Swapnil Kusale’s Father Calls for Rs 5 Crore Reward After Olympic Bronze Win

Discontent Over Prize Money Awarded to Swapnil Kusale for Olympic Bronze Medal

Suresh Kusale, the father of Swapnil Kusale, who earned a bronze medal in the 50m rifle 3 positions event at the Paris 2024 Olympics, has expressed disappointment over the Rs 2 crore prize money awarded by the Maharashtra government. Suresh believes his son deserves Rs 5 crore, drawing comparisons to Haryana’s far more generous rewards for its athletes.

Concerns About Prize Disparity
Suresh pointed out the stark difference between Maharashtra’s and Haryana’s policies, noting that Haryana offers Rs 6 crore for a gold medal, Rs 4 crore for silver, and Rs 2.5 crore for bronze. He highlighted that Swapnil is only the second individual from Maharashtra to win an Olympic medal, the first being K D Jadhav in 1952. Given this rare achievement, he questioned why Maharashtra offers a significantly smaller prize compared to Haryana.

Additional Demands
In addition to the Rs 5 crore prize, Suresh requested a flat for his son near Pune’s Balewadi Sports Stadium to facilitate easy access for training. He also suggested naming the shooting arena after Swapnil to honor his achievements. He voiced concerns that his son’s humble background might have influenced the smaller reward, speculating whether it would have been different had Swapnil come from a more politically connected family.

Recognition of Swapnil’s Achievements
Despite his dissatisfaction with the prize money, Suresh acknowledged the promotion his son received from Central Railway, where he was appointed as an officer on special duty after his win. However, Suresh stressed the importance of a fair reward system that encourages athletes from all backgrounds.

Impact on Future Sports Aspirations
Reflecting on the situation, Suresh expressed regret that he might have guided Swapnil toward a different sport if he had known about the limited financial rewards for shooting. His statements underscore a broader concern for the future of sports in Maharashtra, especially for athletes pursuing non-mainstream sports like shooting.

As Swapnil’s accomplishments continue to be celebrated, his father remains hopeful that the Maharashtra government will reconsider its stance and provide rewards on par with other states, ensuring athletes like Swapnil receive the recognition they deserve.

Akansha Chaturvedi