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Swapnil Kusale etched his name in Indian sporting history by securing a historic bronze medal in shooting at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Despite the pressure of the grand stage, Kusale displayed nerves of steel and staged a remarkable comeback to finish on the podium. His aggregate score of 451.4 in the eight-shooter final propelled India to 42nd place in the medal standings.India's medal hopes took a hit on Day 7 as badminton stars PV Sindhu, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, and Chirag Shetty bowed out of the competition. Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medalist, was defeated by China's He Bingjiao in the women's singles pre-quarterfinals. Satwik and Chirag's Olympic dream also ended in disappointment after a three-game loss in the men's doubles quarterfinals.However, India's medal tally could receive a boost on Friday as Manu Bhaker continues her impressive run in the women's 25m pistol qualification alongside Esha Singh. Bhaker, a two-time bronze medalist at the Paris Games, is aiming for a medal hat-trick.Lakshya Sen kept India's badminton hopes alive by advancing to the quarterfinals after defeating compatriot HS Prannoy in an all-Indian clash. Sen, the reigning Commonwealth Games champion, will face 12th seed Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei in the next round.Other Indian athletes in action on Day 7 include Shubhankar Sharma and Ganganjeet Bhullar in golf, Anantjeet Singh Naruka in men's skeet qualification, and Ankita Dhyani, Parul Chaudhary, and Tajinderpal Singh Toor in athletics.India's men's hockey team, led by Harmanpreet Singh, will face Australia in their final pool match after losing 1-2 to defending champions Belgium.

Swapnil Kusale's journey to Olympic glory began in the humble village of Kambalwadi, Kolhapur. Inspired by Abhinav Bindra's Olympic triumph, he enrolled in the Krida Prabodhini sports program, where he honed his shooting skills.His friendship with Akshay Ashtraputre, a fellow shooter, provided unwavering support. Together, they shared the Olympic dream, symbolized by the golden rings they wore during selection trials.Kusale's talent was evident from an early age. He excelled in the 50m three positions event, requiring precision shooting from kneeling, prone, and standing positions. His coach, Deepali Deshpande, recalls his dedication and love for the sport.In 2014, Kusale became Asian junior champion, marking his arrival on the international stage. He competed against seasoned shooters like Gagan Narang and Chain Singh at the Senior National Championships in 2015.Despite missing out on a berth at the Tokyo Olympics, Kusale remained determined. He joined the Railways and continued his rigorous training regimen. His focus on the standing position, where he had faced setbacks in previous competitions, paid off.With the support of sports psychologist Vaibhav Agashe, Kusale strengthened his mental conditioning. He overcame the tense moments in the final, securing a bronze medal with a crucial 10.5 in his 41st shot.Kambalwadi erupted in celebration as Kusale's triumph brought pride to his village. His mother, Anita Kusale, attributed his success to his unwavering determination and years of hard work.

Swapnil Kusale's parents expressed their unwavering belief in their son's ability to secure a medal for India at the Paris Games. Suresh Kusale, Swapnil's father, stated that they had refrained from contacting him the day before the event to avoid any distractions. He emphasized Swapnil's dedication and focus over the past decade, expressing confidence that he would not disappoint the nation.As Swapnil clinched the bronze medal in the 50m rifle 3 positions event, his family and friends erupted in jubilation at their home in Kolhapur. His mother, Anita, who had been praying moments before, was overcome with emotion. The atmosphere was filled with chants of "Bharat Mata ki Jai" as they celebrated Swapnil's triumph.Suresh Kusale acknowledged the sacrifices and efforts made by the family over the years, but attributed Swapnil's success to his hard work and determination. He also expressed gratitude to Swapnil's coach, Dipali Deshpande, for her guidance and support.Anita Kusale shared that Swapnil hails from Kambalwadi village in Kolhapur district and developed a passion for shooting while in Sangli. He later pursued further training in Nashik. Swapnil's brother expressed his appreciation for the support and belief shown by the nation in the 28-year-old shooter.Swapnil's medal adds to India's tally of three at the Paris Games, following Manu Bhaker's bronze medals in the women's 10m air pistol and mixed team 10m air pistol alongside Sarabjot Singh. Despite finishing seventh in the qualification round, Swapnil's calm and patient approach, inspired by cricket icon MS Dhoni, helped him secure a podium finish.

Swapnil Kusale's historic bronze medal at the Paris Olympics has ignited a wave of joy and pride across India. The shooter's triumph marks a significant milestone for Indian shooting, as he became the first Indian to secure a medal in the men's 50m rifle 3P event.Kusale's journey to the podium was a testament to his unwavering determination and relentless hard work. His former coach, Vishwajeet Shinde, hailed his victory as a testament to his dedication and the culmination of years of effort.In the qualification round, Kusale displayed his exceptional skills, finishing seventh with a score of 590-38x. This impressive performance earned him a spot in the final, where he faced off against the world's best shooters.In the final, Kusale maintained his composure and executed his shots with precision. He finished in third place with an aggregate of 451.4, securing India's third overall medal in shooting at the Paris Olympics.Kusale's victory is not only a personal triumph but also a source of inspiration for aspiring shooters across the country. It demonstrates that with hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief, anything is possible.The Paris Olympics has been a stage for redemption for Indian shooters. Manu Bhaker, who faced a heartbreaking malfunction in her pistol at the Tokyo Olympics, made history by becoming the first Indian woman in 20 years to reach a shooting final in an individual event.Bhaker's bronze medal in the women's 10m air pistol event opened India's account at the Paris Olympics. She and Sarabjot Singh went on to secure another bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event.These achievements underscore the growing strength and depth of Indian shooting. With talented shooters like Kusale and Bhaker leading the way, India can look forward to continued success on the international stage.

Yusuf Dikec, a 51-year-old Turkish shooter, has become an internet sensation after winning a silver medal in the 10-meter air pistol mixed team event at the Paris Olympics. Dikec's unique style and aura have captivated audiences worldwide, making him an instant icon.Unlike other shooters who wear specialized gear, Dikec competed with just a pair of glasses and earplugs. His relaxed demeanor and one hand in his pocket exuded an unmatched confidence. This unconventional approach has earned him the admiration of fans and fellow athletes alike.Dikec's journey to Olympic glory has been marked by perseverance and dedication. He first participated in the 2008 Beijing Games and has since competed in four more Olympics. In 2006, he set a world record in the 25 m center-fire pistol event. He also won a bronze medal in the 10 m air pistol event at the 2012 ISSF World Cup Final.Dikec's success is a testament to his exceptional skills and unwavering determination. His ability to perform under pressure and maintain his composure has made him a formidable competitor. His unique style has not only inspired fellow shooters but has also captured the imagination of the general public.The internet has been abuzz with tweets and memes celebrating Dikec's "aura" and cool attitude. His unconventional approach has challenged the traditional norms of shooting competitions and has sparked a conversation about the importance of individuality and self-expression in sports.Dikec's story is a reminder that age is just a number and that passion and determination can overcome any obstacle. His Olympic success has not only brought him personal glory but has also inspired countless others to pursue their dreams with confidence and style.

India's Medal Hopes Soar at Paris Olympics 2024: Day 6 PreviewDay 6 of the Paris Olympics 2024 promises to be a thrilling one for India, with several medal contenders taking to the field. Badminton stars PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, and the men's doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will be in action.In shooting, Swapnil Kusale will aim to secure India's third medal in the 50m rifle 3-positions final. Sift Kaur Samra and Anjum Moudgil will also compete in the women's 50m rifle three positions qualification.Boxer Nikhat Zareen will face China's Yu Wu in the pre-quarterfinals of women's flyweight boxing. The Indian hockey team will face a tough challenge against Belgium in a men's Pool B match.Archery will see Pravin Jadhav compete in the men's individual 1/32 eliminations. In athletics, Akshdeep, Vikash, and Paramjeet Singh will participate in the men's 20km race walk final, while Priyanka Goswami will compete in the women's 20m race walk final.Golfers Gaganjeet Bhullar and Shubhankar Sharma will aim for glory in the men's individual finals. Vishnu Saravanan will represent India in the men's dinghy race, while Nethra Kumanan will compete in the women's dinghy race.In table tennis, India's women's singles players will compete in the quarterfinals.

Swapnil Kusale, a 28-year-old Indian shooter, has qualified for the final of the 50m rifle three positions event at the Paris Olympics. This is his second major final after the 2022 World Championships, where he finished fourth.Kusale's qualification score of 590 included 38 hits to the inner ring, demonstrating his accuracy and consistency. He will be hoping to break the jinx of finishing fourth in major competitions and secure a medal for India.The rifle three positions event tests the endurance and technique of shooters, requiring them to shoot from kneeling, prone, and standing positions. Kusale has worked on his game since his disappointing performance at the World Championships and Asian Games, focusing on developing a strong mind and maintaining confidence.His coach, Deepali Deshpande, praised Kusale's accuracy and patience during the qualification round. She believes that his maturity and ability to handle pressure will serve him well in the final.Kusale's qualification for the final is a testament to his hard work and determination. He has come a long way since winning his first senior national title in 2015 and has consistently performed at the international level.

The 2024 Summer Paris Olympic Games have already witnessed a plethora of record-breaking performances, showcasing the extraordinary talent and athleticism of the world's finest athletes. With just a few weeks remaining, the anticipation for more breathtaking feats is palpable.In the pool, Australia's Kaylee McKeown shattered her own Olympic record in the women's 100m backstroke, clocking in at 57.33 seconds. Ireland's Daniel Wiffen also made history, breaking the Olympic record in the men's 800m freestyle with a time of 7:38.19.Mollie O'Callaghan of Australia continued her impressive run, setting a new Olympic record in the women's 200m freestyle with a time of 1:53.27. France's Léon Marchand etched his name in the record books by breaking the Olympic record in the men's 400m individual medley, finishing in 4:02.95.Gretchen Walsh from the United States made waves in the women's 100m butterfly, breaking the Olympic record with a time of 55.37 seconds. China's Pan Zhanle also set a new Olympic record in the men's 100m freestyle, clocking in at 46.92 seconds.The Australian women's 4x100 freestyle relay team broke their own Olympic record, finishing in 3:28.92. In surfing, Brazil's Gabriel Medina earned the highest-ever single wave score in Olympic history, scoring 9.90 in the fifth heat of the men's surfing event.Shooting also saw its share of record-breaking performances. Britain's Nathan Hales set a new Olympic record in the men's trap with a score of 48. China's Sheng Lihao broke the Olympic record in the men's 10-meter air rifle with a score of 252.In archery, South Korea's Lim Si-hyeon broke the world record in the women's 72 arrows, 70-meter round with a score of 694. Her team also broke the Olympic record in the women's 216 arrows, 70-meter round with a score of 2,046.Rugby sevens witnessed some remarkable achievements as well. Maddison Levi of Australia broke the Olympic record for the number of tries at a single Olympic Game, scoring 11. The New Zealand rugby team also set a new Olympic record, scoring 55-5 against China.As the 2024 Summer Paris Olympic Games draw to a close, the world eagerly awaits more thrilling performances and the possibility of even more records being shattered.

Swapnil Kusale, the first Indian shooter to reach the 50m rifle three positions final at the Olympics, draws inspiration from M S Dhoni. Like Dhoni, Kusale is also a railway ticket collector. The 29-year-old from Maharashtra has been competing in international events since 2012 but had to wait 12 years to make his Olympics debut.Kusale relates to Dhoni's calm and patient demeanor, which are essential qualities for a shooter. He has watched Dhoni's biopic multiple times and hopes to emulate his achievements. A top-three finish in the 50m rifle three positions final would certainly elevate Kusale's status in Indian sport."I admire Dhoni for the person that he is," Kusale said. "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 has been working for Central Railways since 2015. He qualified for the final with a score of 590, the most inner 10s among the three shooters who shot the same score.Kusale's family has also been a source of inspiration. His father and brother are teachers, while his mother is the sarpanch of their village.Aishwary Pratap Tomar, another Indian shooter, finished 11th in the qualification round.National coach Manoj Kumar Ohlyan is optimistic about Kusale's chances in the final. "He is in a good frame of mind," Ohlyan said. "We are hoping for the best. We just want him to perform the way he did today. He was patient. He is good technically and physically."Kusale's journey to the Olympics has been a long one, but he is now on the cusp of making history. With his calm demeanor and unwavering determination, he has the potential to become one of India's most successful shooters.