Swapnil Kusale made history by winning the bronze medal in the Men’s 50m rifle three positions event at the Paris Olympics 2024, becoming the first Indian to achieve this feat in the category. This medal is India’s third shooting accolade and third overall medal at the Paris Games, following Manu Bhaker’s bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol and Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh’s bronze in the men’s 10m air pistol final.
Kusale, hailing from Kambalwadi in the Kolhapur district of Maharashtra, faced a challenging journey throughout the final. Despite starting in the lower ranks, often fluctuating between the fifth and sixth positions, Kusale mounted a remarkable comeback. By the end of the competition, he secured a bronze medal with a score of 451.4 points, just 0.5 points shy of the silver medalist, Serhiy Kulish. His performance was particularly impressive as he had been trailing near the bottom for much of the event but managed to surge into the medal positions with a strong finish.
At 28 years old, Kusale’s victory marks his debut at the Olympic Games, making him the sixth Indian male shooter to win an Olympic medal. Despite having competed internationally since 2012, Kusale had to wait 12 years to make his Olympic debut. He finished seventh in the qualifying round but exceeded expectations with his historic performance in the final.
Kusale’s achievement is particularly notable as he is the first Indian to clinch a medal in the 50m rifle three positions event. His journey to the Olympics has been inspired by the calm and patient demeanor of M.S. Dhoni, a figure Kusale admires deeply. Like Dhoni, who began his career as a railway ticket collector, Kusale also worked as a railway ticket collector before rising to prominence in shooting. Dhoni’s composure and perseverance are traits that Kusale emulates, which have significantly contributed to his success in the sport.
The Paris Olympics 2024 has been a significant milestone for Kusale, underscoring his dedication and resilience. His performance not only adds to India’s medal tally but also highlights the potential and determination of Indian shooters on the global stage.
