Karnataka Kho Kho Players Reject CM's Rs 5 Lakh Award, Slam Government Recognition

In a bold move, Karnataka's Kho Kho players M K Gautham and Chaitra B, part of the men's and women's teams that triumphed at the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup, have rejected the state government's Rs 5 lakh cash award, calling it inadequate. Despite being felicitated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the players expressed their disappointment, stating that the honor does little to support their future in the sport or inspire budding athletes. Highlighting the disparity, they pointed to Maharashtra's announcement of a Rs 2.25 crore reward and government jobs for its team members.

Chaitra lamented the lack of parity with athletes from other sports, saying, "We won medals like others, but we’re deprived of basic facilities." Gautham echoed similar sentiments, asserting that the state’s recognition failed to match their contributions. The controversy has sparked political criticism of the Congress-led government, with opposition leader R Ashoka mocking the award as reflective of a "pauper government" and urging players to accept the money. Meanwhile, CM Siddaramaiah's non-committal response of "Let's see" has drawn further ire, leaving the future of these dedicated athletes in limbo.