Swapnil Kusale -From Railway Ticket Collector to Olympic Medallist 2024

Swapnil Kusale is India's third medal winner at the Paris Olympics 2024.(Getty)

Swapnil Kusale has a similar story to MS Dhoni

Swapnil Kusale’s journey from a railway ticket collector to an Olympic medallist is a remarkable tale of perseverance and dedication. Born on August 6, 1995, in Pune, India, Kusale’s path to sporting excellence is a testament to his relentless pursuit of success despite numerous challenges.

Growing up, Kusale faced significant financial difficulties. His father, a village school teacher, struggled to provide the necessary resources for his son’s shooting career. Managing training costs and the high expense of ammunition posed substantial hurdles. Despite these challenges, Kusale’s talent was evident, and he remained committed to his sport.

Kusale’s breakthrough came with support from Lakshya Sports, a non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing sports talent. Additionally, the Indian Railways, where Kusale worked as a ticket examiner, provided crucial backing. This support allowed him to continue his training and eventually achieve success on both national and international stages.

KNOW your OLYMPIC MEDAL WINNERSwapnil Kusale Won Bronze Medal in Men’s Rifle 50m 3P at Paris 2024 Olympics

Indian Medal Winners at Paris Olympics 2024Read more

Historic Olympic Achievement

Swapnil Kusale made history by clinching India’s third medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics in the Men’s Rifle 50m 3 Positions event. His bronze medal is a significant milestone for Indian shooting, marking the end of a 12-year drought of Olympic shooting medals for the country. This phenomenal achievement reflects the unwavering dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence by Indian shooters and fills the nation with pride.

Career Highlights

  • Asian Games 2023: Kusale won gold in the Men’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions Team event, setting a world record. His team, consisting of Kusale, Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, and Akhil Sheoran, scored 1769 points to claim the title.
  • World Cup 2022, Baku: Kusale won one gold and two silver medals, further establishing his reputation as a top shooter.
  • Paris 2024 Olympics: Kusale secured a bronze medal in the Men’s Rifle 50m 3 Positions event, showcasing exceptional accuracy and mental fortitude against stiff competition from top shooters worldwide.

Medal Winners

MedalAthleteCountry
GoldLiu YukunChina
SilverSerhiy KulishUkraine
BronzeSwapnil KusaleIndia

Event Overview

The Men’s Rifle 50m 3 Positions event is one of the most challenging shooting disciplines, requiring athletes to transition smoothly between three different shooting positions—prone, standing, and kneeling—while maintaining precision and accuracy. The competition at Paris 2024 highlighted the highest level of marksmanship and strategy, with Liu Yukun, Serhiy Kulish, and Swapnil Kusale delivering exceptional performances.

Background and Coaching

Kusale’s journey into shooting began through the Maharashtra government’s primary sporting program, where he was encouraged to choose a sport. He selected shooting, inspired by the legendary shooter Gagan Narang, who became his hero.

  • Languages Spoken: English, Hindi.
  • Coaches:
  • National Coach: Thomas Farnik (Austria).
  • Personal Coach: Deepali Deshpande (India).
  • Handedness: Right hand.

Swapnil Kusale’s story is one of overcoming adversity and achieving greatness through hard work and determination. His journey from a railway ticket collector to an Olympic medalist serves as an inspiring example for aspiring athletes everywhere.

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https://www.hindustantimes.com/sports/olympics/swapnil-kusale-wins-bronze-completes-indias-medal-hat-trick-at-paris-olympics-2024-as-shooting-juggernaut-continues-101722500238815.html