Pune: Swapnil Kusale Wins Bronze in 50m Rifle 3 Position Men’s Event at Paris 2024

Paris/Pune, 1st August 2024: Swapnil Kusale from Pune has made history by becoming the first Indian shooter to win a medal in the 50m Rifle 3 Position (3P) event at the Olympics. Competing in Paris 2024, Kusale secured a bronze medal with a final score of 451.4, marking India’s third bronze in shooting at these games.

Kusale, an athlete under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), showcased exceptional skill in the final round, finishing third with a score of 451.4. His historic achievement adds to India’s growing medal tally in shooting at the Paris Olympics.

In the qualification round, Kusale advanced to the finals by finishing seventh with a total score of 590. His consistent performance throughout the event has been a testament to his dedication and rigorous training.

Kusale’s journey to the podium was supported by significant government interventions and financial assistance. Under the TOPS, he received Rs. 17,58,557, while the Annual Calendar for Training and Competition (ACTC) provided Rs. 1,42,69,647. These funds were utilized for ammunition procurement and domestic training with a personal coach.

World Championship, Cairo (2022): Finished 4th, securing an Olympic quota place for India.
Asian Games 2022: Gold in Team event.
World Cup, Baku (2023): Gold in the mixed team event and two silver medals in individual and team events.
World Championship, Cairo (2022): Bronze in team event.
World Cup, New Delhi (2021): Gold in team event.

Born on August 6, 1995, in Pune, Swapnil Kusale hails from an agricultural family. His journey in sports began in 2009 when his father enrolled him in Maharashtra’s Krida Prabhodini program. After rigorous physical training, Kusale chose shooting as his sport in 2010. By 2013, he secured sponsorship from Lakshya Sports. He is an employee of Indian Railways (Central Railway).

Kusale’s early career was marked by notable achievements, including gold in the 50m rifle prone junior category at the 2015 Asian Shooting Championships in Kuwait and victories at the 59th and 61st National Shooting Championships.

Kusale trains at the Balewadi Stadium in Pune, where he continues to hone his skills and strive for excellence.

Swapnil Kusale’s bronze medal at Paris 2024 is not just a personal triumph but also a milestone for Indian shooting. As he continues to compete and achieve, he remains an inspiration for aspiring athletes across the nation.