Swapnil Kusale's Father Advocates for Rs 5 Crore Prize Money After Olympic Win

Swapnil Kusale's father, Suresh Kusale, voiced his dissatisfaction with the Maharashtra government's decision to award his son Rs 2 crore for winning a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. He compared this to Haryana's more generous rewards for Olympic athletes. Swapnil, from Kolhapur, secured a bronze in the 50m rifle 3 positions event in August.

Prize Disparity Concerns

Suresh Kusale highlighted that Haryana provides Rs 5 crore to each Olympic medallist. Specifically, Haryana awards Rs 6 crore for gold, Rs 4 crore for silver, and Rs 2.5 crore for bronze. In contrast, Maharashtra's new policy offers Rs 2 crore for a bronze medal. He questioned why Maharashtra sets such criteria when Swapnil is only the second individual Olympic medallist from the state since K D Jadhav in 1952.

Five Indian athletes won medals at the Paris Olympics, with four from Haryana and Swapnil being the sole representative from Maharashtra. Despite being smaller, Haryana offers higher rewards to its athletes. Suresh Kusale questioned why Maharashtra has such criteria when only two individuals from the state have won Olympic medals over many years.

Additional Demands

Suresh Kusale expressed that his son should receive Rs 5 crore and a flat near Balewadi Sports Stadium for easier practice access. He also suggested naming the 50-meter-three-position rifle shooting arena after Swapnil. "Swapnil should get Rs 5 crore as an award, a flat near Balewadi Sports Stadium so that he could easily commute for practice," he stated.

The Maharashtra government recently announced increased prize money for medal winners at major sports events like the Olympics, World Championships, and Asian Games. However, Suresh Kusale questioned if Swapnil's humble background influenced the lower reward amount. He wondered if it would be different if Swapnil were related to an MLA or minister.

Following his achievement in Paris, Swapnil was promoted by Central Railway and appointed as an officer on special duty. Despite this recognition, his father remains concerned about the state's reward system and its impact on future athletes' career choices.