In a major boost for India, experienced shooter Swapnil Kusale clinched the bronze medal in the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions final today. Kusale amassed a total of 451.4 points after displaying consistent performance across the kneeling, prone and standing positions. This helped him finish third on the podium and bag India’s third medal at these Games following previous successes in shooting. It was a close battle for the top spots with China’s Yukun Liu emerging victorious with 463.6 points while Ukraine’s Serhiy Kulish settled for silver with 461.3 points. Kusale’s achievement as the first Indian male shooter to win a medal in Paris is a testament to his perseverance and will inspire the next generation of marksmen from the country.
Beyond the medals, it was a hectic day for 16 Indian participants across multiple disciplines like athletics, badminton, boxing, hockey, golf, sailing and shooting. In athletics, Priyanka Goswami and Vikash Singh were in action during the men’s and women’s 20km race walks while shooters Sift Samra and Anjum Moudgil competed in the qualification round of women’s 50m rifle 3 positions. Lakshya Sen and PV Sindhu faced tough opponents in the round of 16 of badminton singles too. Boxer Nikhat Zareen and archer Pravin Ramesh Jadhav also progressed confidently in their campaigns on day 6 in Paris. The performances will be scrutinized as they seek to emulate Kusale’s success and add to India’s medal tally.
With a host of athletes still remaining, India will be hoping for more podium finishes in the business end of the competition unfolding over the next week at these Paris Olympics 2024.
