The father of the Paris Olympics shooting bronze medalist Swapnil Kusale voiced anger on Monday with the Maharashtra government’s payment of Rs 2 crore to his son, claiming that Haryana pays far more for its sportsmen. Swapnil Kusale, from Kolhapur, won a bronze medal in the 50m rifle three positions event at the Paris Olympics in August. Suresh Kusale, the 29-year-old’s father, stated that his son should receive Rs 5 crore in prize money and a flat near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Sports Complex in Balewadi, Pune and that the Haryana government pays far larger sums to its Olympic medalists. Suresh Kusale told reporters in Kolhapur that the Haryana government pays Rs 5 crore to each (Olympic medal-winning) participant.
Why does the state create such requirements when Swapnil is only the second individual Olympic medal winner from Maharashtra (after wrestler K D Jadhav in 1952) in 72 years? In the Paris Olympics, India won five medals, four from Haryana and one from Maharashtra, Swapnil Kusale. Haryana is a relatively smaller state compared to Maharashtra.
“However, our government has announced Rs 5 crore for a gold medal winner, Rs 3 crore for a silver medallist, and Rs 2 crore for a bronze medalist. “Why have such a criterion when only two Maharashtra players have won individual Olympic medals in so many years?” Suresh Kusale said. Is the amount kept low since Swapnil comes from a modest background? Would the prize sum have been the same if he was the son of an MLA or a minister?” he questioned.
Suresh Kusale suggested that the 50-meter, three-position rifle shooting facility at the sports complex be named after his son. “Swapnil should receive a Rs 5 lakh prize and an apartment near the Balewadi Sports Stadium so that he can conveniently commute for practice. When questioned about his desires, Swapnil stated that the 50-meter-three-position rifle shooting facility should bear his name.
Following his victory in Paris, the ace marksman was promoted by his employer, Central Railway, and designated an officer on special duty. The Maharashtra government has declared that reward money for players who win medals at major sporting events including as the Olympics, World Championships, and Asian Games will be doubled.