India’s sharpshooter, Swapnil Kusale, etched his name in Olympic history by securing a bronze medal in the Men’s 50m rifle 3 Positions event at the Paris Olympics 2024. His remarkable feat marked India’s first-ever medal in this category. However, Kusale’s journey was not without its challenges.
Swapnil Kusale’s Olympic Journey
Kusale’s final score of 451.4 earned him the bronze, but his eyes were set on the elusive gold. As he stood on the podium, he reflected on what could have been.
In a candid admission, Kusale revealed that his lack of physical fitness played a crucial role in missing out on the top spot. At the critical juncture, he focused solely on hitting the target, unaware of any other distractions. Yet, he acknowledged that better fitness could have tipped the scales in his favour.
Undeterred, Kusale vowed to learn from this experience. He pledged to work on his fitness diligently, aiming to clinch the gold in the next edition of the Olympics.
Kusale expressed gratitude to the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) for their unwavering support. Their financial assistance enabled him to access expensive equipment crucial for his sport. Additionally, he recalled a conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who congratulated him on his medal victory.
IANS Exclusive
'कसा आहेस भाऊ' PM Modi started interaction with me in Marathi. He knows every athlete very well. I was so impressed, such a motivation: Paris Olympics bronze winning shooter Swapnil Kusale told IANS pic.twitter.com/fhJiiD59m3
— IANS (@ians_india) August 24, 2024
As India celebrates its shooting contingent’s success, Swapnil Kusale remains a beacon of determination. His bronze medal is a testament to his skill, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. With renewed focus, he sets his sights on the ultimate prize – the gold – in the next Olympic chapter.
