Swapnil Kusale, a railway ticket collector, has made a mark at the Paris Olympics by winning a bronze medal in the 50m rifle 3 positions event. This 28-year-old from Kolhapur, Maharashtra, continued India’s medal streak in shooting and became the fourth Indian to bring home a bronze medal from Paris.
The 50m rifle 3 positions event is a challenging competition that requires shooters to excel in three different positions: kneeling, prone, and standing. Each shooter takes 20 shots in each position. Kusale's performance in this demanding event earned him a place on the Olympic podium.
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Was Kusale inspired by former Indian cricket team captain MS Dhoni?
Kusale draws inspiration from another Indian sports legend, MS Dhoni, who also started his career as a railway ticket collector.
"I admire Dhoni for the person that he is. My sport requires me to be as calm and patient as he is on the field. I also relate to his story as I am a ticket collector like he was," Kusale told PTI.
From Kolhapur to the World Stage
Kusale has been employed with Central Railways since 2015. His father, a school teacher, supported him in his journey by enrolling him in Maharashtra's primary sporting programme. Kusale chose shooting, and this decision set the stage for his future success.
More: Who is Swapnil Kusale? India's latest Olympic medallist shooter from Maharashtra
What are Swapnil Kusale's early achievements?
Before his Olympic triumph, Kusale had already made a name for himself in the shooting world. He won gold in the Asian Games team event in 2022 and narrowly missed a medal in the individual event, finishing fourth. He also won two gold medals and one silver at the 2022 World Cup in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Among Indian shooters, Kusale considers 2012 Olympic bronze medallist Gagan Narang as his hero. Narang's achievements have inspired many young shooters in India, including Kusale.
Swapnil Kusale's journey from a railway ticket collector to an Olympic medallist is a testament to his hard work and dedication.
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