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

Paris. Swapnil Kusale made history by becoming the first Indian shooter to win a medal in the 50m Rifle 3 Position (3P) event at the Olympics. As a part of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), Swapnil recorded an impressive score of 451.4, securing the 3rd place in the final round. This victory marks the third bronze medal for India at the Paris 2024 Olympics, all of which have come from shooting events.

QUALIFICATION ROUND: Swapnil advanced to the final round after finishing 7th in the qualification round with a total score of 590.

Key Government Intervention (Paris cycle)

• Assistance under Procurement of Ammunition
• Domestic training with a Personal Coach

Financial Assistance (Paris cycle)

• Under TOPS: ₹17,58,557
• Under Annual Calendar for Training and Competition (ACTC): ₹1,42,69,647

Achievements

• World Championship, Cairo (2022): Finished 4th, securing an Olympics 2024 quota place for India.
• Asian Games 2022: Gold in the Team event.
• World Cup, Baku (2023): Gold medal in the mixed team event and two silver medals in individual and team events.
• World Championship, Cairo (2022): Bronze medal in the team event.
• World Cup, New Delhi (2021): Gold medal in the team event.

Background Born on August 6, 1995, in Pune, Swapnil Kusale hails from a family with an agricultural background. His journey in sports began in 2009 when his father enrolled him in the Maharashtra government's primary sports program, Krida Prabhodini. After a year of intensive physical training, Swapnil chose shooting as his sport. In 2013, he received sponsorship from Lakshya Sports.

His early achievements include winning gold in the 50m rifle prone 3 position in the junior category at the 2015 Asian Shooting Championships in Kuwait. He also triumphed in the 59th National Shooting Championship held in Tughlakabad, outshining notable shooters like Gagan Narang and Chain Singh in the 50m rifle prone event. He replicated this success in the 61st National Championship in Thiruvananthapuram by winning gold in the 50m rifle 3 position event.

Training Base: Balewadi Stadium, Pune Birthplace: Pune