'I lacked...': Swapnil Kusale Reflects on Factors Contributing to Missing Gold Medal in Olympics

The Indian shooters have excelled at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Swapnil Kusale achieved a bronze medal in the Men's 50m Rifle 3 Position Event on August 1, 2024, during his first participation in the Olympics, following the impressive performances of Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh. The national hero Swapnil Kusale was born in Pune, Maharashtra, on April 6, 1995. He comes from a family with a heritage in agriculture. Kusale's foray into shooting commenced when his father registered him in Maharashtra's sports program, Krida Prabhodini. India has won 6 bronze medals at the Paris Olympics 2024; one came through Swapnil’s sharp shooting skills.

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Swapnil Kusale believes lack of physical fitness prevented him from clinching the gold medal at the Paris Olympics

Recently, Swapnil Kusale—who won a bronze medal in the Men's 50m Rifle 3 Positions at the Paris Olympics 2024—offered analysis on his experience there. With a 451.4 final score, Kusale made history as the first Indian to take home a medal in this category.

Apart from Kusale's accomplishment, India saw its third shooting medal in Paris after the triumph of Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh. When he thought back on his performance, the 29-year-old shooter acknowledged that his lack of physical condition was the reason he missed gold. Kusale still said, nonetheless, his will to solve this problem and his goal is gold in the next contests. Speaking to the ANI, Swapnil Kusale said: 

"I didn't saw any target on the screen board when I was at sixth position. I was just focusing to hit the target. I lacked physical fitness, that is one of the reason I missed onto the gold medal. I will work on this and will try to win it next time around,"

"SAI, TOPS have supported me throughout my journey financially as in my sport the equipment are very expensive. PM Modi interacted with me and applauded me for my performance in the medal match and he said that it was a proud moment as I brought a medal for the country," 

Kusale then thanked the Sports Authority of India for their constant support throughout his career. He also mentioned an appreciation call he got from Prime Minister Modi, who contacted him to praise his medal victory at the Olympics.