Father Of Olympics Medalist Demands Cash From Government
Swapnil’s father Suresh Kusale said he feels let down by the amount of money and other incentives Maharashtra has promised his son for his shooting feats in the Olympics this summer. Kolhapur resident Swapnil was one of India’s five individual medallists at the Paris Olympics after his bronze-winning performance in the 50m rifle 3 positions event.
Speaking to the press in Pune, Suresh Kusale revealed that his son received prize money of ₹2 cr from the government for his bronze medal, and questioned why this mark was significantly lower than that achieved by Haryana athletes: “The Haryana government gives ₹5 crore to its each (Olympics medal winning) player (Haryana gives ₹6 crore to a gold medallist, ₹4 crore to silver medallist, ₹2.5 crore to bronze winner),” he quoted to PTI.
“As per a new policy which has been recently implemented by the Maharashtra government, an Olympic bronze medal winner will receive ₹2 crore,” Suresh Kusale added that his son, was the first individual medallist won by the state in 72 years. “Why does the state form such criteria where Swapnil was only the second individual Olympic medal winner from Maharashtra in 72 years after wrestler K D Jadhav in 1952?”
He had a shot at what he thinks was a clear prejudice against his son’s position in the Indian Railways and did not think that a person with links would be treated the way he was. Is it maintained low because Swapnil comes from a simple background? Employment instead of giving a lumpsum monetary reward, would the amount still have be the same if he was the son of an MLA or a minister?”
And then Suresh Kusale created a list of requirements for the son and listed all demands thinking of what he considers as value of the medal won, which Kusale has brought home for the nation. “Swapnil should be given ₹5 crore as an award, a flat near Balewadi Sports Stadium so he could easily commute for practices. Swapnil should be given to the 50-meter-three-position rifle shooting range, said Suresh.
Similar to badminton shuttler Chirag Shetty, who said that the Maharashtra government quickly honored the T20 Cricket World Cup team including Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav. However he had no recognition in his capacity as India clinched the Thomas Cup tournament last year.