"I am also a ticket collector" Paris Olympics 2024 Bronze Medalist Swapnil Kusale inspired by MS Dhoni

Swapnil Kusale is a ticket collector in Pune. He says he admires MS Dhoni’s calmness.

On August 1, 28-year-old Swapnil Kusale created history as he became the first Indian shooter to clinch an Olympic medal in the 50m rifle three positions at the ongoing Paris Olympics 2024 in France. 

Kusale won the bronze medal in the final of the 50m rifle three positions to take India’s medal tally to three so far. Interestingly, this was the maiden appearance of Swapnil at the Olympics and he clinched the bronze medal for the nation.

Apart from Swapnil, Indian shooters Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh have won bronze medals in the ongoing Paris Olympics 2024. This is also the first time in history that Indian shooters have won two or more medals in the Olympics.

I admire MS Dhoni: Bronze medalist Swapnil Kusale

Just like legendary cricketer MS Dhoni, India men’s shooter Kusale’s journey has been nothing short of inspirational. Dhoni’s biggest plus point throughout his career was staying calm and patient during crucial stages of a cricket match.

The wicket-keeper batter was also known for taking the game deep and then winning the match from the jaws of defeat. Like Dhoni, Kusale also made a comeback from behind during the final match at his event.

At one stage, the 28-year-old was in the sixth position, but Kusale held his nerves and finished in the third position with 451.4 points to win the bronze medal.

The bronze medalist Kusale further added that he can relate to the legendary Indian cricketer MS Dhoni because they both were ticket collectors in Indian Railways.

Kusale has been working for Central Railways since 2015. The 28-year-old hails from Kambalwadi village near Kolhapur in Maharashtra.

“I don’t follow anyone specific in the shooting world. Outside of that, I admire Dhoni for the person that he is. My sport requires me to be as calm and patient as he is on the field. I also relate to his story as I am a ticket collector like he was,” Kusale told PTI.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket for IPL 2024 Live Score & IPL Points Table,  on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.