'I am yet to get a penny,' laments Sakshi’s coach Kuldeep Malik
© PTI
Kuldeep Malik, who coached Sakshi Malik to glory at the Rio Olympics, has expressed his disappointment of not getting any awards or recognitions. He also said that he is yet to get the amount from the Haryana government, and the promotion from the Railway Ministry that was promised to him earlier.
While Sakshi Malik is getting praise and recognition all over India after becoming the first Indian female wrestler to win an Olympic medal, her coach, who gave his all to prepare her for the triumph, has been lost in the oblivion.
The Haryana government had presented him a photocopy of a cheque of Rs 10 lakh, but he is yet to get the original cheque after a month’s time.
"There may be fat cash awards and a super luxury BMW car for Sakshi but I've not got anything, even the promises are still to be met," Kuldeep, who has coached Sakshi since 2011, told PTI.
He added, "I'm yet to get a penny. I've repeatedly followed it up for the cheque but the officials have kept on dilly-dallying."
He was also promised of a promotion in the railways by the Railway Minister Suresh Prabu but has been denied by the Railway officials.
Kuldeep said, “When I told the Railway officials about the Minister's promise, they said that coaches were not given promotion on basis of their disciple's success."
Praising her disciple Sakshi, the Dhyan Chand awardee said, “She gives me tremendous respect whenever we meet. I'm not begging for any cash rewards but at least you should keep your promise. Everyone knows what we have achieved and I will always think that Sakshi's bronze will remain my biggest reward.”
