Swapnil Kusale, a 29-year-old shooter from Maharashtra, etched his name in India's sporting history by clinching the bronze medal in the men's 50m rifle 3P event at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
This historic feat not only fulfilled the aspirations of a billion Indians but also marked a groundbreaking moment for Indian shooting, as Kusale became the first-ever Indian to win a medal in this category
Swapnil Kusale's ascent to the Olympic podium was a testament to unwavering perseverance and exceptional talent. The Maharashtra-born shooter had consistently demonstrated his prowess on the international stage, yet elusive medals had often slipped through his fingers.
A fourth-place finish at both the 2022 World Championships and Asian Games underscored his potential but also highlighted the challenges he faced.
However, the 2024 Paris Olympics marked a turning point. With steely determination and unwavering focus, Kusale delivered a stellar performance in the men's 50m rifle 3P event.
His bronze medal win not only etched his name in India's sporting history but also shattered the glass ceiling for Indian shooters in this particular discipline. This achievement serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes, demonstrating that with relentless pursuit of excellence, even the most challenging goals can be achieved.
| Shooter | Event | Medal | Olympics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swapnil Kusale | Men’s 50m rifle 3P | Bronze | Paris 2024 |
| Manu Bhaker, Sarabjot Singh | Mixed team 10m air pistol | Bronze | Paris 2024 |
| Manu Bhaker | Women’s 10m air pistol | Bronze | Paris 2024 |
| Vijay Kumar | Men’s 25m rapid fire pistol | Silver | London 2012 |
| Gagan Narang | Men’s 10m air rifle | Bronze | London 2012 |
| Abhinav Bindra | Men’s 10m air rifle | Gold | Beijing 2008 |
| Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore | Men’s double trap | Silver | Athens 2004 |
| Event | Location | Year | Medal | Event Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asian Championship | Korea | 2023 | Silver | 10m Air Rifle Individual |
| World Championship | Cairo | 2022 | Gold | 10m Air Rifle Team |
| ISSF World Cup | Changwon | 2022 | Gold | 10m Air Rifle Individual |
| ISSF World Cup | Changwon | 2022 | Gold | 10m Air Rifle Men Team |
| World University Games | Chengdu | 2021 | Gold | 10m Air Rifle Individual |
Swapnil Kusale's success was a testament to his mental fortitude as much as his shooting prowess. His ability to excel in the demanding standing position, a phase that often separates the contenders from the medalists, was instrumental in his success.
With nerves of steel and unwavering focus, Kusale not only secured India's first-ever medal in the men's 50m rifle 3P event but also etched his name in the annals of Indian sports history. His bronze medal is a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes, proving that with dedication, perseverance, and a touch of brilliance, dreams can indeed be realized.