Paris: Chateauroux, the venue for shooting events in the Paris Olympics, is becoming a memorable location for the Indian contingent. Swapnil Kusale, a 28-year-old shooter, added a third medal to India’s tally by winning a bronze in the 50m rifle 3 positions event on Thursday.
In the challenging event, which includes kneeling, prone, and standing positions fired in sequence, Kusale maintained a steady performance throughout the final. Positioned in the middle of the table, he capitalized on his opportunities to secure the bronze medal.
China’s Liu Yukun claimed the gold medal, while Ukraine’s Serhiy Kulish took the silver. This bronze marks India’s third medal in the Paris Olympics, following victories in the women’s 10m air pistol and mixed 10m air pistol events.
Hailing from a modest family background in Kolhapur district, Kusale credits his family for his success.
“I cannot thank my family enough for supporting me. They had faith in me even though shooting was new for all of us. My father believed I had to pursue this. At one point, I didn’t have my own rifle, so he took a loan to get one for me,” Kusale shared with The New Indian Express before the start of the Games.
