Swapnil Kusale, born on August 6, 1995, in Pune, India, hails from an agricultural family. His journey into the world of shooting began in 2009 when his father enrolled him in Maharashtra’s Krida Prabhodini, a primary sports training program. Kusale’s talent was quickly recognized, and he decided to pursue shooting seriously.
Breaking Through: Initial Achievements
Kusale’s dedication to the sport bore fruit early in his career. By 2013, he secured sponsorship from Lakshya Sports, enabling him to focus entirely on his training and competitions. One of his significant early achievements came in 2015 when he won gold in the 50m rifle prone 3 event at the Asian Shooting Championships in Kuwait. He also clinched the 59th National Shooting Championship in Tughlakabad, surpassing renowned shooters like Gagan Narang and Chain Singh.
Consistent Success: National and International Glory
Kusale continued to build on his success with another gold medal at the 61st National Championship in Thiruvananthapuram in the 50m rifle 3-position event. His international accomplishments include a 4th place finish at the 2022 World Championship in Cairo, which earned him an Olympic quota place for India. He also secured gold in the team event at the 2022 Asian Games and won the mixed team event at the 2023 World Cup in Baku, along with two silver medals in individual and team events.
Road to Paris: Olympic Qualification and Performance
At the Paris Olympics, Kusale showcased his exceptional skill in the Men’s Rifle 50m 3-Positions event. During the qualification round, he scored 590 points from 60 shots, including 38 inner 10s, placing him among the top eight shooters. His performance included scores of 99 in the kneeling position, 98 and 99 in the prone position, and 98 and 97 in the standing position.
Support and Sponsorship: Driving His Success
Kusale’s journey has been supported by significant financial backing through the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), which provided Rs. 17,58,557 for his training and equipment. Additionally, his success has been bolstered by the Procurement of Ammunition program and domestic training with a personal coach.
Looking Ahead: The Final Challenge
As Kusale heads into the final of the Men’s Rifle 50m 3-Positions event, his journey from a promising young shooter in Pune to a leading contender at the Paris Olympics highlights his exceptional skill, dedication, and the comprehensive support he has received throughout his career. His story is not just about individual talent but also about the importance of structured support in achieving sporting excellence.
