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

Swapnil Kusale Won Bronze Medal in Men’s Rifle 50m 3P at Paris 2024 Olympics

Swapnil Kusale made history by clinching India’s third medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics in the Men’s Rifle 50m 3P event.

India’s shooting contingent has scripted history at the Paris 2024 Olympics. After a 12-year drought of Olympic shooting medals, the country has clinched an impressive three medals at this edition. This phenomenal achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence by Indian shooters. Their triumph has not only filled the nation with pride but has also inspired millions to dream big and aim high

Kusale showcased exceptional accuracy and mental fortitude to secure the bronze medal, overcoming stiff competition from top shooters worldwide.

The medals awarded in the Men’s Shooting Individual 50m Rifle 3 Positions at the Paris 2024 Olympics underscore the global talent in shooting sports. Liu Yukun’s gold, Serhiy Kulish’s silver, and Swapnil Kusale’s bronze reflect the intense competition and skill that define this prestigious event.

Medal Winners

  • Gold Medal: Liu Yukun (China)
  • Silver Medal: Serhiy Kulish (Ukraine)
  • Bronze Medal: Swapnil Kusale (India)

The 50m Rifle 3 Positions event is one of the most challenging shooting disciplines, requiring athletes to transition smoothly between three different shooting positions while maintaining accuracy. The competition at Paris 2024 showcased the highest level of marksmanship and strategy, with Liu Yukun, Serhiy Kulish, and Swapnil Kusale standing out for their exceptional performances.

https://globalbuzznetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Swapnil-Bronze-medal.mp4

KNOW YOUR OLYMPION

Swapnil Kusale, a 28-year-old shooter from Pune, India, achieved his first major success at the 2023 Asian Games, winning gold in the Men’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions Team event and setting a world record.

Born to a village school teacher, Lakshya faced financial difficulties early in his shooting career. He had to manage his training with limited resources and carefully consider every shot due to the high cost of bullets. However, Lakshya’s talent was recognized, and with support from Lakshya Sports (a non-profit organization) and the Indian Railways, he was able to continue his journey and achieve success at the national and international level.

Personal Information

AttributeDetails
NameSwapnil Kusale
GenderMale
Date of Birth06.08.1995
Age28 years
Place of ResidencePune, India
Residence CountryIndia
OccupationAthlete
Current EmployerIndian Railways (Ticket Examiner, Pune Division)

Awards

  • Award: Received the Shiv Chhatrapati Award at the Shiv Chhatrapati State Sports Awards in Maharashtra, India (2016/17).
AttributeDetails
Sports/DisciplineShooting
EventMen’s Rifle 3 Positions
World Ranking62 (Men’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions)
First Olympic GamesParis 2024
Major AchievementsAsian Games 2023: Gold (Men’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions Team), World Cup 2022, Baku: 1 Gold, 2 Silver

Career Highlights

  • Occupation: Railway ticket examiner.
  • Club name: Central Railway (IND).
  • Start: In 2009.
  • First-time Olympian: Secured a Paris 2024 quota place by coming fourth in the 50m rifle 3 positions at the 2022 World Championship in Cairo, Egypt.

Competition History

  • Memorable: Competing against Olympic medallist Gagan Narang (IND).
  • Gold medallist in the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions team at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games (held in 2023). The Indian team of Kusale, Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar and Akhil Sheoran set a world record 1769 points as they took the title.
  • Three-time medallist at the 2022 World Cup in Baku, Azerbaijan (one gold, two silver).

Background

  • Languages Spoken: English, Hindi.
  • Coach:
    • National: Thomas Farnik (AUT).
    • Personal: Deepali Deshpande (IND).
  • Hand: Right hand.
  • Reason: His father enrolled him into the Mahrashtra government’s primary sporting programme and he had to choose one sport. He decided to take up shooting.
  • Hero: Shooter Gagan Narang (IND), 2012 Olympic air rifle bronze medallist, four-time Olympian (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016), 2010 World Championships bronze medallist.

Social Media:

Also read- “Dual Medals -India’s Olympic Journey 1900 to 2024: From Pritchard to Manu Bhaker”

Swapnil Kusale

https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/athlete/swapnil-kusale_1538084

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India’s Medal Winners at Paris Olympics 2024

The Paris Olympics 2024 was a proud moment for India, showcasing the skill and determination of its athletes. The country’s medal tally saw a boost with impressive performances in different sports.

From the shooting range to other events, Indian athletes made a strong impact. The Games were a chance for new stars to shine and for experienced athletes to continue their inspiring performances. As the world looked on, India’s sporting talent was clear, and the nation celebrated its heroes who brought pride and honor to the country.

Manu Bhaker
Manu Bhaker, born on February 18, 2002, in Goria, Haryana, is a leading Indian shooter known for her precision and skill. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, she won bronze in both the women’s 10m air pistol and mixed team 10m air pistol events. Bhaker’s achievements mark her as a trailblazer, making history as the first Indian woman to win two Olympic medals in a single Games.

Sarabjot Singh
Sarabjot Singh, born on September 30, 2001, in Dheen village,Ambala, Haryana, is a prominent Indian shooter. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, he won bronze in the mixed team 10m air pistol event with Manu Bhaker. Singh’s performance, marked by steady and precise shooting, has earned him recognition as a rising star in Indian sports, contributing significantly to the nation’s Olympic success.

Swapnil Kusale Swapnil Kusale born on August 6, 1995, in Pune, Maharashtra, is a rising star in Indian shooting. His exceptional talent and unwavering dedication culminated in a historic bronze medal win at the Paris 2024 Olympics in the Men’s Rifle 50m 3 Positions event.

HOCKEY– In a thrilling encounter, the Indian hockey team clinched the bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The victory marks a historic moment for Indian hockey, as the team showcased exceptional skill, determination, and teamwork throughout the tournament.

Neeraj Chopra– added another feather to his cap by clinching the silver medal in the javelin throw event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Despite facing stiff competition, Chopra displayed exceptional skill and determination, securing a podium finish. While the reigning Olympic champion fell short of defending his title, his silver medal is a testament to his enduring talent and India’s rising stature in athletics. Neeraj Chopra is from Khandra village, Panipat district in the state of Haryana..

Aman Sehrawat – etched his name in India’s sporting history by clinching the bronze medal in wrestling at the Paris Olympics. At just 21, he became the country’s youngest Olympic medalist. His journey to the podium is particularly inspiring as he lost both parents at the tender age of 11.He is from Birohar, Jhajjar district, Haryana, trains at the iconic Chhatrasal Stadium in Delhi. This stadium is renowned for producing multiple Olympic medalists and has been a crucial part of his wrestling journey.

Here is the table for the Paris 2024 Olympics medals tally:

No.AthleteEventSportMedal
1Manu BhakerWomen’s 10m air pistolShootingBronze
2Manu Bhaker-Sarabjot SinghMixed team 10m air pistolShootingBronze
3Swapnil KusaleMen’s 50m rifle 3 positionsShootingBronze
4Team IndiaMen’s eventHockeyBronze
5Neeraj ChopraMen’s javelin throwAthleticsSilver
6Aman SehrawatMen’s freestyle 57kgWrestlingBronze

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Here’s the updated medals tally table with the Paris 2024 Olympics results:

RankCountryGoldSilverBronzeTotal
1USA313936106
2China32252077
3Australia18161448
4France14192255
4Great Britain14192255
64India0156

Manu Bhaker added to this proud history by winning two bronze medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics. She achieved this in both the women’s 10m air pistol event and the mixed 10m air pistol event, becoming the second Indian after Norman Pritchard to win two medals in a single Olympics.

Swapnil Kusale Won Bronze Medal in Men’s Rifle 50m 3P at Paris 2024 Olympics

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://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/medals

Here’s a comprehensive table listing Indian athletes who have won medals at the Summer Olympics, including their respective events, medals, and the Olympics where they won: from 1900 to 2024-

“Dual Medals -India’s Olympic Journey 1900 to 2024: From Pritchard to Manu Bhaker”

AthleteMedalEventOlympics
Manu Bhaker & Sarabjot SinghBronzeShooting, 10m Air Pistol mixed team eventParis 2024
Manu BhakerBronzeShooting, 10m Air PistolParis 2024
Mirabai ChanuSilverWomen’s 49kg weightliftingTokyo 2020
Lovlina BorgohainBronzeWomen’s welterweight boxingTokyo 2020
PV SindhuBronzeWomen’s singles badmintonTokyo 2020
Ravi Kumar DahiyaSilverMen’s 57kg wrestlingTokyo 2020
Indian hockey teamBronzeMen’s hockeyTokyo 2020
Bajrang PuniaBronzeMen’s 65kg wrestlingTokyo 2020
Neeraj ChopraGoldMen’s javelin throwTokyo 2020
PV SindhuSilverWomen’s singles badmintonRio 2016
Sakshi MalikBronzeWomen’s 58kg wrestlingRio 2016
Sushil KumarSilverMen’s 66kg wrestlingLondon 2012
Vijay KumarSilverMen’s 25m rapid pistol shootingLondon 2012
Saina NehwalBronzeWomen’s singles badmintonLondon 2012
Mary KomBronzeWomen’s flyweight boxingLondon 2012
Yogeshwar DuttBronzeMen’s 60kg wrestlingLondon 2012
Gagan NarangBronzeMen’s 10m air rifle shootingLondon 2012
Abhinav BindraGoldMen’s 10m air rifle shootingBeijing 2008
Vijender SinghBronzeMen’s middleweight boxingBeijing 2008
Sushil KumarBronzeMen’s 66kg wrestlingBeijing 2008
Rajyavardhan Singh RathoreSilverMen’s double trap shootingAthens 2004
Karnam MalleswariBronzeWomen’s 54kg weightliftingSydney 2000
Leander PaesBronzeMen’s singles tennisAtlanta 1996
Indian hockey teamGoldMen’s hockeyMoscow 1980
Indian hockey teamBronzeMen’s hockeyMunich 1972
Indian hockey teamBronzeMen’s hockeyMexico City 1968
Indian hockey teamGoldMen’s hockeyTokyo 1964
Indian hockey teamSilverMen’s hockeyRome 1960
Indian hockey teamGoldMen’s hockeyMelbourne 1956
KD JadhavBronzeMen’s bantamweight wrestlingHelsinki 1952
Indian hockey teamGoldMen’s hockeyHelsinki 1952
Indian hockey teamGoldMen’s hockeyLondon 1948
Indian hockey teamGoldMen’s hockeyBerlin 1936
Indian hockey teamGoldMen’s hockeyLos Angeles 1932
Indian hockey teamGoldMen’s hockeyAmsterdam 1928
Norman PritchardSilverMen’s 200mParis 1900
Norman PritchardSilverMen’s 200m hurdlesParis 1900