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.

Manu Bhaker : Won Bronze in10m Air Pistol -Olympics 2024-PM Modi congratulates Manu Bhaker for historic win

“Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh Secure Bronze in 10m Air Pistol at Paris 2024 Olympics”

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

American BMX rider Perris Benegas Wins Silver – Paris 2024 Olympics

American BMX rider Perris Benegas claimed a silver medal in the thrilling women’s BMX freestyle competition at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Her consistent performance, highlighted by a daring second run, propelled her to the podium.

Benegas’ journey to the silver medal was marked by resilience and determination. After finishing fourth at the Tokyo Olympics, where the sport made its Olympic debut, she faced challenges and setbacks. However, with the unwavering support of her team, Benegas persevered and channeled her experiences into a powerful performance in Paris..

Competition Performance

Benegas began her day with a solid first run, scoring 83.40 points, which placed her in fourth position. This was the position from which she qualified for the final. Her second run was particularly noteworthy, showcasing her ability to soar through the air with an emphasis on high-flying tricks that captivated the judges. The increased difficulty and execution of her second run were pivotal in earning her the silver medal.

Benegas’ achievement is especially significant considering her performance at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where BMX freestyle made its debut. At that time, she finished just shy of the podium in fourth place. Her silver medal at Paris 2024 not only reflects her growth and perseverance but also her ability to overcome previous setbacks.

Personal Reflections

Reflecting on her journey, Benegas shared her emotional experience: “During the whole thing, obviously, I have highs and lows. The lows are really low. And luckily I was surrounded by amazing people who were able to motivate me and inspire me to keep going during that time. But yes, this was always in the back of my head, and yeah, just being here was such a win. Walking away with a medal was huge.”

Background and Career

Perris Benegas hails from Reno, Nevada, and currently resides in Fuquay Varina, North Carolina. Her journey into BMX freestyle began early, inspired by her older brother and his friends. Despite being the only girl among them, Benegas quickly developed her skills and became a prominent figure in the sport.

In 2018, Benegas won the gold medal in BMX freestyle park at the UCI Urban Cycling World Championships in Chengdu, China. She competed alongside fellow American riders Angie Marino and Hannah Roberts, who took second and third place, respectively. This victory was a significant milestone in her career and highlighted her talent on an international stage.

Benegas’ career has been marked by a combination of determination, skill, and resilience. Her silver medal at Paris 2024 is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport.

Personal Information

AttributeDetails
NamePerris Benegas
Date of BirthJuly 22, 1995
HometownReno, Nevada
ResidenceFuquay Varina, North Carolina
Professional TeamsHaro BMX

Perris Benegas’ performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics will be remembered as a significant achievement in her BMX freestyle career, showcasing her exceptional skills and the culmination of years of dedication.

Also Read- USA Medal Winners at Paris Olympics 2024: A Complete List

Here’s the table summarizing the results of the Women’s BMX Freestyle Park Final at the Paris 2024 Olympics:

PositionAthleteCountryPoints
1Deng YawenChina92.60
2Perris BenegasUnited States90.70
3Natalya DiehmAustralia88.80
4Queen Saray Villegas SernaColombia88.00
5Macarena Perez GrassetChile84.55

https://usacycling.org/athlete/perris-benegas

https://www.forbes.com/sites/michellebruton/2024/07/31/paris-2024-olympics-perris-benegas-takes-silver-in-womens-bmx-freestyle

Ankita Bhakat Debut: Paris 2024 Olympics in Archery-Directly In Quarters

India’s Archers July 25, 2024, 15:16:29 (IST)-All Women In Top 32, India Directly In Quarters

India’s Women Archers Conclude Ranking Round

The Indian women’s archery team has wrapped up the ranking round at the Paris Olympics with mixed results. Ankita Bhakat emerged as the top Indian archer, securing an impressive 11th position. Her final round showcased her consistency with five 9s and one X.

Bhajan Kaur finished in 22nd place, just one point behind her teammate. She displayed commendable composure throughout the competition. Veteran Deepika Kumari concluded her campaign in 23rd position, delivering a solid performance in the final round with four 10s, one 9, and one 8.

While the Indian women have shown glimpses of their potential, they will be aiming to elevate their performance in the upcoming elimination rounds to challenge for a podium finish.

ArcherPositionFinal Round ScoresNotable Highlights
Ankita Bhakat11thFive 9s, one XConsistency throughout the competition
Bhajan Kaur22ndFinished just one point behind Ankita Bhakat
Deepika Kumari23rdFour 10s, one 9, one 8Delivered a solid performance in the final round

India’s Archers July 25, 2024, 15:08:25 (IST)

Indian Archers Hold Strong After Penultimate Round

Ankita Bhakat continues to lead the Indian charge with a strong score of 612 points, placing her in eighth position. Bhajan Kaur is close behind in 19th place with 606 points, while Deepika Kumari is currently in 26th position with a score of 601.

Introduction

Ankita Bhakat, born on June 17, 1998, in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, is an emerging talent in the world of archery. At the age of 26, Bhakat has established herself as a formidable competitor in recurve archery, representing India on various international platforms. Her journey from a young enthusiast to a prominent archer is marked by several significant achievements and a promising future.

Early Life and Training

Ankita Bhakat’s interest in archery was sparked at a young age. Growing up in Kolkata, she was inspired to take up the sport after witnessing an archery competition in her hometown. She began her training at the Calcutta Archery Club and later joined the Tata Archery Academy in Jamshedpur in 2014. Under the guidance of coaches Dharmendra Tiwari, Purnima Mahato, and Ram Awdesh, Bhakat honed her skills and prepared herself for national and international competitions.

Career Highlights

Bhakat’s archery career has been marked by several notable accomplishments:

  • World Youth Archery Championships: In 2017, Bhakat won a gold medal in the recurve junior mixed team event at the World Youth Archery Championships held in Rosario, Argentina. She partnered with Jemson Singh Ningthoujam to secure the gold, defeating top-seeded teams along the way.
  • Asian Games: Bhakat has competed in multiple Asian Games, winning a bronze medal in the women’s team recurve event at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games. She also secured a silver medal in the women’s team recurve event at the 2018 Asian Games.
  • World Cup Performances: Bhakat’s performances in the World Archery World Cup have been impressive. She won gold medals in the mixed team recurve event at the 2021 and 2022 World Cup stages and has consistently been a strong performer in the women’s team recurve events.

Recent Achievements

Ankita Bhakat qualified for the Paris Olympics 2024 by reaching the quarter-finals of the Final World Archery Olympic Qualifier 2024 held in Antalya, Turkey. Despite a challenging final eight match against Iran’s Mobina Fallah, Bhakat’s qualification is a testament to her skill and determination.

PersonalDetails
Date of BirthJune 17, 1998
Place of BirthKolkata, West Bengal, India
Age26
Current World Ranking40 (as of the latest update)
Highest World Ranking17 (September 27, 2021)
First Olympic GamesParis Olympics 2024
Major AchievementsBronze medal – Women’s team recurve at 2022 Asian Games
World Youth Archery ChampionshipsGold medal – Team event in 2017

Medal Record

Ankita Bhakat’s medal tally reflects her consistent performance across various events:

  • Asian Games
  • Bronze Medal – Women’s Team Recurve (2022)
  • Silver Medal – Women’s Team Recurve (2018)
  • World Youth Archery Championships
  • Gold Medal – Recurve Junior Mixed Team (2017)
  • World Archery World Cup
  • Gold Medal – Mixed Team Recurve (2021, 2022)
  • Asian Outdoor Championships
  • Silver Medal – Women’s Team Recurve (2021)

Recent Performances

In the recent Final World Archery tournament, Bhakat was seeded ninth. After an initial defeat, she went on to secure victories over Israeli archers Shelley Hilton and Mikaella Moshe, and Gabrielle Monica Bidaure from the Philippines, showcasing her resilience and skill.

Conclusion

Ankita Bhakat’s journey from a young girl with a passion for archery to a top-ranked international archer is a story of dedication and hard work. As she prepares for the Paris Olympics 2024, her achievements and performances indicate a bright future in the sport. With continued support and training, Bhakat is poised to make a significant impact in international archery.

Also read- https://globalbuzznetwork.com/paris-2024-olympics-full-schedule-india/

https://www.worldarchery.sport/profile/17262/ankita-bhakat/biography

Ankita Bhakat-Paris 2024 Olympics Archery Schedule

DateDayEventTime
July 25, 2024ThursdayArchery – Women’s Individual Ranking Round1:00 PM
July 28, 2024SundayArchery – Women’s Team Round of 161:00 PM onwards
July 30, 2024TuesdayArchery – Women’s Individual Round of 643:30 PM onwards

Paramjeet Singh Bisht: Road to Paris 2024 Olympics in 20km race walk

Paramjeet Singh Bisht, born on March 3, 2002, hails from the picturesque state of Uttarakhand, India. As a promising athlete specializing in the 20km race walk, Bisht is set to make his mark on the international stage at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. His journey from a local talent to an Olympian reflects not only his dedication and hard work but also the growing prominence of race walking in Indian athletics.

Paramjeet Singh Bisht – Personal Details

DetailInformation
NameParamjeet Singh Bisht
Date of Birth (DOB)March 3, 2002
Place of BirthUttarakhand, India
NationalityIndian
SportRace Walking (20km)
Current World Ranking (Men’s 20km Race Walk)80
Current World Ranking Points (Men’s 20km Race Walk)1181
Highest World Ranking Position (Men’s 20km Race Walk)39
Supported ByOlympic Gold Quest (OGQ)

Early Beginnings and Local Achievements

Paramjeet Singh Bisht’s affinity for race walking began at a young age, nurtured by the natural landscapes of his hometown in Uttarakhand. His early exposure to athletics in a region known for its rugged terrains played a crucial role in developing his stamina and endurance. Recognizing his potential, Bisht joined local sports clubs and began competing in regional events. His impressive performances at the state level quickly caught the attention of national coaches and selectors.

Bisht’s early achievements included several podium finishes at junior-level competitions, where he showcased his ability to maintain a steady pace and endurance over long distances. These early successes were instrumental in shaping his career and building a foundation for his future endeavors.

Breakthrough and National Recognition

Paramjeet Singh Bisht’s breakthrough came when he secured top positions in national championships, demonstrating his readiness for international competition. His exceptional timing and technique in the 20km race walk earned him a spot on the Indian national team. His dedication to the sport and rigorous training regimen were evident in his performances, as he consistently delivered impressive results on the track.

In recent years, Bisht has competed in several international events, gaining valuable experience and exposure. His participation in these competitions not only enhanced his skills but also increased his visibility on the global stage. His commitment to excellence and relentless pursuit of improvement were pivotal in securing his place at the Paris Olympics.

Training and Preparation

As an elite athlete, Paramjeet Singh Bisht has undergone rigorous training and preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Supported by the Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ), Bisht has access to world-class facilities and coaching staff. His training regimen includes intense physical workouts, technique refinement, and strategic planning to optimize his performance in the 20km race walk.

Bisht’s training involves a combination of endurance runs, strength training, and race-specific drills designed to enhance his speed and efficiency. His coaches emphasize the importance of maintaining proper form and technique to avoid injuries and ensure peak performance during competitions. Additionally, Bisht’s training includes simulated race conditions to prepare him for the challenges he may face during the Olympic Games.

Challenges and Triumphs

Like many athletes, Paramjeet Singh Bisht has faced numerous challenges throughout his career. Balancing rigorous training with academic commitments and overcoming injuries are just a few of the hurdles he has navigated. However, Bisht’s resilience and determination have enabled him to overcome these obstacles and continue pursuing his Olympic dream.

One of the significant challenges Bisht faced was adapting to the intense competition at the international level. Competing against some of the world’s best race walkers required him to continuously improve his technique and performance. His ability to learn from each experience and adapt his strategies has been a key factor in his success.

Looking Ahead to Paris 2024

As the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris approach, Paramjeet Singh Bisht is focused on delivering a standout performance. His selection to represent India in the 20km race walk is a testament to his hard work, talent, and dedication to the sport. Bisht’s participation in the Olympics not only highlights his individual achievements but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes in India.

With the support of his coaches, family, and the OGQ, Bisht is well-prepared to make a significant impact at the Paris Games. His journey to the Olympics has been marked by perseverance, commitment, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As he gears up for the race, Bisht’s determination and passion for race walking will undoubtedly shine through, representing India on one of the world’s biggest sporting stages.

In conclusion, Paramjeet Singh Bisht’s journey from a local talent in Uttarakhand to an Olympian is a remarkable story of dedication and achievement. His selection for the 20km race walk at the Paris 2024 Olympics is a proud moment for Indian athletics and a testament to the growing prominence of race walking in the country. As he prepares for the Games, Bisht embodies the spirit of perseverance and excellence, inspiring the next generation of athletes to pursue their dreams with unwavering determination.

Event Date and Time-20km Race Walk – Thursday, August 1 at 11:00 am IST

paramjeet singh bisht

https://worldathletics.org/athletes/india/paramjeet-singh-bisht-14791340

Paramjeet Singh Bisht’s highest world ranking positions:

DisciplinePlaceWeeks
Men’s 20km Race Walking392
Men’s Overall Ranking13791

current world ranking positions:

DisciplinePlaceScore
Men’s 20km Race Walking801181
Men’s Overall Ranking15771181

Personal Bests

DisciplinePerformanceWindVenueDateRecordsResults Score
5000 Metres Race Walk20:53.65New Delhi (IND)17 DEC 2018976
10,000 Metres Race Walk42:10.92Tatya Tope Stadium, Bhopal (IND)27 JAN 20211036
10 Kilometres Race Walk39:36Sports Complex, Sector 7, Chandigarh (IND)31 JAN 20241145
20,000 Metres Race Walk1:24:49.75Jalahalli (IND)06 SEP 20221089
20 Kilometres Race Walk1:20:08Nomi (JPN)19 MAR 20231188

Progression

Here’s a detailed table of Paramjeet Singh Bisht’s performances across different race walking disciplines:

5000 Metres Race Walk

YearPerformanceVenueDate
201721:58.49Vadodara (IND)21 MAR 2017
201820:53.65New Delhi (IND)17 DEC 2018

10,000 Metres Race Walk

YearPerformanceVenueDate
201844:05.84Coimbatore (IND)21 APR 2018
201942:44.45Trivandrum (IND)25 SEP 2019
202142:10.92Tatya Tope Stadium, Bhopal (IND)27 JAN 2021

10 Kilometres Race Walk

YearPerformanceVenueDate
202041:02Ranchi (IND)16 FEB 2020
202142:16Ranchi (IND)14 FEB 2021
202439:36Sports Complex, Sector 7, Chandigarh (IND)31 JAN 2024

20,000 Metres Race Walk

YearPerformanceVenueDate
20211:29:49.23JLN Stadium, New Delhi (IND)28 SEP 2021
20221:24:49.75Jalahalli (IND)06 SEP 2022

20 Kilometres Race Walk

YearPerformanceVenueDate
20221:23:27Ranchi (IND)16 APR 2022
20231:20:08Nomi (JPN)19 MAR 2023
20241:22:10Borsky Mikulás (SVK)25 MAY 2024

Also read – https://globalbuzznetwork.com/indian-athletes-qualified-for-2024-olympics/

14 years old Dhinidhi Desinghu-: India’s Youngest Olympian for Paris 2024 Olympics

Dhinidhi Desinghu, a young Indian swimmer, made history as the youngest member of the Indian contingent at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

She competed in the women’s 200m freestyle event. 

Paris 2024 Olympics swimming, India schedule: Srihari Nataraj and Dhinidhi Desinghu aim to make a splash for India – Olympic Games Paris 2024

While she showcased great potential and determination, she unfortunately did not progress beyond the heats. Despite this, her participation was a significant milestone for Indian swimming, and her future in the sport is promising

Early Achievement and Sacrifices


Paris 2024 Olympics- , at just 14 years old, is set to become the youngest member of India’s contingent. Despite missing out on typical teenage activities, Dhinidhi is resolute in her pursuit of swimming excellence. She acknowledges feeling occasional loneliness but believes every sacrifice is justified in pursuit of her Olympic dream.She began competing in swimming at age eight. started swimming just for fun, to enjoy the water during my summer vacation.”

Personal Information

Nationality: India
Born: 17 May 2010 (age 14)
Birthplace: Bengaluru, Karnataka Height (m/ft): 1.61/5’3”
School: Kendriya Vidyalaya – DRDO Bangalore Father- Desinghu Pundi Srinivasan

Sport

Discipline: Swimming
Event: 200m freestyle
Team: India Coach-Madhu Kumar BM[Dolphin Aquatics] Club name-Karnataka [IND] / Dolphin Aquatics [IND]

Swimming competitions at Paris 2024 will take place between July 27 and August 4 at the Paris La Défense Arena.

INDIAN SWIMMING TEAM FOR PARIS 2024 OLYMPICS

Srihari Nataraj and  Dhinidhi Desinghu will represent India in swimming at the Paris 2024 Olympics.This will be Srihari Nataraj’s second Olympic appearance after Tokyo 2020 while teenager Desinghu is set for her debut in Paris.

  • Srihari Nataraj – men’s 100m backstroke
  • Dhinidhi Desinghu – women’s 200m freestyle

Path to Olympics
Dhinidhi’s journey to the Olympics began with notable performances at the National Games and senior National championships, where she secured medals. Recognizing her potential, the Swimming Federation of India awarded her one of the Universality places, cementing her spot in the prestigious event.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the Indian contingent heading for the upcoming Paris Olympics-Photo credit–Instagram Dhinidhi Desinghu-First line- 3rd from right

Dreams and Ambitions
Expressing excitement about her early Olympic selection, Dhinidhi sees this opportunity as a stepping stone for future Games in 2028 and 2032. She eagerly anticipates immersing herself in the Olympic Village environment, observing top athletes’ dedication and preparation, and gaining invaluable experience.

Inspiration and Role Models
Dhinidhi looks up to seven-time Olympic gold medallist Katie Ledecky as her idol. She plans to meet Ledecky in Paris, fulfilling a dream she had nurtured since creating a greeting card for her idol last year.

Impact on Indian Swimming
Amidst challenges in Indian swimming’s Olympic qualification, Dhinidhi’s selection stands out as a beacon of hope for the sport’s future in the country. Her participation signifies a positive stride forward, inspiring young swimmers nationwide.

Dhinidhi Desinghu’s journey exemplifies determination, youth, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in the face of challenges, marking her as a promising talent in Indian swimming. https://olympics.com/en/news/india-swimming-team-paris-2024-olympics-squad-list

Here’s a comprehensive chart detailing Dhinidhi Desinghu’s performances along with other swimmers in various relay events:

11th Asian Age group championship in Capas, Philippines -Dhinidhi Desinghu has made history by setting a New Best Indian record in the women’s 100m Freestyle event, with a stunning time of 57.33 seconds. Her performance surpasses the previous record held by Kenisha Gupta- 57.35, clocked in 2021.

EventNameTime/ResultDateCompetitionLocation
200m FreestyleDhinidhi Desinghu2:04.245 July 2023Indian ChampionshipsHyderabad, India
4 × 100m Freestyle RelayDhinidhi Desinghu (58.15), Maana Patel (57.71), Janhvi Choudhary (59.60), Shivangi Sarma (58.34)3:53.8024 September 2023Asian GamesHangzhou, China
4 × 200m Freestyle RelayDhinidhi Desinghu (2:08.59), Vritti Agarwal (2:09.41), Shivangi Sarma (2:11.32), Hashika Ramachandra (2:08.26)8:37.5828 September 2023Asian GamesHangzhou, China
4 × 100m Freestyle RelaySrihari Nataraj, Nina Venkatesh, Aneesh Gowda, Dhinidhi Desinghu (54.94)3:38.243 November 202337th National GamesPanjim, India
4 × 100m Medley RelaySrihari Nataraj, Nina Venkatesh, Vidith S. Shankar, Dhinidhi Desinghu (59.52)4:03.804 November 202337th National GamesPanjim, India
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Indian_records_in_swimming

Also read list of Indian athletes who have qualified for the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024. https://globalbuzznetwork.com/indias-champions-at-paris-olympics-2024/