Mumbai, August 1: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday congratulated shooter Swapnil Kusale for clinching an Olympic bronze medal in the 50m rifle 3 positions event, saying he has made the country proud. It is a matter of pride that Kusale, who belongs to Maharashtra, has brought laurels to the country through his achievements in the world of sports, the CM said and extended his wishes for the shooter's future endeavours in the sport.

Kusale clinched the first-ever Olympic bronze in the 50m rifle 3 positions event, taking the country's overall tally to three at the ongoing Paris Games here on Thursday. All three medals so far for India have come in shooting events. Ajit Pawar, deputy CM and head of the Maharashtra Olympic Association, said Kusale, who hails from Kolhapur district, had fulfilled Maharashtra's dreams. From TTE in Railways to Olympic Medallist: The Inspiring Journey of Paris Olympics 2024 Bronze Medal Winner Swapnil Kusale.

“Congratulations to our very own Kolhapur boy on bringing glory to the country by winning a bronze medal in the 50m air rifle shooting. I salute his determination and hard work. May you continue to shine and keep making Kolhapur and the whole of India proud,” Pawar said. Praising Kusale for winning an individual medal, the second from the state after legendary wrestler Khashaba Jadhav, Pawar said the shooter had enhanced Maharashtra's pride and brought new energy to the sports field.

The remarkable performance of Swapnil Kusale, which has added a feather to the nation's cap, has made both India and Maharashtra proud, said Pawar. adding the joy was "indescribable". "Swapnil, hailing from Kambalwadi near Kolhapur, has brought home the third medal for India at the Paris Olympics, making both Maharashtra and the country proud. He was selected for sports training in the seventh grade and continued his practice at the Bhonsala Military School," he said.

Kusale has achieved historic success through tremendous willpower, determination, persistence and training at Sports Prabodhini and elevated Maharashtra's stature internationally, the deputy CM added. Today, he has brought honour to his parents, Kolhapur and the Maharashtrian community with his spectacular effort, Pawar said praising Kusale, who had won a team gold in the 2022 Asian Games. Swapnil Kusale Wins India’s First-Ever Medal in 50m Rifle 3 Positions in Shooting Event at Summer Olympic Games, Achieves Feat at Paris Olympics 2024.

"Congratulations to our Maharashtra's son, @KusaleSwapnil for this exemplary victory of bringing home the Bronze Medal in the 50m Rifle 3 Positions Men's Final at the Paris Olympics 2024. Your unwavering dedication and exceptional skill have brought glory to Bharat. Kudos to your hard work !Maharashtra is immensely proud of you," Fadnavis said on X. Kusale's achievement is a matter of immense pride, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray said.

The 28-year-old has been competing in international events since 2012 but had to wait 12 years to make his Olympics debut at the Paris Games. Kusale's medal comes following the stunning performance of Manu Bhaker, who clinched the women's 10m air pistol and mixed team 10m air pistol bronze alongside Sarabjot Singh.