Swapnil Kusale Clinches Historic Olympic Medal Amidst Mixed Fortunes for India

Swapnil Kusale secured India's first-ever Olympic medal in the 50m rifle 3 positions event, despite stiff competition and personal challenges. His achievement came on a day of mixed results for Indian athletes, with notable disappointments in badminton and boxing but hopes still alive with Lakshya Sen advancing in men's singles badminton.

Swapnil Kusale secured India's first-ever Olympic medal in the 50m rifle 3 positions event, displaying remarkable composure despite personal challenges like a growling tummy and a racing heart. Kusale shot an impressive aggregate of 451.4 in the final to finish third, lifting India's medal tally to three all-bronze in shooting and placing the country at the 42nd spot on the medal table.

However, the day was a mixed bag for Indian sports fans. Two-time Olympic medallist P V Sindhu and men's doubles badminton pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty suffered disappointing exits. Boxer Nikhat Zareen and promising shooter Sift Kaur Samra also bowed out early.

A glimmer of hope remains as Lakshya Sen advanced to the quarterfinals in men's singles badminton, becoming only the third Indian male player to reach this stage in the Olympics. Despite the setbacks, Kusale's historic medal performance and other notable achievements continue to inspire the nation.

(With inputs from agencies.)