In a historic achievement for Indian sports, shooter Swapnil Kusale clinched the bronze medal in the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions final at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This milestone marks India’s first-ever Olympic medal in this specific event and adds to the nation’s illustrious record in rifle shooting.
1. A Momentous Victory for India
Swapnil Kusale’s bronze medal is a remarkable accomplishment that not only makes history as the first Olympic medal in the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions event for India but also adds a third medal to India’s tally in rifle shooting at the Olympics.
His achievement follows in the footsteps of legends like Abhinav Bindra, who won gold in the men’s 10m air rifle at Beijing 2008, and Gagan Narang, who secured bronze in the same event at London 2012.
Bronze Medal in 50m Rifle 3 Positions: This is India’s first Olympic medal in this event.
Previous Medals in Rifle Shooting:
Abhinav Bindra: Gold in men’s 10m air rifle (Beijing 2008).
Gagan Narang: Bronze in men’s 10m air rifle (London 2012).
2. Medal Winners in Men’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions at Paris 2024
The competition was intense, with some of the world’s best shooters vying for the top spot.
Here’s a look at the medal winners in this event:
Gold: Liu Yukun (China) – 463.6 points
Silver: Serhiy Kulish (Ukraine) – 461.3 points
Bronze: Swapnil Kusale (India) – 451.4 points
Kusale’s performance in the final was nothing short of extraordinary, as he held his nerve to secure a place on the podium against formidable opponents.
3. Path to the Finals
- Swapnil Kusale’s journey to the bronze medal was marked by consistent performance and determination.
- He qualified for the eight-man final by finishing seventh in the qualifiers with a solid score of 590 points.
Qualification
: Kusale finished seventh with 590 points in the qualifiers.
Fellow Competitor
: Aishwarya Pratap Singh Tomar, another Indian shooter, missed the cut, finishing 11th in the qualifiers.
4. India’s Overall Performance in Shooting at Paris 2024
- The Paris 2024 Olympics proved to be a successful outing for Indian shooters, with the country securing three medals in shooting events.
- Alongside Swapnil Kusale’s bronze, India’s other shooting achievements include:
Manu Bhaker: Bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol individual event.
Manu Bhaker & Sarabjot Singh: Bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event.
- These victories underscore India’s growing prowess in shooting sports, a discipline where the nation has increasingly made its mark on the global stage.5. Additional Competitions: Women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions
- India also had strong representations in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions event. Although no medals were won, the performances were commendable:
Anjum Moudgil
: Finished 18th in the qualifiers with a score of 584.
Sift Kaur Samra
: Finished 31st in the qualifiers with a score of 575.
6. Conclusion: A Bright Future for Indian Shooting
- Swapnil Kusale’s historic bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympics is a testament to his skill, determination, and the bright future of Indian shooting on the world stage.
- His achievement not only enriches India’s Olympic history but also serves as an inspiration for future athletes.
- With continued support and training, India is poised to achieve even greater success in shooting at future international competitions.
- For those preparing for competitive exams or following India’s Olympic journey, this achievement is a reminder of the importance of dedication, hard work, and the ability to perform under pressure.
- Swapnil Kusale’s success will undoubtedly be a case study in perseverance and excellence in Indian sports.
Takeaway: - Swapnil Kusale’s bronze in the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions is not just a medal; it’s a symbol of India’s growing stature in Olympic shooting sports.
- Keep this achievement in mind as you prepare for exams or engage in discussions about India’s sports legacy.
