Swapnil Kusale etched his name in Indian Olympic history by securing the country's first-ever bronze medal in the 50m rifle 3 positions event at the Paris Games. His impressive final score of 451.4 points propelled him to the third position, capping off a remarkable comeback after initially being placed sixth.
Swapnil Kusale's Bronze Medal Win
Swapnil Kusale's achievement adds to India's growing medal tally at the Paris Olympics, with all three medals thus far coming from shooting events. Manu Bhaker's double bronze in the women's 10m air pistol and mixed team events preceded Kusale's triumph. The last Indian appearance in an Olympic 50m rifle final was in 2012, when Joydeep Karmakar finished fourth in the now-discontinued 50m rifle prone event. A TTE by profession with the Pune Railway Division, Kusale finds inspiration in the cricketing legend MS Dhoni. His journey from a railway employee to an Olympic medalist is a testament to his dedication and perseverance.
Swapnil expresses admiration for MS Dhoni
After winning the coveted bronze, Swapnil yet again expressed his admiration for Dhoni. Calmness and patience are essential attributes for any successful shooter, and these qualities are undeniably present in the personality of MS Dhoni. It's no surprise then that Swapnil Kusale draws inspiration from the former Indian cricket captain. A keen admirer of Dhoni's career, Kusale has watched the cricketer's biopic multiple times, aspiring to emulate his champion mindset and remarkable achievements. Like Dhoni, known for his ability to build an innings slowly before accelerating, Kusale's journey to the bronze medal was a testament to patience and perseverance. Despite being in sixth place after the initial round, he steadily progressed through the competition, ultimately securing the third position. His victory mirrors Dhoni's philosophy of a steady and calculated approach often leading to remarkable outcomes.
“I admire Dhoni for the person that he is. My sport requires me to be as calm and patient as he is on the field,” Swapnil told Jio Cinema.
On being asked about how he will celebrate his bronze glory, Swapnil said:
“Don't know yet but eat something because I am very hungry”.
Swapnil Kusale, a dedicated railway employee since 2015, hails from the rural Kambalwadi village near Kolhapur, Maharashtra. His international shooting career commenced in 2012, but the pinnacle of his journey, the Paris Olympics, materialized twelve years later. Born in 1995 into an agricultural family, Kusale's sporting odyssey began in 2009 when his father enrolled him in the Maharashtra government's sports program, Krida Prabhodini. A year of intense physical training culminated in his choice of shooting as his sporting focus. Recognizing his potential, Lakshya Sports extended their sponsorship to Kusale in 2013, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Swapnil Kusale's journey to the Olympic podium was a testament to his resilience and skill. Starting in sixth place after the kneeling round of the 50m rifle 3 positions event, he steadily climbed the ranks. A strong performance in the prone position moved him up to fifth, setting the stage for a thrilling final round. Kusale's consistency in the standing position propelled him to fourth place, putting him within striking distance of the bronze medal.
The format, consisting of three rounds of 15 shots each followed by an elimination round, demanded precision and composure, qualities Kusale displayed in abundance. Kusale's qualification for the final was impressive, with a seventh-place finish and a remarkable 38 inner 10s in the qualification round. His bronze medal marked India's third at the Paris Olympics, following Manu Bhaker's historic double medal win. The gold medal was clinched by China's Y.K. Liu with a total score of 463.6 points, while Ukraine's S. Kulish secured the silver with 461.3 points. Kusale's final score of 451.4 points earned him the bronze, solidifying India's position on the Olympic medal table.
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