Olympic bronze medalist Swapnil Kusale’s father slams Maharashtra government over prize money
Swapnil Kusale, who hails from Kolhapur, brought pride to India by winning a bronze medal in the 50m rifle 3 positions event at the Paris Olympics in August. However, his father, Suresh Kusale, has expressed dissatisfaction with the prize money awarded to his son by the Maharashtra government.
According to the state's policy, Swapnil received Rs 2 crore for his achievement, but his father believes the reward is inadequate compared to what other states offer their athletes.
Speaking to the media in Kolhapur, Suresh Kusale pointed out that Haryana, a much smaller state than Maharashtra, offers significantly higher rewards for its Olympic medal winners.
“The Haryana government gives Rs 5 crore to its each (Olympics medal winning) player (Haryana gives Rs 6 crore to a gold medallist, Rs 4 crore to silver medallist, Rs 2.5 crore to bronze winner)," he was quoted as saying by Indian Express.
Suresh Kusale slammed the state’s policy, which offers Rs 5 crore for a gold medal, Rs 3 crore for silver, and Rs 2 crore for bronze. He noted that Swapnil Kusale is only the second individual Olympic medalist from Maharashtra, the first being wrestler K.D. Jadhav, who won bronze at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics.
“As per a new policy announced by the Maharashtra government, an Olympic bronze medal winner will get Rs 2 crore. Why does the state form such criteria when Swapnil was only the second individual Olympic medal winner from Maharashtra (after wrestler K D Jadhav in 1952) in 72 years?” he said.
Four out of the five Indian Olympic medalists from Paris were from Haryana, with only Swapnil Kusale representing Maharashtra.
Kusale also expressed frustration over what he perceives as a disparity in treatment due to his son's humble background.
“Had I known such an outcome, I would have persuaded him to explore a career in some other sports. Is the amount kept low because Swapnil is from a humble background? Would the reward amount have remained the same if he had been the son of an MLA or a minister?” he questioned.
Suresh Kusale makes additional demands for son Swapnil Kusale
In addition to financial recognition, Suresh Kusale called for further honors for his son. He requested that the 50m three-position rifle shooting arena at the Balewadi Sports Complex be named after Swapnil Kusale, in recognition of his achievements.
“Swapnil should get Rs 5 crore as an award, a flat near Balewadi Sports Stadium so that he could easily commute for practice. Swapnil’s name should be given to the 50-meter-three-position rifle shooting arena,” he said talking about his demands.
Swapnil had been promoted to Officer on Special Duty by his employer, Central Railway, after his Olympic success.
The Maharashtra government has recently doubled prize money for medalists in major sporting events, including the Olympics. However, Suresh Kusale believes that Maharashtra still falls short in adequately rewarding its athletes, especially when compared to other states like Haryana.