Maharashtra's Pride: Swapnil Kusale Clinches Olympic Bronze

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde congratulated shooter Swapnil Kusale for winning an Olympic bronze medal in the 50m rifle 3 positions event, marking India's third shooting medal at the Paris Games. Kusale, hailing from Kolhapur, has been competing internationally since 2012 and made his Olympic debut at these Games.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday congratulated shooter Swapnil Kusale for clinching an Olympic bronze medal in the 50m rifle 3 positions event, lauding his significant achievement for making the country proud.

Shinde expressed his pride in Kusale, a native of Maharashtra, who has remarkably brought laurels to the nation through his exceptional performance in sports. He extended his heartfelt wishes for the shooter's future endeavours.

Kusale's victory marks the first-ever Olympic bronze in the 50m rifle 3 positions event, increasing India's medal tally to three at the ongoing Paris Games. Notably, all three medals for India so far have been in shooting.

Ajit Pawar, deputy CM and head of the Maharashtra Olympic Association, praised Kusale, from Kolhapur district, for fulfilling Maharashtra's long-held aspirations.

"Heartiest congratulations to our Kolhapur boy for bringing glory to the nation by securing a bronze medal. His determination and hard work are commendable. May he continue to shine and keep making Kolhapur and India proud," Pawar stated.

The 28-year-old athlete has been competing on the international stage since 2012 but had to wait 12 years to make his Olympic debut in Paris.

Kusale's achievement follows the impressive performance of Manu Bhaker, who also secured two bronze medals in the women's 10m air pistol and mixed team events.

(With inputs from agencies.)