Swapnil Kusale etched his name in the history books by securing a bronze medal in the men’s shooting event at the Paris Olympics 2024 on Thursday. His triumph not only marked a significant personal achievement but also made him the first Indian ever to clinch an Olympic medal in the men’s 50m rifle 3-position category. This milestone medal was the Indian contingent’s third at the 33rd Summer Games held in Paris.
Former athlete and current President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), PT Usha, lauded Swapnil Kusale for his remarkable performance and outlined his journey to Olympic success in an exclusive interview with India TV. PT Usha revealed her unwavering confidence in the Indian shooters’ potential to deliver strong performances in Paris.
The Paris Games have been significantly successful for the Indian shooting team. The country’s tally of three medals in Paris is entirely from shooting events. Manu Bhaker clinched a bronze in the women’s individual 10m air pistol event. She then teamed up with Sarbjot Singh to secure yet another bronze in the mixed team event. These achievements underscore the exceptional talent and dedication present within India’s shooting contingent.
During her interview, PT Usha emphasized the critical role of a robust support staff in fostering individual athletes’ success. She played a pivotal role in ensuring that Manu Bhaker’s personal coach, Jaspal Rana, was included in the Indian contingent for the Paris Games. This decision, Usha believes, was instrumental in Manu Bhaker’s outstanding performance.
“The IOA is providing all the support the Indian athletes need, including access to foreign and personal coaches,” PT Usha informed India TV. “Even before the tournament began, Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally called and motivated them. Every aspect of preparation matters, including such seemingly small gestures. We’ve ensured that everything they require is taken care of.”
The Indian contingent’s success in shooting events can be attributed to meticulous preparation and the constant support they receive from their coaches and the broader team. For PT Usha, the success of an athlete is a collective effort. She reflected on her own experiences at the Asian Games, where personal coaches significantly contributed to her performances.
.
“An athlete cannot do everything on their own; it’s all about team support,” Usha asserted. “Personal coaches are crucial for an athlete’s success. I achieved my best at the Asian Games thanks to the support from my personal coaches. We maintained regular communication with Jaspal Rana as he understood Manu’s needs, and we made every effort to bring him on board.”
The string of successes by Indian shooters is not isolated. It highlights the importance of a coherent support mechanism that includes not just technical training but also emotional and motivational backing. The significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s personal call to the athletes before the commencement of the games cannot be understated. Such gestures boost morale and instill a sense of national pride and responsibility in the athletes.
Furthermore, PT Usha highlighted the multifaceted nature of preparation required for an event as monumental as the Olympics. Beyond physical training, attention to detail in mental preparation, diet, and overall well-being forms the bedrock of an athlete’s performance. The IOA’s investment in providing foreign coaches and ensuring personalized coaching tailored to the athletes’ needs is paying dividends.
The IOA’s strategy embodies a holistic approach toward athlete development and success. Ensuring that athletes have access to the best possible resources, including expert coaching from professionals who have honed their skills internationally, positions them to compete at their highest potential. This support is pivotal in ensuring that athletes remain focused solely on their performance, free from extraneous worries.
The consistent contributions and achievements in shooting events by the Indian athletes at the Paris Olympics will serve as an inspiration for future generations. Aspiring shooters across India will see Kusale, Bhaker, and Singh’s success as a benchmark and an encourager that with determination, the right support system, and rigorous training, achieving Olympic glory is within reach.
In conclusion, the Indian shooting contingent’s success at the Paris Olympics is a testimony to the detailed and deliberate efforts invested by athletes, coaches, and the entire support system orchestrated by the IOA. PT Usha’s acknowledgment of these efforts and her role in facilitating essential resources underscore the importance of a collaborative approach in the pursuit of sporting excellence. As India celebrates these remarkable achievements, the focus remains on sustaining and enhancing this momentum for future international sporting events.
