Swapnil Kusale Shoots Paris 2024 Bronze: How MS Dhoni's Spirit Fueled Railway Man's Olympic Dream

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Swapnil Kusale from Kolhapur, Maharashtra, made history by clinching a bronze medal in the 50m rifle three position final at the Paris Olympics on Thursday (Aug 1). Kusale secured third place with a total of 451.4 points, adding another medal to India's tally.

On an empty stomach and with his heart racing, Indian shooter Swapnil Kusale kept his composure to stage a remarkable comeback and help the country claim its first-ever Olympic bronze in the 50m rifle 3 positions event.

Kusale shot an aggregate of 451.4 in the eight-shooter final to finish third after being placed sixth at one stage. It took the country's overall tally to three, all bronze in shooting, at the Paris Games.

His medal comes following the stunning performance of Manu Bhaker, who clinched the women's 10m air pistol and mixed team 10m air pistol bronze alongside Sarabjot Singh.

"I did not eat anything, was feeling the butterflies (in my stomach). Just had black tea and came here. The night before every match, I just pray to God," Kusale said after his unprecedented achievement.

"Today the heartbeat was on the higher side. I just tried to control my breathing and did not try anything different. Everyone is more or less the same at this level," he added.

Kusale, whose father and brother are teachers in a district school and his mother the sarpanch of Kambalwadi village near Kolhapur in Maharashtra, finished behind China's Yukun Liu (463.6) and Ukraine's Serhiy Kulish (461.3).

The last time a 50m rifle shooter made it to the Olympic finals was in 2012 London when Joydeep Karmakar finished fourth in the 50m rifle prone event, which has been discontinued at the Olympics.

India's Historic Achievement in Shooting

This marks India's first Olympic medal in the 2024 Games, with all three medals won so far coming in shooting. This achievement sets a new record for India in the sport.

Kusale, aged 29, hails from Kambalwadi village in Kolhapur and has been competing internationally since 2012. Despite his long career, it took him 12 years to make his Olympic debut.

Inspiration from Mahendra Singh Dhoni

In 2015, he became a ticket collector for the Indian Railways in Pune, which helped him buy his first rifle.

Swapnil Kusale often watched the film based on Dhoni's life to maintain his composure. "I admire MS 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 once said.

He said, "I don't follow any particular player in shooting, but Dhoni is my favourite in other sports."

Support from Family and Role Models

Reflecting on his journey, Kusale expressed satisfaction with his experiences so far. "I love shooting and I'm so glad I was able to do it for so long," he said. He also mentioned how seeing Manu Bhaker win boosted his confidence, believing that if she could win, so could others.

The Indian athlete's dedication and perseverance have finally paid off with this significant achievement at the Paris Olympics.

Swapnil Kusale's journey from a ticket collector to an Olympic medallist is an inspiration to many, embodying the spirit of dedication and resilience. His story will undoubtedly encourage future generations of Indian shooters and athletes.