Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis, Aaditya Thackeray Hail Swapnil Kusale for Bringing Home Bronze at Paris Olympics

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde congratulated shooter Swapnil Kusale for clinching an Olympic bronze medal in the 50m rifle 3 positions event, emphasizing that Kusale has made the country proud. Shinde highlighted that Kusale’s achievement is a matter of pride for Maharashtra and extended his best wishes for the shooter’s future endeavours in sports.

Kusale’s bronze medal is historic as it marks the first-ever Olympic bronze for India in the 50m rifle 3 positions event, bringing the country’s medal tally at the ongoing Paris Games to three, all in shooting events. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who also heads the Maharashtra Olympic Association, expressed that Kusale, hailing from Kolhapur district, had fulfilled Maharashtra’s dreams. Pawar recounted Kusale’s journey from a TTE in Railways to an Olympic medalist, applauding his determination and hard work.

Pawar extended heartfelt congratulations, stating, “Congratulations to our very own Kolhapur boy on bringing glory to the country by winning a bronze medal in the 50m air rifle shooting. I salute his determination and hard work. May you continue to shine and keep making Kolhapur and the whole of India proud.” He noted that Kusale’s individual medal is the second from the state after legendary wrestler Khashaba Jadhav, and that Kusale has significantly enhanced Maharashtra’s pride.

Reflecting on Kusale’s inspiring journey, Pawar mentioned that the shooter has brought new energy to the sports field and made both India and Maharashtra proud. Kusale, who started his sports training in seventh grade and practised at Bhonsala Military School, has shown tremendous willpower, determination, and persistence. This has elevated Maharashtra’s stature internationally, Pawar added, while praising Kusale for bringing honour to his parents, Kolhapur, and the Maharashtrian community with his efforts. Kusale had previously won a team gold in the 2022 Asian Games.

Kusale’s remarkable performance at the Paris Olympics was also lauded by former Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who expressed his pride on X, saying, “Congratulations to our Maharashtra’s son, @KusaleSwapnil for this exemplary victory of bringing home the Bronze Medal in the 50m Rifle 3 Positions Men’s Final at the Paris Olympics 2024. Your unwavering dedication and exceptional skill have brought glory to Bharat. Kudos to your hard work! Maharashtra is immensely proud of you.”

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the immense pride Kusale’s achievement brings to the state. Competing in international events since 2012, the 28-year-old Kusale had to wait 12 years to make his Olympic debut at the Paris Games. His medal follows the stunning performances of Manu Bhaker, who clinched the women’s 10m air pistol and mixed team 10m air pistol bronze alongside Sarabjot Singh.