Bonus scandal shakes kabaddi

A storm of controversy has engulfed the local kabaddi fraternity over allegations that a portion of the bonus awarded by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to the national women's team bronze medallists at the Asian Championship and the World Cup is being docked under the guise of a "welfare fund".

The federation is reportedly collecting a total of Tk3 lakh by deducting a 10% cut, equating to Tk20,000, from the Tk2 lakh bonus allocated to each of the 15 squad members.

Dismissing the allegations as entirely baseless, the federation's general secretary, SM Nawaz Shohag, strongly defended the initiative.

"We established a welfare fund in 2020 with the aim of providing financial support to players and organisers. As the girls received a substantial reward this time, they contributed a portion to the fund," he stated. "Our players are currently enjoying top-tier facilities. Some outsiders are spreading these rumours for personal gain, simply to let me down."

National team player Brishti Biswas also voiced her support for the initiative, highlighting the practical necessity of the financial safety net.

"I am taking this in a positive light," she explained. "Previously, two of our players, Mitu and Noborshi, were given Tk150,000 each from this fund for their surgeries. When we earn money from major tournaments or Pro-Kabaddi, we have to contribute 10% so that we can receive swift medical treatment for severe injuries like ligament or meniscus tears. If the federation fails to secure sponsors, where will our treatment money come from?"

However, beneath the official narrative, this "mandatory" donation has bred deep-seated resentment among several members of the squad.

Speaking strictly on the condition of anonymity, one frustrated player painted a starkly different picture of the situation.

"The federation is not short of money. Yet, they are forcibly taking this amount. Crucially, this is a government reward, not the federation's money," she revealed. "We come from very modest backgrounds, and Tk20,000 is a massive amount for players like us. I had plans to do something for my family with that cash. Demanding such a significant cut from prize money is inhumane."

Players like Rupali Akhter, Sraboni Mallick, and Brishti brought immense glory to the nation last year by clinching bronze at the Asian Championship in Tehran and the Women’s World Cup in Dhaka.

Now, the bitter dispute surrounding the hard-earned financial rewards of that very success remains the dominant, and rather unfortunate, talking point across the country's sporting landscape.