Olympic Bronze Medalist Shooter Swapnil Kusale Receives a Hero’s Welcome in Pune
Pune, 8th August 2024: Olympic bronze medalist shooter Swapnil Kusale was given a grand reception in Pune today upon his return to India. The celebration took place at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Mahalunge Balewadi, where Kusale was warmly welcomed in an open jeep.
The ceremony at the stadium was attended by several prominent figures, including Minister Chandrakant Patil, Sports Commissioner Dr. Rajesh Deshmukh, Olympic Jury member Pawan Singh, Kusale’s coach Dipali Deshpande, his parents Anita and Sunil Kusale, Akshay Ashtaputre, and other dignitaries. Swapnil was honored with a traditional felicitation that included an idol of Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati, a shawl, a sreephal, and a Puneri turban. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also extended his congratulations to Swapnil over the phone.
In his speech, Swapnil Kusale expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am proud to have been born in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Maharashtra. This success is not mine alone but belongs to my family, my guru, coach, all those who helped me, friends, and sponsors. I dedicate this medal to all of them.”
Speaking at the event, Minister Patil remarked, “After 1952, Maharashtra’s Olympic medal drought ended with Swapnil’s achievement in 2024. This medal honours not just Swapnil but the efforts of his parents as well. Coach Dipali Deshpande also played a crucial role in his success. Gagan Narang, Anjali Bhagwat, Sumatai Shirur, and Dipali Deshpande have all provided the right direction to Indian and Maharashtra shooting.”
Patil further assured that the state government is committed to supporting athletes and will continue to provide necessary assistance.
Coach Dipali Deshpande, reflecting on Swapnil’s journey, shared, “In 2012, Swapnil, a young boy with great potential, joined the academy for training. Today, seeing this grand procession for Swapnil, who has won an Olympic medal, brings back many memories. His parents had full faith in me, and Swapnil has lived up to all our expectations. We are proud of him. Over the last 12 years, his parents never called me once, and the fact that they are meeting me directly today speaks to the trust they placed in me. It is a joy to see Swapnil not only as an Olympic medal-winning athlete but as a responsible citizen of India.”
ऑलिम्पिक कांस्य पदक विजेता नेमबाज स्वप्नील कुसाळे याचे पुण्यात जंगी स्वागत
Swapnil’s father shared the story of his son’s journey as a shooter with the audience, revealing that they had shielded Swapnil from the financial hardships the family faced.
Dr. Rajesh Deshmukh spoke about the support provided by the government to athletes and commended Swapnil’s achievements.
Pawan Singh introduced the event, while Tushar Joshi moderated and expressed gratitude to all those present.
