Swapnil Kusale: India’s First Olympic Medalist in 50m Rifle Shooting

Swapnil Kusale, a 29-year-old Indian shooting athlete, made history by winning his first Olympic medal for India in the 50m rifle shooting event at Paris Olympics 2024. Swapnil Kusale finished with 451.4 points in the finals, securing a bronze medal and showcasing his exceptional skills and dedication to the sport. This achievement marked the first-ever Olympic medal for India in this event, making it a significant milestone for the nation’s Olympic journey. His success brought immense pride to the country and inspired countless aspiring shooters across India to aim higher and dream bigger.

 

Early Life and Background

Swapnil Kusale was born on July 6, 1995, in Kambalwadi village in the Kolhapur District of Maharashtra. Known for its organic farming practices and alcohol-free environment, his village provided a unique upbringing. Swapnil’s father, Suresh Kusale, a school teacher, recognised his potential early on and enrolled him in Krida Prabodhini, the Maharashtra government’s premier sports program. His mother, Anita Kusale, now the village sarpanch, also supported him in his endeavours.

At the age of 10, Swapnil moved into a government residential facility where he began learning shooting as part of a government scheme. After a year of intense training, he chose shooting as his sport, determined to make a name for himself. Later, he became a ticket collector in Pune, which allowed him to save enough money—around ₹3 lakh—to buy his first rifle. He saved six months of his salary to purchase the rifle, which became his tool for practice and the foundation for his shooting career.

 

Swapnil Kusale: Personal Information

Full Name	Swapnil Kusale
Father Name	Suresh Kusale
Mother Name	Anita Kusale
Date of Birth	July 6, 1995
Place of Brith	Kambalwadi village in the Kolhapur District
Height	5’9’’
Age	29
Education	Krida Prabodhini Sports program
Networth	30 Lakh
Occupation	TTE and Indian shooting Athlete

 

Journey to Olympic Success

Swapnil Kusale’s journey to Olympic success is a story of determination, hard work, and relentless pursuit of excellence. His shooting career began at a young age when he was enrolled in Krida Prabodhini, Maharashtra’s premier sports program. Under the guidance of expert coaches, Swapnil honed his skills and quickly made a name for himself in the shooting circuit. In 2015, Swapnil won gold in the 50m rifle-prone event in the junior category at the Asian Shooting Championships in Kuwait. That same year, he also claimed victory at the 59th National Shooting Championship in Tughlakabad, defeating renowned shooters like Gagan Narang and Chain Singh in the 50m rifle-prone event.

In October 2022, Swapnil earned an Olympic quota for India in the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions event with a fourth-place finish at the ISSF World Shooting Championships in Cairo. By May 2024, after successful trials in Delhi and Bhopal, he was selected for the Indian Olympic team in the 50m rifle 3 positions event.

The reaction to Swapnil Kusale’s success was overwhelming. Coaches, fellow athletes, and fans celebrated his achievement, recognising the significance of his win for Indian sports. After his Olympic triumph, Swapnil expressed his gratitude to his mind coach, Vaibhav Agashe, and his coach of over 12 years, Deepali Deshpande, a former shooter. For his contribution to Indian shooting sports, the Indian Rifle Association awarded an impressive cash price of 30 lakh rupees to Swapnil Kusale along with Manu Bhake and Sarabjot Singh at ITC Mayur Hotel Delhi. 

 

Swapnil Kusale Achivements

Swapnil Kusale has achieved remarkable success in the world of shooting, establishing himself as one of India’s top athletes. His journey began with a gold medal in the junior category at the 2015 Asian Shooting Championships and culminated with an Olympic medal in 2024. After winning the bronze medal at the Paris Summer Olympics in 2024, Swapnil reflected on his achievement in an interview: “I have a lot of emotions right now. This medal means a lot. It is not gold, but I am pleased I got a medal. To get an Olympic medal is a dream.”

 

Paris Olympics 2024	Bronze Medal
World Championship 2022	Bronze Medal
Worldcup 2021	Gold Medal
Asian Games 2022	Gold Medal
Asian Shooting Championships 2023	Silver Medal
Asian Rifle/Pistol Championships 2024	Gold Medal
Asian Rifle/Pistol Championships 2024	Bronze Medal

 

Swapnil Kusale Future Aspirations

Swapnil Kusale, who joined Indian Railways as a TTE (Ticket Examiner) in 2015 alongside his shooting career, had been requesting a promotion for a long time. After winning the bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, he received a double promotion and was appointed as an Officer on Special Duty.

In an interview following his Olympic victory, Swapnil expressed his unfulfilled ambition: “I wanted to clinch the gold medal. That was the only thing on my mind. That dream is still unfulfilled, and now my sole goal is to achieve it. I’m working towards it. I didn’t feel like celebrating my bronze medal win. There’s just one photo of mine from that day where I’m smiling. The spectators, the support staff, everyone was thrilled, but I felt I needed to make them even happier by winning gold,” he added.

Swapnil Kusale’s rise in the sport saw him achieving gold medals at the 2015 Asian Shooting Championships and the 2022 Asian Games, culminating in a historic bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, making him the first Indian to medal in the 50m rifle 3 positions event. Despite his achievements, Kusale remains focused on his goal of winning gold and continues to inspire aspiring athletes across India. His recent promotion to Officer on Special Duty reflects his dual success in sports and his professional career, highlighting his ongoing dedication and contribution to both fields.

 

Read More: Biographies and success stories of business leaders, celebrities, healthcare professionals, etc. at Leader Biography