There is a mini storm brewing in the Indian wrestling circuit. Just a few days after the Phogat sisters expressed sadness over not getting the promised 40 lacs cash reward, the coach of Indian women's wrestling team coach voiced his disappointment for a similar reason.
Kuldeep Malik has not yet received the cash reward of 10 lacs that was promised to him by the Haryana government after the recent success. "I have still not received the cash award from my state for the Olympic bronze medal that I won for my country. I have requested the government to give me the cash reward, as it's been pending for a month now," he said, speaking to Sportskeeda.
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The credit for Sakshi’s meteoric rise to the world stage and to the glory of a bronze medal in Rio does not go to her alone. It is her coach and former Indian Olympian, Kuldeep Malik who has kept the 24-year old wrestler in great shape and form ahead of the grandest event in Brazil. Dhyanchand awardee Malik was the coach of the women's team when Sakshi Malik won India's first medal at Rio de Janeiro.
"It is something that has been promised to me at a felicitation function in Bahadurgarh and while I have approached the Ministry on several occasions, every time I have been told that I will get it," he added. "The fact that I have received a photocopy and not the real cheque is even more disappointing."
Also Read: Haryana Government has not paid "promised cash rewards" to Phogat Sisters in the last four years
Kuldeep, a fatherly figure for the team is a respected coach in this sport. Not long ago, he was the coach of the men's team where he ensured Narsingh Yadav qualified for the Rio extravaganza. But while he was taking the Indian men's team to greater heights, the female wrestlers in the country were not up to the mark. Last year, he was appointed as the coach for the senior freestyle team and ensured the qualification of Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, and Babita Kumari.
Ask him if he believes the money will come, now that the issue has become public, and he says, "I don't know but I have never faced a similar situation in my life." Till now neither the Wrestling Federation of India nor any other state governments have announced cash reward for him.
Kuldeep, a chief ticket inspector of Northern Railway was promised a promotion by Railway minister Suresh Prabhu on the day Sakshi was presented with Khel Ratna in Delhi. "I was told by the officials that promotion won't be given based on the success of Sakshi."
Cash rewards and benefits are flocking in from left, right, and centre for Sakshi, who is enjoying the deserved fame. State governments and federations have till now announced money worth seven crores. "She can enjoy this moment but from November, once the nationals are over, we will go back to square one. I cannot let Sakshi lose her focus," he said.
Sakshi's bronze-winning feat will remain his biggest reward and Kuldeep will continue to do what he loves. He is not begging, he is only asking what was promised to him.
