Bronze Medalist Swapnil Kusale Receives Hero's Welcome in Pune

Shooter Swapnil Kusale, bronze medalist in the 2024 Paris Olympics, was warmly welcomed in Pune. Kusale, who hails from Kolhapur, made history by clinching India's first bronze in the 50m rifle 3 positions event. He offered prayers at the Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati temple and will be honored at the Balewadi Sports Complex.

Shooter Swapnil Kusale, who won a bronze medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics, arrived in Pune on Thursday to a grand welcome.

Kusale clinched India's first-ever Olympic bronze in the 50m rifle 3 positions event, making history last week.

Receiving him at Pune international airport, people celebrated with traditional dhol-tasha drums.

Kusale, originally from Kolhapur, visited the famed Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati temple to offer prayers.

Later, he will be felicitated at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi.

Post his Olympic win, the Maharashtra government announced a Rs 1 crore prize. The Central Railway promoted him to officer on special duty, a significant rise from his initial role as a Commercial cum Ticket Clerk in Pune's Division since 2015. Kusale previously won golds in the Asian Games 2023, World Cup Baku 2022, and New Delhi 2021.

(With inputs from agencies.)