Pune Welcomes Bronze Hero Swapnil Kusale, Kolhapur Marks a New Chapter in Olympic History
Pune: Kolhapur’s Swapnil Kusale has etched his name in history by clinching the bronze medal in the men’s 50m rifle three-position shooting at the ongoing Olympic Games. This is the first time India has secured a medal in this event, making it a historic achievement. Swapnil’s triumph marks India’s third medal at the current Olympics, earning him widespread acclaim across the nation.
Upon his return to Maharashtra, Swapnil was greeted with a grand welcome in Pune this morning. The celebration began with a procession from Orchid Hotel to the Shooting Range Stadium, accompanied by the rhythmic beating of drums and chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.” The atmosphere was electric as he revisited the Balewadi Stadium, where he honed his shooting skills.
Swapnil’s win also carries a deeper significance for Maharashtra, reminiscent of the state’s last individual Olympic medal from 1952, won by Khashaba Jadhav, also hailing from Kolhapur. Swapnil’s remarkable journey, especially in the final round, fulfilled a long-standing dream for Kolhapur and all of India.
In a fiercely competitive final, Swapnil initially ranked sixth among the eight finalists. Each shooter had 40 shots, with eliminations after each round. As the competition intensified, Swapnil’s performance in the standing shots propelled him to third place, securing his bronze medal. With five contestants remaining, Swapnil’s podium finish was assured as the contest neared its conclusion. Ukraine’s shooter took the gold, China claimed silver, and Swapnil Kusale proudly brought home the bronze for India.
