New Delhi: MK Gautham and Chaitra B, two World Cup-winning kho-kho players from Karnataka recently rejected the cash reward announced for them by the state’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stating that it was not adequate and would do little to encourage them to continue pursuing the sport in the future.
Gautham was part of the Indian men’s team that won the inaugural edition of the Kho-Kho World Cup in Delhi earlier this month while Chaitra was part of the Indian women’s team that won the Kho Kho Women’s World Cup 2025. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah felicitated both players and lauded them for their achievements in the tournament in a felicitation ceremony at the Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru.
He also announced a cash reward of Rs 5 lakh each for both players. However, both Gautham and Chaitra were disappointed at the cash amount and felt it was inadequate. The players pointed out how the Maharashtra government announced a cash reward of Rs 2.5 crore each and a government job for their players from India World Cup-winning teams.
“We are not insulting the Chief Minister by rejecting the award but we did not get the respect we deserve. Hence we are rejecting it,” Gautham told reporters while explaining his decision to reject the Rs 5 lakh cash reward from the Karnataka CM. He also urged the government to take inspiration from Maharashtra and review the matter.
“These days parents do not let their children play rural games and all the government funds are released for cricket. Even before the last ball is played, people (government) announce it on Twitter about the prize and award,” he added.
Will not continue kho-kho: Chaitra
Chaitra echoed Gautham’s sentiments as she criticised the government’s response to their plea to increase the cash reward. Her comments came after it was revealed that Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said, “Let’s see,” when he was made aware of the situation. Chaitra said she wouldn’t continue playing kho-kho if the Karnataka government rewarded only Rs 5 lakh.
“We are demanding the same amount which is given to the other world cup players. Like other sports persons, we too have got medals but we are deprived of the facilities given to sports persons for various games,” said Chaitra.
“Just Rs five lakh has been announced… We will not continue with this sport under these circumstances,” she added.
While Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah has taken cognisance of the matter, it remains to be seen if the state government will revise the cash reward announced for the two players and increase the sum.
Karnataka’s World Cup-winning kho-kho players M K Gautham and Chaitra B rejected cash reward from Chief Minister stating that they felt the sum announced was not adequate and would not encourage them to continuing playing the sport. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
