Swapnil Kusale's Journey From Railway Ticket Collector to Olympic Medalist

Swapnil Kusale, a dedicated athlete with a remarkable journey, made India proud by winning the bronze medal in the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions event at the Paris Olympics 2024. Kusale's bronze came with a total score of 451.4, while China's Yukun Liu clinched gold with 463.6, and Ukraine’s Serhiy Kulish took silver with 461.3. This is his journey.

From Pune to Paris

Born on August 6, 1995, in Pune, Maharashtra, Swapnil Kusale's story is one of grit and perseverance. Coming from an agricultural background, Kusale’s father enrolled him in Maharashtra’s government sports program, ‘Krida Prabodhini,’ at the age of 14. Initially undergoing rigorous physical training, Kusale chose shooting as his sport, and four years later, he found a sponsor in Lakshya Sports.

Early Success and National Recognition

Kusale made his first significant impact at the age of 20, winning gold in the 50m rifle prone event at the 2015 Asian Shooting Championships in Kuwait. His talent continued to shine as he won the 59th National Shooting Championship in Delhi, outperforming established shooters like Gagan Narang and Chail Singh. He replicated this success in the 61st Nationals in Thiruvananthapuram, winning gold in the 50m rifle 3 positions event.

Swapnil Kusale’s journey mirrors that of former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni, who also began his career as a railway ticket collector. Kusale, currently employed in the same profession, admires Dhoni’s calm demeanour and resilience. “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 shared in an interview with Press Trust of India.

Government Support and Training

Kusale's training at the Balewadi Stadium in Pune has been supported by the Sports Ministry through the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). This support includes assistance with ammunition procurement and the assignment of a personal coach. Additionally, Kusale received financial assistance of Rs 17.58 lakh from TOPS and Rs 1,42,69,647 under the Annual Calendar for Training and Competition (ACTC) scheme.

Achievements on the Global Stage

His notable achievements include:

• World Championship, Cairo (2022): Finished 4th, securing an Olympics 2024 quota place for India.
• Asian Games (2022): Gold in the team event.
• World Cup, Baku (2023): Gold in the mixed team event, two silver medals in individual and team events.
• World Championship, Cairo (2022): Bronze medal in the team event.
• World Cup, New Delhi (2021): Gold in the team event.

A Family's Pride and Sacrifice

Swapnil's journey from a village near Maharashtra's Kolhapur to the Olympic podium is a testament to his family's support and his unwavering determination. His father, a district school teacher, and his mother, the sarpanch of Kambalwadi village, have always been his pillars of strength. Swapnil's father shared with the Indian Express, “He rarely gets time to visit us at the village but whenever he comes, he makes sure to bring something for all of us. To see him coming home with an Olympic medal this time will be indeed a special moment for all of us.”

Kusale's journey reflects the virtues of patience and perseverance. Despite competing in international events since 2012, he had to wait for 12 more years to make his Olympic debut. His story is a powerful reminder of what it means to chase your dreams relentlessly.