Meghna Barik,Pune
Paris Olympics bronze medallist Swapnil Kusale’s father has conveyed dismay over the Rs 2 crore prize money announced by the Maharashtra government . He feels that the amount is insufficient in comparison to other states’ higher rewards such as Haryana which pays its Olympic medallists much larger sums.
From Kolhapur Maharashtra comes Swapnil Kusale the Olympic bronze medallist in the men’s 50-meter rifle 3 positions. Suresh Kusale expressed his worries to reporters on Monday saying To aid in Swapnil’s training he should receive a flat close to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Sports Complex in Balewadi Pune and Rs 5 crore as prize money. . In addition he asked that his son’s name be added to the 50-meter rifle shooting arena at the sportsplex in Pune.
If Swapnil’s humble upbringing contributed to the lesser payout Suresh Kusale questioned further. Had I known such an outcome I would have persuaded him to pursue another sport he said questioning whether the reward was kept low because Swapnil comes from a lowly background and whether it would have been the same if he were the son of an MLA or minister.
For athletes who place first or second in international competitions such as the Olympics Asian Games or World Championships the Maharashtra government has increased prize money. The new policy will award gold medallists with Rs 5 crore silver medallists with Rs 3 crore and bronze medallists with Rs 2 crore. On the other hand Haryana gives out Rs 6 crore to gold medal winners Rs 4 crore to silver medal winners and Rs 2. 5 crore to bronze medal winners.
Suresh Kusale drew attention to the striking disparity in prize money between the states of Maharashtra and Haryana, the latter being much smaller but offering its athletes greater benefits. Swapnil is one of only two Maharashtra athletes to have ever won an Olympic medal. He questioned Why set such low criteria when Maharashtra has seen so few Olympic successes over the years?
Following his remarkable Olympic triumph Swapnil Kusale received a promotion and an appointment as an officer on special duty from Central Railway, his employer. His father though has not received the substantial acknowledgment and backing he has demanded for his son’s accomplishments.