Father seeks Rs 5 crore as Praveen Kumar receives Rs 6 crore
Delhi News
After Praveen Kumar was awarded Rs 6 crore by the Uttar Pradesh government for his achievements as an Olympic medalist, his father expressed his desire for a Rs 5 crore prize and additional support. This demand highlights the growing recognition and expectations surrounding athletes’ contributions to the nation, especially following their success on the global stage. The situation underscores the importance of adequate rewards for athletes who bring honor to their state and country.
Father demands Rs 5 crore and a flat for Olympic medalist
Swapnil Kusale’s father is disappointed with the Rs 2 crore prize awarded by the Maharashtra government, believing his son deserves more. The 29-year-old shooter from Kolhapur won a bronze medal in the Olympic 50-meter rifle three-position competition in Paris in August.
His father, Suresh Kusale, expressed that his son deserves Rs 5 crore in prize money and a flat near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Khel Complex in Balewadi, Pune. “The Haryana government gives Rs 5 crore to each of its (Olympic medallist) players.”

He said, ‘According to the new policy of the Maharashtra government, the Olympic bronze medalist will get Rs 2 crore. Why does the state set such criteria when Swapnil is only the second individual Olympic medalist from Maharashtra in the last 72 years (after wrestler KD Jadhav in 1952)?’
It’s important to note that the Haryana government awards Rs 6 crore for gold, Rs 4 crore for silver, and Rs 2.5 crore for bronze medalists. In comparison, the Maharashtra government offers Rs 5 crore, Rs 3 crore, and Rs 2 crore for the same achievements.
Suresh Kusale said, ‘Swapnil should get Rs 5 crore as prize and a flat near the Balewadi sports complex so that he can easily come and go for practice. Not only this, the 50 meter rifle 3 position shooting area in this complex should be named after Swapnil.’
Praveen Kumar gets Rs 6 crore, DM Suhas gets Rs 4 crore
The Uttar Pradesh government will recognize the athletes who earned medals at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will present cash prizes to all the honorees. A total of 14 Olympians and Paralympic athletes will be celebrated at a ceremony at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan in Lucknow. Praveen Kumar, who secured a gold medal in the KT64 event at the Paris Paralympics, will receive Rs 6 crore.
Meanwhile, Suhas L Y and Ajeet Singh, both silver medalists at the Paris Paralympics, will each receive Rs 4 crore. Preeti Pal will also be awarded Rs 4 crore for winning two bronze medals, while Simran, who secured a bronze medal, will receive Rs 1 crore. Additionally, Lalit Upadhyay and Rajkumar Pal, members of the Indian hockey team who took home a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, will each be awarded Rs 1 crore in prize money.

During this recognition ceremony, the Uttar Pradesh government will distribute a total of Rs 22.70 crore to all the athletes. This event aims to celebrate players who have brought honor to the country on the global stage while also inspiring young athletes. The medalists being honored include Praveen Kumar, Suhas L Y, Ajeet Singh, Preeti Pal, Simran, Lalit Upadhyay, and Rajkumar Pal.
Likewise, Parul Chaudhary, Anu Rani, Priyanka Goswami, Prachi Chaudhary, Sakshi Kasana, Dipesh Kumar, and Yash Kumar will each receive Rs 10 lakh for their contributions to Uttar Pradesh at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics. Chief Minister Yogi will engage with these athletes to share their inspiring stories, motivating future players.
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