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Swapnil Kusale made history by becoming the first Indian shooter to win a medal in the 50m rifle 3 positions event at the Olympics. He clinched a bronze medal in the men’s event at the Paris 2024 Olympics shooting competition.This achievement marked India’s third medal in rifle shooting, following Abhinav Bindra’s gold in the men’s 10m air rifle at Beijing 2008 and Gagan Narang’s bronze in the same event at London 2012.
Swapnil Kusale Overview
| Category | Details |
| Name | Swapnil Kusale |
| Date of Birth | August 6, 1995 |
| Place of Birth | Pune, Maharashtra, India |
| Occupation | Railway Ticket Examiner |
| Sport | Shooting |
| Event | 50m Rifle 3 Positions |
| Height | 173 cm (5 ft 8 in) |
| Father’s Name | Suresh Kusale |
| Training Facility | Balewadi Stadium, Pune |
| Coach | Deepali Deshpande |
| State | Maharashtra |
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Swapnil Kusale Early Life and Background
Swapnil Kusale was born on August 6, 1995, in Pune, Maharashtra. He came from a family with an agricultural background. In 2009, his father Suresh, a village school teacher, enrolled him in the Maharashtra government’s primary sports program called Krida Prabodhini. After one year of intense physical training, he had to choose a sport, and he chose shooting.
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Swapnil Kusale – Rise to Prominence
Swapnil Kusale’s shooting career took off when he won the gold medal in the 50m rifle prone 3 event in the junior category at the 2015 Asian Shooting Championships in Kuwait. He also won the 59th National Shooting Championship held in Tughlakabad, defeating Olympic medalist Gagan Narang and Chain Singh in the 50m rifle prone event. Competing against his hero Gagan Narang remains one of Swapnil’s most memorable moments in his shooting career.
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Swapnil Kusale – Olympics Journey and Achievements
At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Swapnil Kusale’s hard work and determination paid off as he won a bronze medal in the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions event. This achievement marked a historic moment for Indian shooting, being the third medal in rifle shooting for India at the Olympics, following Abhinav Bindra’s gold in 2008 and Gagan Narang’s bronze in 2012.
| Event | Year | Medal | Details |
| Asian Shooting Championships | 2015 | Gold | 50m Rifle Prone 3 Positions (Junior Category) |
| National Shooting Championship | 2015 | Gold | 50m Rifle Prone Event |
| ISSF World Cup (New Delhi) | 2021 | Gold | 50m Rifle 3 Positions (Team Event) |
| ISSF World Championship (Cairo) | 2022 | Bronze | 50m Rifle 3 Positions (Team Event) |
| ISSF World Cup (Baku) | 2023 | Gold, Silver | Mixed Team Event (Gold), Individual and Team Events (Silver) |
| Asian Games (Hangzhou) | 2023 | Gold | 50m Rifle 3 Positions (Team Event) |
| Paris 2024 Olympics | 2024 | Bronze | 50m Rifle 3 Positions (Men’s Event) |
Swapnil Kusale – Professional and International Career
Swapnil Kusale is also a dedicated professional, working as a railway ticket examiner with the Central Railways. His commitment to shooting and his profession exemplifies his dedication and discipline.
His first major international medal came at the 2021 ISSF World Cup in New Delhi, where he was part of the gold medal-winning team in the 50m rifle 3 positions event. Swapnil earned the Paris 2024 Olympics quota at the 2022 ISSF World Championship in Cairo, where he also secured a bronze in the team event.
Maintaining his form leading up to the Olympics, Swapnil won a gold medal in the mixed team event and silver medals in the individual and team events at the 2023 ISSF World Cup in Baku. He further cemented his status with a gold medal in the team event at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou.
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Recent Successes of Swapnil Kusale
After his breakthrough performance at the 2021 ISSF World Cup in New Delhi, where he won a gold medal as part of the team in the 50m rifle 3 positions event, Swapnil Kusale continued to excel in international competitions.In 2022, he earned the Paris 2024 Olympics quota at the ISSF World Championship in Cairo, where he also won a bronze medal in the team event.
Leading up to the Olympics, he maintained his form, winning a gold medal in the mixed team event and bagging silver medals in the individual and team events at the 2023 ISSF World Cup in Baku. At the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, Swapnil won a gold medal in the team event.
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Training and Support for Swapnil Kusale
Swapnil Kusale trained at the Balewadi Stadium in Pune, under the guidance of his personal trainer Deepali Deshpande, a former shooter and Asian Games medallist. His training regimen, coupled with the unwavering support of his family, especially his father, played a crucial role in his journey to Olympic success.
Conclusion
Swapnil Kusale’s journey from a small town in Maharashtra to the Olympic podium is a testament to his dedication and hard work. His bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics not only made him the first Indian shooter to win a medal in the 50m rifle 3 positions event but also inspired many young athletes to pursue their dreams in shooting.
Swapnil Kusale FAQs
Who is Swapnil Kusale?
Swapnil Kusale is an Indian shooter known for his achievements in the sport of shooting. He specializes in the 50m rifle 3 positions event and has represented India in various national and international competitions, earning recognition for his skills and performance.
What are some of Swapnil Kusale's notable achievements?
Swapnil Kusale has won several medals in national championships and has also competed in international events, including the ISSF World Cup. His notable achievements include podium finishes and contributing to India's success in shooting sports.
When did Swapnil Kusale start his shooting career?
Swapnil Kusale began his shooting career at a young age, showing interest in the sport during his early teens. He trained rigorously and quickly progressed through the ranks, eventually representing India at higher levels of competition.
What events does Swapnil Kusale compete in?
Swapnil Kusale primarily competes in the 50m rifle 3 positions event, which involves shooting from three different positions: prone, standing, and kneeling. He may also participate in other rifle shooting events, depending on the competition.
How has Swapnil Kusale contributed to Indian shooting sports?
Swapnil Kusale has contributed to Indian shooting sports by consistently performing at a high level in competitions and inspiring young shooters in the country. His dedication to the sport and success in international events have helped raise the profile of shooting in India.
