From Kolhapur to Glory: Swapnil Kusale’s Bronze Medal Victory Ignites Celebrations

Thursday’s celebration of Swapnil Kusale’s bronze medal victory in Olympic shooting by his parents and neighborhood “We knew he would make the country proud,” his father Suresh Kusale said, expressing their unflinching belief in his accomplishment.

Speaking with Kolhapur reporters soon after Swapnil’s triumph in Paris, Suresh discussed their attempts to keep Swapnil focused. “We didn’t phone him yesterday to avoid any distractions,” he stated. Swapnil has devoted the past ten years to his sport, usually traveling far from home to improve his abilities. “I was sure he would bring a medal for India,” said Suresh, a teacher in a local school.

Swapnil’s family and friends burst in excitement at their Kolhapur house as he triumphantly raised India’s score to three medals at the Paris Games from the 50m rifle 3 positions event. Anita, his mother, who had been praying just before his victory, started to cry happy tears. The house rang with “Bharat Mata ki Jai.”

Looking back on their path, Suresh said, “We’ve made many sacrifices, but it’s Swapnil’s hard work and determination that paid off today.” He said the family paid about Rs 25 lakh for Swapnil’s training and sincerely thanked his coach, Dipali Deshpande.

Anita, the sarpanch of their hamlet Kambalwadi in Radhanagari tehsil, related Swapnil’s early passion in photography throughout his school years in Sangli. Swapnil’s brother thanked all those who helped and believed in the 28-year-old gunman.

Swapnil, a Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) at the Pune branch of the Central Railway since 2015, is a fan of cricket great MS Dhoni. “I respect Dhoni for his composure and patience—qualities crucial in my field of play,” Swapnil said.