that may be putting off sponsors.

The players believe they are affected by a "Baywatch with balls" image.

If sponsors are not found, the team will have to pay to play for their country.

"The outfits will put some companies off," shares Essex-born Lucy Boulton, 25, who is ranked second in Britain with her partner Denise Johns, 32.

"There is a stigma and it is not taken as seriously as other sports. But it is a double-edged sword. We have to be realistic and accept that the bikinis also help to get people to the event."

Many people were still "stuck" in the mindset that "beach volleyball is about sex, not a sport", says South African-born Shauna Mullin, 27, who forms GB's number one duo with Zara Dampney, 25.

"Companies aren't going to part with their money if they don't think of it as a serious sport," Mullin adds.

"If they see it at a high level, they will hopefully see it is a dynamic and skilful game."

Top players make earnings of about £16,000 a year through National Lottery funding, administered by UK Sport and the British Volleyball Federation, which covers budget hotels and flights for international competitions.

They have to raise extra cash through sponsorship, prize money and even financial help from family.

"I am not complaining, because I am grateful for the funding we do get. But it would be nice to have a bit more cash so we don't have to worry so much," feels Boulton.

London