Swapnil Kusale has brought hope to India for a potential third medal at the Paris Olympics by qualifying for the final in Men’s 50m Rifle Three Positions. The 28-year-old shooter will compete on Wednesday at the Chateauroux Shooting Centre, aiming to make a mark in what could be the most significant match of his career.
Swapnil’s secured his spot in the final by shooting a 590 in qualification, tying with the Czech Republic’s Jiri Privratsky but ranking higher in 7th place due to more inner 10s. This achievement adds to his previous successes, which have all come in team events on the global stage. The nation will be eagerly watching as he aims for individual glory.
His competitors include China’s Yukun Liu, who led the qualification with an Olympic record of 594 and equalled the world record of 597 in June at Munich. Notable absentees from the final include China’s Du Linshu, the qualification world record holder, and India’s Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, who finished 11th with 589.
Swapnil’s career highlights include gold and silver in men’s and mixed team events at the Baku and New Delhi World Cups, respectively, and a bronze in the men’s team event at the Cairo World Championships. His performance at Hangzhou Asian Games last year saw him narrowly miss an individual medal, finishing 4th despite leading at one point.
The Indian shooter’s quest for an Olympic medal follows his teammates Manu Bhaker and Sarbjot Singh, who have already proven their mettle in Paris. Swapnil’s determination will be on full display as he competes against some of the world’s best shooters.
Meanwhile, India faced disappointment in Women’s Trap as Rajeshwari Singh and Shreyasi Singh finished 22nd and 23rd, respectively, both scoring 113. Spain’s Mar Magrina Molne led the qualifications with 123.
In the final, Adriana Ruano Oliva made history by winning Guatemala’s first Olympic gold with a record score of 45 (122). The 29-year-old former gymnast’s victory came a day after her teammate, Jean Pierre Brol Cardenas, secured bronze in Men’s Trap. Italy’s Silvana Maria Stanco (122) won silver with a total of 40, and Australia’s Penny Smith took bronze with 32 (121).