New Delhi: Indian shooter Swapnil Kusale, fresh off his historic bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, is now focused on clinching gold at the next Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028.
Kusale made history last summer by becoming the first Indian shooter to win an Olympic medal in the 50m rifle 3 positions event. Building on his success, which includes gold medals at the 2021 and 2022 ISSF World Cups, Kusale remains determined to aim higher.
“My big target is the next Olympics, but every event in between is important. My focus and vision are set on Los Angeles, and I’m working hard toward that,” Kusale told PTI during the logo launch of the inaugural Shooting League of India (SLI) held on Thursday.
He added, “Like any other athlete, I dream big and am aiming for the top spot. Right now, my focus is on the World Cup, followed by the Asian Games selection trials.”
Kusale, who is part of the Indian squad for the ISSF World Cup Rifle/Pistol event in Munich from June 8 to 16, said, “We leave tonight for Munich, and I hope to give my best there.”
Reflecting on his journey since Paris, Kusale admitted the Olympic bronze still feels surreal but has fueled his ambition. “Life has changed quite a bit since Paris, but I’m enjoying it. I’m working on areas where I faltered during the Games and have made improvements in my health, fitness, and shooting technique,” he shared.
After the Olympics, Kusale won bronze medals at the National Championships and the National Games and participated in various selection trials. He also took a break from the last two World Cups to rest and regroup.
Kusale’s passion for rifle shooting began after watching the 2008 Youth Commonwealth Games on television. “I started shooting in 2009, around the age of 14 or 15. I had played volleyball and hockey earlier, but shooting truly captured my interest,” he recalled.
The 29-year-old from Maharashtra believes the upcoming Shooting League of India will revolutionize the sport nationally. “The league is a huge platform for Indian shooters. Competing alongside international athletes will inspire and elevate our budding talents. Youngsters will learn how top athletes prepare and perform under pressure,” Kusale said.
The inaugural SLI is scheduled from November 20 to December 2, featuring six to eight franchises, with further details yet to be announced.
