Paris Games medalist Swapnil Kusale expresses admiration for MS Dhoni, reveals unknown connection with ex-India skipper

India shooter Swapnil Kusale has become the toast of the nation after winning the bronze medal in the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions final at the ongoing Paris Olympics 2024.

He clinched the medal on Thursday (August 1) to improve India's medal tally in the ongoing 33rd Summer Olympics. The bronze medal won by Swapnil Kusale is India's first-ever Olympic shooting medal in the 50m 3 position event. Overall, it is India's third medal in rifle shooting after Abhinav Bindra’s gold in men’s 10m air rifle in 2008 and Gagan Narang's bronze in the same event in 2012.

"I have a lot of emotions right now. 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," Kusale said.

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India have now three medals at the Paris Olympics so far with all of them coming in shooting. Before Swapnil Kusale's feat, Manu Bhaker had won two bronze medals in shooting. She first won a medal in the women’s 10m air pistol individual event before teaming up with Sarabjot Singh for another medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team.

Swapnil Kusale on MS Dhoni:

Just before winning the bronze medal, Swapnil Kusal had expressed his admiration for cricket legend MS Dhoni. During an interview on Wednesday (July 31), he had said that he admires the former India captain for his calm demeanor.

Swapnil Kusale had said that he relates to MS Dhoni's journey because he also served as a ticket collector. Before making it big in cricket, Dhoni had worked as a ticket collector too. Kusale has been employed with the Central Railways since 2015.

"I admire MS 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.

Swapnil Kusale said "I admire MS Dhoni for the person that he is, my sport requires me to be as calm & patient as he is on the field - I also relate to his story as I am a ticket collector like he was". [PTI - on Yesterday] pic.twitter.com/HOz857tls2

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 1, 2024

Talking about Dhoni, the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman is likely to be seen in action on the field again next year when the IPL gets underway. Dhoni has not announced his retirement from IPL yet and is expected to play at least one more season for Chennai Super Kings.