Joydeep Karmakar, who was the first male shooter from Bengal to qualify for Olympics in 28 years, on Thursday said he deserves a reward for his fourth place finish in the 50m rifle prone event at the London Games.
From a field of 55 that saw Olympic bronze medallist Gagan Narang fail to make the final, Karmakar missed the third place narrowly.
Karmakar, who arrived here to a rousing reception minus the state government, said if the West Bengal could honour Kolkata Knight Riders for winning a club-level tournament, his fourth place finish merited a much better reward.
"I don't want to create any controversy. But it should be kept in mind that my fourth place finish was not in a club level competition but at the Olympics," he told PTI, pointing out at the West Bengal government's grand felicitation of KKR.
"I am not seeking any financial help, but I deserve a reward. I've been told that my performance is the best ever at the Olympics in an individual category."
"The Haryana government is giving INR 25lakh for Olympics participation... I think I've done much more than just participating," he added.
{{/usCountry}}"The Haryana government is giving INR 25lakh for Olympics participation... I think I've done much more than just participating," he added.
{{/usCountry}}"The state government should set an example... so that parents of budding shooters don't get discouraged to pursue the sport."
Karmakar however said he was not disheartened as nobody from the state government came to receive him at the airport.
"I'm overwhelmed by the reception of my well wishers. Besides, the sports minister has spoken to me yesterday and experessed his desire to set up a range."
He also pointed out that unlike Armyman Vijay Kumar who claimed a silver from a field of 17, he competed among 55, including former world champions.