Swapnil Kusale has netted India’s third medal at the Paris Olympics after winning Bronze in the 50m rifle 3 positions final. Kusale fell just short of Y.K. Liu and Serhiy Kulish, who won Gold and Silver medals respectively with scores of 463.6 and 461.3 versus Kusale’s score of 451.4.
Kusale’s win sees India medal tally grow, after Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh won Bronze medals previously. Despite a challenging start, Kusale climbed the leaderboard, showcasing his ability to perform under immense pressure. Ultimately, Kusale’s determination and technical prowess earned him a bronze medal, making him the latest addition to India’s growing list of Olympic medalists.
Who is Swapnil Kusale?
Swapnil Kusale has had a remarkable rise, not short of being a Bollywood potboiler. A Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) from the Pune Railway Division, his journey to the Olympic podium began in a small town with an agricultural background, as he juggled his day job with intense training sessions, never losing sight of his ultimate goal.
Kusale’s father recognized his son’s potential and enrolled him in the Maharashtra government’s primary sports program, Krida Prabhodini at a young age. After a year of rigorous physical training, Kusale had to choose a sport, and he found his calling in the art of shooting.
Shooting prodigy: Early successes and national accolades
Kusale’s natural talent and dedication soon became evident as he began to make his mark on the national and international shooting scene. In 2015, he won a gold medal in the 50m rifle prone 3 event at the Junior Asian Shooting Championships in Kuwait, showcasing his prowess on the global stage.
Dominating the National Championships
Kusale’s rise continued as he dominated the domestic circuit, winning gold medals at the 59th and 61st National Shooting Championships. In the 59th edition, he emerged victorious in the 50m rifle prone event, outshining renowned shooters like Gagan Narang and Chain Singh. The following year, he repeated his success, claiming the gold in the 50m rifle 3 position event at the 61st National Championship.
International accolades and Olympic qualification
Kusale’s impressive performances on the national stage soon earned him recognition on the international platform. In 2023, he won a silver medal in the 10m air rifle individual event at the Asian Championships in Korea, securing an Olympic quota place for India for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Breakthrough at the World Championships
Kusale’s crowning achievement came in 2022 when he clinched the gold medal in the 10m air rifle team event at the World Championships in Cairo. This remarkable feat not only solidified his position as one of India’s top shooters but also served as a prelude to his historic performance at the Paris Olympics.
Sizzling Performances at the ISSF World Cup
Kusale’s dominance on the international stage continued as he showcased his prowess at the ISSF World Cup in Changwon, South Korea, in 2022. He emerged victorious in both the individual and men’s team events, further cementing his reputation as a force to be reckoned with.
The road to the Paris Olympics
As the world’s attention turned to the 2024 Paris Olympics, Swapnil Kusale’s focus remained steadfast. He had already secured an Olympic quota place for India, and the stage was set for him to make his mark on the grandest sporting stage.
Despite a challenging start, Kusale climbed the leaderboard, showcasing his ability to perform under immense pressure. Ultimately, Kusale’s determination and technical prowess earned him a bronze medal, making him the latest addition to India’s growing list of Olympic medalists.
The Legacy of Swapnil Kusale
Swapnil Kusale’s bronze medal triumph at the Paris Olympics has not only brought immense pride to the nation but has also inspired a new generation of aspiring athletes. His journey from a small-town boy to an Olympic medalist serves as a powerful reminder that with unwavering determination and a relentless pursuit of excellence, anything is possible.
As Swapnil Kusale basked in the glory of his Olympic achievement, the shooting community and sports enthusiasts alike eagerly anticipated his future endeavors. With his remarkable track record, including his gold medal wins at the World Championships and ISSF World Cup, the future holds boundless possibilities for this rising star.
