SSP Chowrasia cries foul against IOA, alleges non-payment for Rio Olympics

Kolkata golfer predicts a bright future for Aditi Ashok

SSP-Chowrasia
SSP Chowrasia finished tied 7th on the first day of the PGTI season-ending McLeod Russel Tour Championship at the RCGC on Thursday. Image Source: Xtra Time

Kolkata: City golfer SSP Chowrasia lashed at the Indian Olympic Association for not yet receiving the full  amount earmarked for them for the Rio Olympics. Both he and Anirban Lahiri were promised around Rs 30 lakhs each for their expenses for their preparation of Rio Olympics. But till date he has only received Rs 5.5 lakh while Anirban is yet to get a single penny from the IOA.

“Before we went for the Olympics, the IOA had committed to give us an amount of around Rs 30 lakh for our expenses in Rio de Janeiro. But as of now, Anirban has got nothing while I’ve got only a bit – around 5.5 lakh,” said SSP, who finished tied 7th on the first day of the PGTI season-ending McLeod Russel Tour Championship which started at the Royal Calcutta Golf Club (RCGC) here.

“After the Olympics, we were told that since we couldn’t win any medal, we will be given only Rs 15 lakh. But after repeated requests from me, I was paid only Rs 5.5 lakh,” added Chowrasia.

He also alleged that they were not provided any transportation to and from the Games Village from the airport.

“I was told by an official to check out 4 hours early to avail a taxi, while my hotel was just half an hour away. We were also not provided any rain jackets and umbrellas as it was raining heavily and it was extremely cold in Rio at that time. They would behave as if they were ‘maalik’ (owners) and we were their ‘naukars’ (servants),” said a fuming Chowrasia.

He also added, “For us golfers, we pay high taxes and even when we win laurels in international tournaments, we make the country proud as well at least in some way or the other. In Anirban’s case, he was told that he has crossed the deadline. Now, it’s difficult for him because of the huge time difference between India and the United States. You have to take that into account.

SSP Chawrasia also heaped praise on Aditi Ashok who has been the toast of golf this season, saying the 18-year old will go far.

“After Smriti Mehra, she is the first female golfer going abroad and doing so well, Chawrasia. She will go far. She has got partial qualification (in the Ladies Professional Golf Association) already. When I met her she was all of five years. She told me (at Rio Olympics), I had asked for your (SSP’s) autograph.  I told her now you give me your autograph,” said a smiling Chawrasia who had a good year winning the Hero Indian Open and the Resorts World Manila Masters.

Aditi ended at tied-24th to earn the Partial Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour membership for 2017 at the qualifying tournament earlier this month.

Golfers finishing in the top 20 after the final round earned the full LPGA status for 2017, while a partial LPGA status was given to those who finished between 21st and 45th.

“She is very strong mentally,” the 38-year old signed off.