Swapnil Kusale: India’s First Olympic Medalist in 50m Rifle Shooting

Swapnil Kusale, a 29-year-old Indian shooting athlete, made history when he won his first Olympic medal for India in the 50m rifle shooting event at the Paris Olympics 2024. With a score of 451.4 points in the finals, Swapnil secured a bronze medal, thereby showcasing his exceptional skills and dedication to the sport. Notably, this achievement marked the first-ever Olympic medal for India in this event, making it a significant milestone in the nation’s Olympic journey. As a result, his success brought immense pride to the country and inspired countless aspiring shooters across India to aim higher and dream bigger.

Early Life and Background

Swapnil Kusale was born on July 6, 1995, in Kambalwadi village in the Kolhapur District of Maharashtra. Known for its organic farming practices and alcohol-free environment, his village provided a unique upbringing. From an early age, Swapnil’s father, Suresh Kusale, a school teacher, recognized his potential and consequently enrolled him in Krida Prabodhini, the Maharashtra government’s premier sports program. Meanwhile, his mother, Anita Kusale, now the village sarpanch, also supported him in his endeavors.

At the age of 10, Swapnil moved into a government residential facility where he began learning shooting as part of a government scheme. After a year of intense training, he chose shooting as his sport, determined to make a name for himself. Later, he became a ticket collector in Pune, which allowed him to save enough money—around ₹3 lakh—to buy his first rifle. In fact, he saved six months of his salary to purchase the rifle, which became his tool for practice and ultimately the foundation for his shooting career.

Swapnil Kusale: Personal Information

Journey to Olympic Success

Swapnil Kusale’s journey to Olympic success is a story of determination, hard work, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. His shooting career began at a young age when he was enrolled in Krida Prabodhini, Maharashtra’s premier sports program. With the guidance of expert coaches, Swapnil honed his skills and soon made a name for himself in the shooting circuit. In fact, in 2015, Swapnil won gold in the 50m rifle-prone event in the junior category at the Asian Shooting Championships in Kuwait. That same year, he also claimed victory at the 59th National Shooting Championship in Tughlakabad, defeating renowned shooters like Gagan Narang and Chain Singh in the 50m rifle-prone event.

Later, in October 2022, Swapnil earned an Olympic quota for India in the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions event with a fourth-place finish at the ISSF World Shooting Championships in Cairo. By May 2024, after successful trials in Delhi and Bhopal, he was selected for the Indian Olympic team in the 50m rifle 3 positions event.

The reaction to Swapnil Kusale’s success was overwhelming. Coaches, fellow athletes, and fans celebrated his achievement, recognizing the significance of his win for Indian sports. After his Olympic triumph, Swapnil expressed his gratitude to his mind coach, Vaibhav Agashe, as well as his coach of over 12 years, Deepali Deshpande, a former shooter. In recognition of his contribution to Indian shooting sports, the Indian Rifle Association awarded an impressive cash prize of 30 lakh rupees to Swapnil Kusale, along with Manu Bhake and Sarabjot Singh, at ITC Mayur Hotel Delhi.

Swapnil Kusale Achivements

Swapnil Kusale has achieved remarkable success in the world of shooting, firmly establishing himself as one of India’s top athletes. His journey began with a gold medal in the junior category at the 2015 Asian Shooting Championships and eventually culminated in an Olympic medal in 2024. Following his bronze medal win at the Paris Summer Olympics in 2024, Swapnil reflected on his achievement in an interview: “I have a lot of emotions right now. This medal means a lot. It is not gold, but I am pleased I got a medal. To get an Olympic medal is a dream.”

Swapnil Kusale Future Aspirations

Swapnil Kusale, who joined Indian Railways as a TTE (Ticket Examiner) in 2015 while pursuing his shooting career, had been requesting a promotion for a long time. However, after winning the bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, he received a double promotion and was appointed as an Officer on Special Duty.

In an interview following his Olympic victory, Swapnil expressed his unfulfilled ambition: “I wanted to clinch the gold medal. That was the only thing on my mind. That dream is still unfulfilled, and now my sole goal is to achieve it. I’m working towards it. I didn’t feel like celebrating my bronze medal win. There’s just one photo of mine from that day where I’m smiling. The spectators, the support staff, everyone was thrilled, but I felt I needed to make them even happier by winning gold,” he added.

Notably, Swapnil Kusale’s rise in the sport saw him achieving gold medals at the 2015 Asian Shooting Championships and the 2022 Asian Games, ultimately culminating in a historic bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, making him the first Indian to medal in the 50m rifle 3 positions event. Despite his achievements, Kusale remains focused on his goal of winning gold and continues to inspire aspiring athletes across India. Meanwhile, his recent promotion to Officer on Special Duty reflects his dual success in sports and his professional career, highlighting his ongoing dedication and contribution to both fields.

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