Swapnil Kusale won a bronze medal in the men's 50m rifle 3P event at the ongoing Paris Olympics on Thursday, August 1st, 2024, becoming the first Indian shooter to win a medal in the 50m rifle 3P event. Let's learn about his inspiring journey.
Swapnil Kusale hails from Kambalwadi village near Kolhapur, Maharashtra. The 29-year-old Kusale waited for 12 years to make his Olympic debut at the Paris Games.
Swapnil Kusale was a railway ticket collector, just like former Indian captain MS Dhoni, who is his inspiration.
Bronze medalist Kusale has been competing in international games since 2012 but made his Olympic debut after 12 years.
According to reports, Swapnil's father recognized his potential and enrolled him in a government program in 2009. After a year of training, Swapnil chose shooting as his sport.
Kusale won his first medal in 2014 at the National Shooting Championship, which motivated him to pursue shooting seriously.
Kusale came into the spotlight in 2015 when he won gold in the 50m rifle prone junior category at the Asian Shooting Championship in Kuwait.
Swapnil has won many medals at national and international competitions, including ISSF World Cups, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games.
Swapnil's dedication paid off when he won a bronze medal in the men's 50m rifle 3P event at the Paris Olympics, bringing the country its third medal.
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