In a statement that has sparked considerable debate, Suresh Kusale, the father of Paris Olympics bronze medallist Swapnil Kusale, has voiced his disappointment over the Maharashtra government’s announcement of a Rs 2 crore prize for his son’s achievement. Swapnil, who hails from Kolhapur, won the bronze medal in the men’s 50 m rifle 3 positions event, marking a significant milestone as he became the second individual Olympic medal winner from Maharashtra, following wrestler K D Jadhav’s victory in 1952.
Speaking to reporters in Kolhapur on Monday, Suresh Kusale argued that the prize money is inadequate compared to the rewards offered by other states, particularly Haryana, which is known for its robust support for athletes. The Haryana government awards Rs 6 crore to gold medallists, Rs 4 crore to silver medallists, and Rs 2.5 crore to bronze winners. In contrast, the Maharashtra government has recently set a prize of Rs 2 crore for bronze medal winners.
“Why does the state form such criteria when Swapnil was only the second individual Olympic medal winner from Maharashtra in 72 years?” Suresh questioned. He believes that the prize amount should reflect the significance of his son’s achievement and has suggested that it should be raised to Rs 5 crore. Additionally, he proposed that the state should provide a flat near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Sports Complex in Balewadi, Pune, to support his son further.
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Suresh Kusale highlighted the disparity between the two states, noting that despite Haryana being much smaller than Maharashtra, it provides significantly higher financial rewards to its medal-winning athletes. “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 medallist. Why have such a criteria when only two players from Maharashtra have won individual Olympic medals in so many years?” he asked, emphasizing the need for more substantial recognition of athletes from his state.
India performed impressively at the Paris Olympics, securing a total of six medals, of which five were won by individual athletes. Among these, four were from Haryana, and only one—Swapnil Kusale—was from Maharashtra, further highlighting the disparity in recognition and rewards between the states.
As discussions continue, the Maharashtra government faces pressure to reconsider its prize money policy and ensure that athletes like Swapnil Kusale receive the recognition and support they deserve for their remarkable achievements on the international stage.
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