If you’re not a die-hard shooting fan, you might not have heard of Swapnil Kusale before his bronze medal win at the Olympics. The 28-year-old shooter made his debut at the 2024 Paris Olympics and won the coveted bronze in the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions. This was surprising not just for him but for all of India, as he was never considered a top contender for the medal.
Many were expecting medals from Manu Bhaker, as she has been one of India’s top shooters in the past. She has won numerous medals in the ISSF World Cup and World Championships for India. However, Swapnil Kusale was not on the list of medal hopefuls. If you asked any veteran shooter, they likely wouldn’t have mentioned his name, as Aishwarya Pratap Singh Tomar was always considered a stronger medal prospect.
While many were speculating about a medal from the 23rd-ranked Aishwarya Pratap Singh Tomar, who had won medals at the Asian Games, it was the 62nd-ranked Kusale who surprised everyone.
The ticket to Paris
India secured two quotas for the 50m Air Rifle position, but few speculated that Swapnil would make it to the Olympics. It was almost finalized that Olympian Aishwarya Pratap Singh Tomar, who had won four medals at the Hangzhou Asian Games, would advance. However, the second spot went to Swapnil Kusale. Swapnil dominated the trials and secured India’s ticket to the Paris Olympics.
The qualifying round
In the qualifying round, Swapnil Kusale exceeded expectations by securing a spot in the finals. He finished in 7th place with 590 points. In contrast, Aishwarya Pratap Singh did not qualify for the finals, finishing 11th in the Men’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions with 589 points.
A surprising victory for India
Swapnil Kusale has etched his name in Indian sporting history by clinching the bronze medal in the men’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions event at the Paris Olympics. To be honest, it was an unexpected win for India. This story will inspire every athlete to maintain hope and believe in themselves.
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