"I was focusing on my breath" - Swapnil Kusale opens up on secret behind his bronze medal at Paris Olympics
Swapnil Kusale has made headlines by adding a third medal to India's tally today (August 1). The Indian shooter participated in the men's 50m 3P final and has brought home a bronze medal to make the nation proud.
Kusale, who is the first ever Indian shooter to win a medal in the men's 50m 3P, recorded a score of 451.4 in the final. Moreover, the previous two bronze medals were also won by the shooting contingent. This is thus India's best-ever shooting performance at any Olympic Games.
He fell a bit short of silver, which was won by Ukraine's Serhiy Kulish who recorded 461.3. Meanwhile the gold medal was bagged by China's Liu Yukun, also a world record holder (468.9), who scored 463.6 today.
Post his triumph, Swapnil Kusale told the broadcasters:
"I feel really good. My heart is still pounding. I am very happy that I have won the bronze medal for the country. I was focusing on my breath. I was trying to do what I have done for years."
He further added:
"I have a lot of emotions right now. I would like to thank my parents, my family, my friends and everyone who has supported me. This medal means a lot. It is not a gold, but I am pleased I got a medal. To get an Olympic medal is a dream."
India's Chef-de-mission and former shooter Gagan Narang, who is also a bronze medalist at the Olympic Games, said:
"It is an emotional moment for me personally. I used to play in the same event initially. Today, Swapnil Kusale has broken a glass ceiling. I am proud of Swapnil."
Notably, Narang was seen in tears while saying the above statement.
India's Day 6 results at the Paris Olympics
Day 6 hasn't been the best for India apart from Swapnil Kusale's bronze medal. Heavyweight boxer Nikhat Zareen has been eliminated from the Summer Games post her defeat to China's Wu Yu. The men's 20km race walk has also witnessed runners Vikash Singh, Akshdeep Singh and Paramjeet Singh Bisht bow out. Priyanka Goswami, who took part in the women's 20km race walk, ended 41st, thus ending her hopes of further qualification.
On the other hand, in archery, India's Praveen Jadhav was outwitted by China's Kao Wenchao in the men's individual Round of 64. Even the Indian hockey team went down 2-1 to Belgium in the Pool B game.