India’s Ace Shooter Swapnil Kusale is all set to Make Comeback in ISSF Rifle/Pistol World Cup Held in Germany
Indian shooting is one the rise and credit should be given to all stakeholders who have worked hard behind the scenes to make this entity extremely popular.
India certainly have shooters in all distinct domain- rifle category, pistol category and trap category where players excelled in all these field to the best of their ability.
Talking about latest development, Swapnil Kusale is all set to return to competitive action for the first time after his bronze medal victory in Paris Olympics.
He will be taking part in the forthcoming ISSF Rifle/ Pistol World Cup in Munich, Germany scheduled to take place in June.
Kusale didn’t participated in the Argentina and Peru Legs as his score wasn’t upto the mark in National Selection trails.
His name has been included in 23 member contingent for the Munich World Cup, where the ace shooter will compete in 50 meter Position event.
“I am starting my International Season with Munich. The Preparations are good. I have worked on certain aspects of my technique, especially shooting during the standing position. I have also fixed some issues with my rifle and brought a new gear set. I didn’t travel to the last two legs of world cups because I wanted to shoot some really good scores before joining Indian team”
He made history as the first Indian shooter to secure a medal in the Men’s 50m rifle 3P at the Paris Games, said he wants to participate in 10m air rifle category just to enhance medal prospects.
His training begun under the watchful eyes of Coach Deepali Deshpande he was also former shooter and Asian Medalist.
He talked about his journey in distinct media outlets where he said “ I used to compete in 10m air rifle during my Junior days. But then I jumped the bandwagon and started focusing on 50m rifle 3P category and the biggest aim behind this transformation would be winning medal in Paris Olympics. The effort was to train for one particular event. I believe time has come where I could compete in both events (50m rifle 3P and 10m air rifle and my coach have already started my training, and competing in 10m air rifle event will help to strengthen on my standing position which I have realized that I need to work on. The air rifle would certainly help me to improve my standings” he said.
Kusale who received Arjuna Award indicated that his intention in future to professionally compete in the 10m air rifle at the forthcoming event “Shooting League of India” scheduled from November 20th Dec-2nd Jan 2026.
“After I returned from Munich World Cup, I will plan out my training schedule as Coach and the effort will be able to start competing in both especially when it comes to Shooting league. It’s will be busy calendar year for us, leading up to Asian Games in 2026. When it comes to my future prospect, I want to win more medals for India in future. So adding 10m air rifle in my reportire will add more extension seems a logical decision however precise and accuracy is different when compared to Rifle 3P” said Kusale who works as an OSD in Maharashtra government sports domain.
Talking about other aspect related to Shooting, National Rifle Association of India, on Thursday officially launched shooting league logo for the inaugural edition of Shooting league which happened at Dr Karni Singh Shooting range.
The unveiling include many top class shooters including the likes of- Swapnil Kushale, Sift Kaur Samra, Arjun Babuta, Elavenil Valarivan, Sandeep Singh, Anjum Moudhgil, Ashi Choudhary, Chain Singh, Arjun Singh Cheema, Palak, Simranpreet Kaur Brar, Akhil Sheoran and Rahi Sarnobat.
All these players are Indian Contingents who would represent in Munich World Cup.
Indian Shooting is on the rise as Government, NRAI and SAI stakeholders have supported this sport, where players can do wonders in all distinct domain.
The National Rifle Association of India should engaged Psychologist, where they can calm the nerves down to all the players who represent India especially in the crunch phase of the game.
Those crunch moment opportunity, where we have seen Indian shooters losing the grip would not longer held if there is psychologist they can easily tackle those challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q-1: What role does NRAI play? What’s the full form of NRAI?
Answer: NRAI stands for National Rifle Association of India where they play variety of roles shared in the below format:
1. It is responsible for executing all operations related to shooting in India across all three domain- Rifle, Air Pistol and Trap events where they can do wonders for India at national and international level.
2. Their job is to organize tournaments across all levels, also making sure best of the facilities is provided to them where they can express themselves to the best of their facility.
3. Their job is to scout sports shooting talent and provide infrastructure to all players.
4. They select Indian team players where they can represent Country.
5. They also organize league level events where best shooting players can compete against each other and make name for themselves.
6. They also implement policies and code of conduct based on which entire framework can be laid out where shooters can excel at all those levels.
7. Lastly, Operational stuff, infrastructural changes and overall 360 degree development is key when it comes to providing platform to shooters so that they can excel at the highest level.
Q-2: What is one biggest problem where Indian Sports Shooters lack especially on Shooting stage?
Answer: The biggest reason why they fail, mental side of the game is pretty weak where they failed to thrive under pressure.
In order to overcome that hurdle a psychologist is must who can guide these players how they can handle those moments and execute their skills to the best of their ability.
The other biggest problem in Sports Shooters would be innovate themselves in critical thinking once situation arise.
Q-3: Who is Swapnil Kusale?
Answer: Swapnil Kusale is an Indian ace shooter who won Bronze Medal in 50m Rifle 3 Position.
Also get ready for the Upcoming Sports shooting league coming up so support your favorite team and player so that they can excel with the best of their ability.
