When Swapnil Kusale raised his rifle for the final shot at the 2024 Paris Olympics, few outside the Indian shooting community expected a historic moment.
But Kusale, known for his calm demeanor and relentless work ethic, delivered one of Indian shooting’s greatest triumphs—becoming the first Indian to win an Olympic medal in the 50m Rifle 3 Positions event, clinching a well-deserved bronze.
Now, less than a year later, the 25-year-old marksman from Maharashtra returns to the global spotlight as the leader of a 36-member Indian shooting team at the ISSF World Cup in Munich, taking place from June 10 to 14. For Kusale, this is not just another competition; it’s a reaffirmation of his place among the world’s elite marksmen and a significant step toward his next dream—an Olympic gold at Los Angeles 2028.
A Historic Moment in Paris
Kusale’s bronze in Paris marked a turning point for Indian shooting. The 50m Rifle 3 Positions (3P) is considered one of the most technically demanding events in the sport, requiring absolute precision in kneeling, prone, and standing positions. While India has produced Olympic champions in 10m air rifle and air pistol events, no Indian had ever medalled in the 3P category until Kusale’s composed and clinical performance in the French capital.
The medal didn’t just break new ground; it offered a renewed sense of direction for India’s rifle shooters who have long chased that elusive Olympic 3P podium. Kusale’s success came as a reward for years of persistence, often away from the limelight, away from big endorsements, and deep in the trenches of Indian shooting’s domestic circuit.
Road Back to Competition
After Paris, Kusale took a deliberate four-month break from competition to recover mentally and physically. It was a rare pause in an otherwise relentless schedule, but one that he needed. He returned to action in domestic circuits, where the transition from being a medallist to being a contender again wasn’t easy.
He finished third at both the National Championships and the National Games—a strong showing but not enough to earn him an automatic place in the Indian squad for the next two World Cups in Buenos Aires and Lima. The margin of miss at trials was heartbreakingly narrow: in one instance, he was edged out of the top three by just 0.2 points.
It was a stark reminder of how competitive the Indian rifle scene has become. Names like Chain Singh, Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, Niraj Kumar, and Kiran Jadhav all continued to press their case, pushing Kusale to stay sharp.
Return Through Plzen
His real test came at the Grand Prix of Liberation in Plzen, Czech Republic in May 2025—a respected international tournament that has often served as a testing ground for Indian shooters. Kusale responded in style, winning silver with a score of 463.5 in a world-class field, reasserting his form and sending a clear signal to selectors that he was ready.
The performance helped him climb back into the top three of the national rankings and secured his selection for the Munich World Cup. It also affirmed that Kusale’s Olympic medal was not a one-off—it was part of a rising graph of consistency and excellence.
Leading India in Munich
The ISSF World Cup in Munich is the third major rifle and pistol World Cup of the year and serves as a key stop ahead of the World Championships in Cairo scheduled from November 6–18. For Kusale, Munich is an important checkpoint—his first ISSF appearance since Paris and a rare opportunity to measure his current standing on the world stage.
India has sent a strong 36-member squad to Munich, and Kusale leads the men’s 50m Rifle 3P team alongside Chain Singh and Kiran Jadhav, both of whom have earned their places through solid domestic form. The elimination round for the event begins on Tuesday, followed by qualification and the final on Wednesday. World Championships medallist Akhil Sheoran and Niraj Kumar are also in Munich but will compete for ranking points rather than medals, offering more Indian presence in a highly competitive field.
Kusale’s focus, however, remains sharp. The event gives him a chance to test himself against the likes of Sheng Lihao, Istvan Peni, and other global powerhouses in 3P. The competition is not just about medals—it’s about understanding where he stands in an Olympic cycle and how he can build toward LA 2028.
Domestic Rivalry and Depth
The challenge for Kusale is as much at home as it is abroad. With multiple elite shooters vying for limited spots, there is no room for complacency. Chain Singh shot a spectacular 596 to top the trials earlier this year. Kiran Jadhav won the National Trial in February. Niraj Kumar beat both Kusale and two-time Olympian Aishwary Tomar to win the 50m 3P event at the National Games 2025.
Such depth ensures that even an Olympic medal does not guarantee selection. Kusale knows that every trial, every point, every shot counts. The next few months, including performances in Munich, will shape who represents India at the World Championships, the Asian Championships, and ultimately at Los Angeles 2028.
From Army Dreams to Arjuna Award
Kusale’s shooting journey started not with dreams of Olympic medals, but with a simple aspiration—to join the Indian Army. Watching the sport at the 2008 Youth Commonwealth Games inspired him to pick up the rifle. Today, he represents the Indian Navy, and is a beacon for aspiring shooters from non-traditional backgrounds.
In January 2026, his hard work and achievements were officially recognised when President Droupadi Murmu conferred him with the Arjuna Award, one of India’s highest sporting honours. The award cited not just his Olympic bronze, but also his gold at the 2023 Asian Games and silver at the 2022 ISSF World Cup—a body of work that confirms his stature as one of India’s finest rifle shooters.
The Road Ahead
Swapnil Kusale isn’t content with what he’s already achieved. His goal now is gold in Los Angeles 2028, and Munich is the first major international step toward that dream. With his experience, work ethic, and hunger, Kusale remains one of India’s brightest hopes in shooting.
He carries with him not just the weight of expectations, but also the spirit of a new Indian shooting generation—resilient, grounded, and relentlessly ambitious.
From aiming high to hitting history in Paris—Kusale’s next target is greatness. And he’s taking steady aim.
