Pune ticket collector Swapnil Kusale accomplished an amazing accomplishment by winning India’s third bronze medal in shooting at the Olympics in Paris. The 28-year-old’s commitment and hard work paid off when he took part in the Chateauroux Shooting Centre’s men’s 50m 3P final and accomplished this incredible achievement.
As a participant in a Maharashtra government sports program, Swapnil enrolled at a residential school at the age of 14 to start his shooting career. Suresh, Swapnil’s father, recalls his early program days and the challenges he faced, including his limited travel time home due to his training and work commitments in Pune.
A product of the Maharashtra Kreeda Prabodhini scheme, Swapnil chose shooting as his sport. His mother, Anita, now the sarpanch of their village, remembers Swapnil’s early fitness regimen and his passion for sports. Swapnil’s determination led him to win the 50m rifle prone title at the Asian Championships in 2015, edging out renowned shooters like Gagan Narang.
Joining Indian Railways as a Ticket Collector in 2015, Swapnil saved his first six months’ salary to buy his own rifle, costing over ₹3 lakhs. His commitment bore fruit as he continued to excel in various championships, eventually securing a quota for the Paris Olympics with a fourth-place finish at the 2022 ISSF World Cup in Cairo.
His coach, Deepali Deshpande, highlights Swapnil’s dedication to the 50m 3P event, noting his natural aptitude for the sport due to his fitness and balanced posture. Despite financial constraints, Swapnil’s family supported his ambitions, contributing to the purchase of a new rifle in 2017.
Swapnil’s bronze medal win is a testament to his resilience and adaptability to the new 50m 3P format, which requires shooters to adjust quickly due to reduced recovery time. His ability to maintain rhythm and recover in critical moments was key to his success.
The fact that Swapnil won the bronze medal shows how resilient and flexible he is in the new 50m 3P format, where shooters have to change rapidly because of the shorter rest period. The secret to his success was his ability to keep a steady rhythm and bounce back when things were tough.
In their community, which is renowned for its organic farming and drug-free atmosphere, Swapnil’s family organizes a special party for him when he returns. To celebrate his Olympic victory, his mother eagerly prepares his favorite dish, bhakri and methi sabzi.
India honours the remarkable accomplishment of Swapnil Kusale, a testament to hard work, tenacity, and the strength of aspirations.
