'Stayed Away from Social Media!': Swapnil Kusale Says Paris Olympics Preparations Took Priority Over Outside Noise for 7-8 Months

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As Swapnil Kusale prepares to return home from the Paris Olympics and he can, and must expect a hero's welcome. After all, he didn't just win a bronze medal but also became the first Indian to win a medal in the challenging 50m Rifle 3 Position event.

However, before the Olympics, the spotlight was on established names like Manu Bhaker, who were considered strong medal contenders. Kusale, however, flew under the radar.

Adding to that, the Indian shooting team had been under intense scrutiny for some time now after underwhelming performances in the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Olympics. All that changed when Manu Bhaker won two bronze medals -- including a mixed team with Sarabjot Singh.

However, doubts soon crept in regarding the quality of the rest of the pack when several of the shooters narrowly missed the medal, making fans rewind the near misses at the last two Olympics and the hue cry that followed. Kusale's medal soon changed that perception to a shooting team success, re-establishing the faith in this current crop of young shooters.

Swapnil Kusale shared his thoughts on his journey and triumph. "I don't know what they were saying in the media or what the people were saying in general for the shooting team because I have detached myself from social media for the last seven-eight months," he said. "My psychologist suggested I should cut down on such habits and focus on my training."

Despite his bronze medal win, Kusale remains driven. "The way I worked hard, I thought I would bring something big for the country. In the last match, I tried my best but I will work harder to come back next time and do better. I am happy for now because it's better to have something than nothing."

Kusale credits his mental and strength conditioning coach for his strong preparation. "Preparing for the tournament, I had the help of my mental trainer, who told me every day is a new day. We have to perform as per the new day.

"Whatever we have done before is in the past and the new day comes with a set of new challenges and we have to focus on them and find our way through it. That's why the final was a new day for me after giving my best with all of my focus in the qualification round."

The support from the Sports Authority of India's Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) was also crucial. "TOPS plays a big role in nurturing athletes like us. I came up through the development quota, which helped me develop in my junior days through financial support, including shooting equipment and gear.

"They also provided for my travel to various competitions. I am thankful to the Government of India and the Sports Authority of India for supporting me and helping me win a medal for India."

Kusale also expressed deep gratitude to his coach before signing off, Deepali Deshpande. "Deepali Deshpande is like a second mother to me. I started shooting in 2009 and she taught me from 2012 onwards. I am really thankful to her for making me someone who could become an Olympic medallist.