India's Shooters Break Medal Drought at Paris Olympics

India’s Shooters Break Medal Drought at Paris Olympics

India’s shooting contingent has made history at the Paris Olympics, ending a two-decade medal drought with three bronze medals. The performance marks a significant turnaround for the sport in the country, which had failed to win any medals at the previous two Olympics.

The team’s success can be attributed to a comprehensive overhaul of its preparation strategy after the Tokyo Olympics. The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) implemented a system that prioritized athlete-centric training, coach-driven guidance, and administrative support.

Sports science, mental training, strength and conditioning, and nutrition were meticulously incorporated into the program. Beijing Olympics champion Abhinav Bindra was brought in as a mentor to provide motivation and guidance.

The introduction of Olympic selection trials and the removal of bonus points ensured a level playing field for all athletes. This resulted in a highly competitive team that included some of the world’s top shooters.

At the Olympics, India’s shooters displayed remarkable consistency, with multiple athletes qualifying for finals. Manu Bhaker emerged as a star, winning two bronze medals in the air pistol individual and mixed events. Swapnil Kusale also secured a bronze in the 50m rifle three positions.

The team’s success has not only brought glory to India but has also inspired a new generation of shooters. The NRAI’s focus on personal coaches and a positive team environment has fostered a culture of excellence that is likely to drive the growth of the sport in the years to come.

Indian Shooting Contingent Makes History with Three Bronze Medals at Paris Olympics

Indian Shooting Contingent Makes History with Three Bronze Medals at Paris Olympics

The Indian shooting contingent at the ongoing Paris Olympics has made history, surpassing expectations with an unprecedented three Bronze medals. This remarkable achievement marks the best-ever performance by Indian shooters at the Games.

Manu Bhaker, the star of the contingent, secured a historic medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event, becoming the first Indian woman to win a shooting medal at the Olympics. She then teamed up with Sarabjot Singh to win another Bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed-team event, marking India’s first-ever medal in team shooting.

Swapnil Kusale’s stunning bronze medal-winning performance in the 50m Rifle 3 Positions event further added to India’s medal tally. His victory was particularly emotional for former Indian shooter and Olympic medalist Gagan Narang, who recalled competing with Kusale in 2017.

“It is truly emotional to see him reaching this level and achieving his dream of winning an Olympic medal for India, and that too, on the same day when I had won mine in 2012 in London. It almost feels like destiny,” said Narang.

Arjun Babuta also narrowly missed out on a medal in the men’s 10m air rifle event, finishing fourth. Narang expressed his pride in Babuta’s performance, calling it “perhaps the greatest show by Indian shooters in the history of the Games.”

India’s previous best performance in shooting came at the 2012 London Olympics, where Vijay Kumar won a silver in the men’s 25m rapid-fire pistol event and Narang won a bronze in the men’s 10m air rifle event.

The contingent’s success in Paris is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the shooters and their coaches. It is also a source of pride for India, showcasing the country’s growing prowess in the sport.

Swapnil Kusale Wins Historic Bronze in Shooting at Paris Olympics

Swapnil Kusale Wins Historic Bronze in Shooting at Paris Olympics

Swapnil Kusale etched his name in Indian sporting history by securing a historic bronze medal in shooting at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Despite the pressure of the grand stage, Kusale displayed nerves of steel and staged a remarkable comeback to finish on the podium. His aggregate score of 451.4 in the eight-shooter final propelled India to 42nd place in the medal standings.

India’s medal hopes took a hit on Day 7 as badminton stars PV Sindhu, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, and Chirag Shetty bowed out of the competition. Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medalist, was defeated by China’s He Bingjiao in the women’s singles pre-quarterfinals. Satwik and Chirag’s Olympic dream also ended in disappointment after a three-game loss in the men’s doubles quarterfinals.

However, India’s medal tally could receive a boost on Friday as Manu Bhaker continues her impressive run in the women’s 25m pistol qualification alongside Esha Singh. Bhaker, a two-time bronze medalist at the Paris Games, is aiming for a medal hat-trick.

Lakshya Sen kept India’s badminton hopes alive by advancing to the quarterfinals after defeating compatriot HS Prannoy in an all-Indian clash. Sen, the reigning Commonwealth Games champion, will face 12th seed Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei in the next round.

Other Indian athletes in action on Day 7 include Shubhankar Sharma and Ganganjeet Bhullar in golf, Anantjeet Singh Naruka in men’s skeet qualification, and Ankita Dhyani, Parul Chaudhary, and Tajinderpal Singh Toor in athletics.

India’s men’s hockey team, led by Harmanpreet Singh, will face Australia in their final pool match after losing 1-2 to defending champions Belgium.

Swapnil Kusale's Olympic Dream Fulfilled with Bronze in 50m 3P

Swapnil Kusale’s Olympic Dream Fulfilled with Bronze in 50m 3P

Swapnil Kusale’s journey to Olympic glory began in the humble village of Kambalwadi, Kolhapur. Inspired by Abhinav Bindra’s Olympic triumph, he enrolled in the Krida Prabodhini sports program, where he honed his shooting skills.

His friendship with Akshay Ashtraputre, a fellow shooter, provided unwavering support. Together, they shared the Olympic dream, symbolized by the golden rings they wore during selection trials.

Kusale’s talent was evident from an early age. He excelled in the 50m three positions event, requiring precision shooting from kneeling, prone, and standing positions. His coach, Deepali Deshpande, recalls his dedication and love for the sport.

In 2014, Kusale became Asian junior champion, marking his arrival on the international stage. He competed against seasoned shooters like Gagan Narang and Chain Singh at the Senior National Championships in 2015.

Despite missing out on a berth at the Tokyo Olympics, Kusale remained determined. He joined the Railways and continued his rigorous training regimen. His focus on the standing position, where he had faced setbacks in previous competitions, paid off.

With the support of sports psychologist Vaibhav Agashe, Kusale strengthened his mental conditioning. He overcame the tense moments in the final, securing a bronze medal with a crucial 10.5 in his 41st shot.

Kambalwadi erupted in celebration as Kusale’s triumph brought pride to his village. His mother, Anita Kusale, attributed his success to his unwavering determination and years of hard work.

Swapnil Kusale's Bronze Medal Brings Glory to India and His Family

Swapnil Kusale’s Bronze Medal Brings Glory to India and His Family

Swapnil Kusale’s parents expressed their unwavering belief in their son’s ability to secure a medal for India at the Paris Games. Suresh Kusale, Swapnil’s father, stated that they had refrained from contacting him the day before the event to avoid any distractions. He emphasized Swapnil’s dedication and focus over the past decade, expressing confidence that he would not disappoint the nation.

As Swapnil clinched the bronze medal in the 50m rifle 3 positions event, his family and friends erupted in jubilation at their home in Kolhapur. His mother, Anita, who had been praying moments before, was overcome with emotion. The atmosphere was filled with chants of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” as they celebrated Swapnil’s triumph.

Suresh Kusale acknowledged the sacrifices and efforts made by the family over the years, but attributed Swapnil’s success to his hard work and determination. He also expressed gratitude to Swapnil’s coach, Dipali Deshpande, for her guidance and support.

Anita Kusale shared that Swapnil hails from Kambalwadi village in Kolhapur district and developed a passion for shooting while in Sangli. He later pursued further training in Nashik. Swapnil’s brother expressed his appreciation for the support and belief shown by the nation in the 28-year-old shooter.

Swapnil’s medal adds to India’s tally of three at the Paris Games, following Manu Bhaker’s bronze medals in the women’s 10m air pistol and mixed team 10m air pistol alongside Sarabjot Singh. Despite finishing seventh in the qualification round, Swapnil’s calm and patient approach, inspired by cricket icon MS Dhoni, helped him secure a podium finish.

Swapnil Kusale Wins Historic Bronze in Men's 50m Rifle 3P at Paris Olympics

Swapnil Kusale Wins Historic Bronze in Men’s 50m Rifle 3P at Paris Olympics

Swapnil Kusale’s historic bronze medal at the Paris Olympics has ignited a wave of joy and pride across India. The shooter’s triumph marks a significant milestone for Indian shooting, as he became the first Indian to secure a medal in the men’s 50m rifle 3P event.

Kusale’s journey to the podium was a testament to his unwavering determination and relentless hard work. His former coach, Vishwajeet Shinde, hailed his victory as a testament to his dedication and the culmination of years of effort.

In the qualification round, Kusale displayed his exceptional skills, finishing seventh with a score of 590-38x. This impressive performance earned him a spot in the final, where he faced off against the world’s best shooters.

In the final, Kusale maintained his composure and executed his shots with precision. He finished in third place with an aggregate of 451.4, securing India’s third overall medal in shooting at the Paris Olympics.

Kusale’s victory is not only a personal triumph but also a source of inspiration for aspiring shooters across the country. It demonstrates that with hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief, anything is possible.

The Paris Olympics has been a stage for redemption for Indian shooters. Manu Bhaker, who faced a heartbreaking malfunction in her pistol at the Tokyo Olympics, made history by becoming the first Indian woman in 20 years to reach a shooting final in an individual event.

Bhaker’s bronze medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event opened India’s account at the Paris Olympics. She and Sarabjot Singh went on to secure another bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event.

These achievements underscore the growing strength and depth of Indian shooting. With talented shooters like Kusale and Bhaker leading the way, India can look forward to continued success on the international stage.

Swapnil Kusale Qualifies for 50m Rifle Three Positions Final at Paris Olympics

Swapnil Kusale Qualifies for 50m Rifle Three Positions Final at Paris Olympics

Swapnil Kusale, a 28-year-old Indian shooter, has qualified for the final of the 50m rifle three positions event at the Paris Olympics. This is his second major final after the 2022 World Championships, where he finished fourth.

Kusale’s qualification score of 590 included 38 hits to the inner ring, demonstrating his accuracy and consistency. He will be hoping to break the jinx of finishing fourth in major competitions and secure a medal for India.

The rifle three positions event tests the endurance and technique of shooters, requiring them to shoot from kneeling, prone, and standing positions. Kusale has worked on his game since his disappointing performance at the World Championships and Asian Games, focusing on developing a strong mind and maintaining confidence.

His coach, Deepali Deshpande, praised Kusale’s accuracy and patience during the qualification round. She believes that his maturity and ability to handle pressure will serve him well in the final.

Kusale’s qualification for the final is a testament to his hard work and determination. He has come a long way since winning his first senior national title in 2015 and has consistently performed at the international level.

Swapnil Kusale, India's First Shooter in 50m Rifle Three Positions Final, Draws Inspiration from M.S. Dhoni

Swapnil Kusale, India’s First Shooter in 50m Rifle Three Positions Final, Draws Inspiration from M.S. Dhoni

Swapnil Kusale, the first Indian shooter to reach the 50m rifle three positions final at the Olympics, draws inspiration from M S Dhoni. Like Dhoni, Kusale is also a railway ticket collector. The 29-year-old from Maharashtra has been competing in international events since 2012 but had to wait 12 years to make his Olympics debut.

Kusale relates to Dhoni’s calm and patient demeanor, which are essential qualities for a shooter. He has watched Dhoni’s biopic multiple times and hopes to emulate his achievements. A top-three finish in the 50m rifle three positions final would certainly elevate Kusale’s status in Indian sport.

“I admire Dhoni for the person that he is,” Kusale said. “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 has been working for Central Railways since 2015. He qualified for the final with a score of 590, the most inner 10s among the three shooters who shot the same score.

Kusale’s family has also been a source of inspiration. His father and brother are teachers, while his mother is the sarpanch of their village.

Aishwary Pratap Tomar, another Indian shooter, finished 11th in the qualification round.

National coach Manoj Kumar Ohlyan is optimistic about Kusale’s chances in the final. “He is in a good frame of mind,” Ohlyan said. “We are hoping for the best. We just want him to perform the way he did today. He was patient. He is good technically and physically.”

Kusale’s journey to the Olympics has been a long one, but he is now on the cusp of making history. With his calm demeanor and unwavering determination, he has the potential to become one of India’s most successful shooters.

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