Gagan Narang Breaks Down on Live TV After Swapnil Kusale Wins Historic Bronze at Paris Olympics

Gagan Narang Breaks Down on Live TV After Swapnil Kusale Wins Historic Bronze at Paris Olympics

After Swapnil Kusale’s historic bronze medal in the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions final, India’s chef de mission for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, Gagan Narang, could not contain his tears when speaking with his former teammate Joydeep Karmakar. In this category, this was India’s first-ever medal. Together with Sarabjot Singh and Manu Bhaker, Swapnil won the third medal for India at the Games in shooting, making it the most successful Games for the Indian shooting team.

Swapnil’s bronze medal represents a significant accomplishment in a discipline that has never gained popularity in the Indian shooting community. One of the hardest shooting events is the rifle 3-position event, where competitors must remain steady in three different positions—standing, prone, and kneeling—in order to win. Joydeep Karmakar, who placed fourth in the 50m rifle prone event at the 2012 London Games, disclosed that the reason he was not able to compete was that the organizers refused to send the squad for a “less important” event.

“I was informed that this tournament is not significant, so we won’t send the squad, even though I had qualified for the 1998 World Championships. The glass ceiling has been broken by Swapnil. You think things will improve and now this event will get recognition?” Gagan was questioned by Joydeep on Jio Cinema. Gagan, who placed third in the 10m rifle event at the London 2012 Games, sobbed when he responded. “Yeah, Joydeep, you have to keep in mind the challenges we formerly experienced. Ammunition and other supplies were in short supply. However, Swapnil has finally succeeded. Trying so hard not to lose my cool on live TV, he said, “So proud of him.”

According to Gagan, Swapnil’s historic bronze medal was more significant than gold since it marked a turning point in Indian shooting history. “In the shooting contingent, Swapnil and Aishwary (Pratap Singh Tomar) were the underdogs. Not much attention was being paid to them. However, I was aware of their exceptional abilities. Even though Aishwary performed well, she was unable to go to the finals; nevertheless, Swapnil did. He worked extremely hard and stayed out of the spotlight, avoiding any distractions. I am aware of his level of resolve. This medal is actually much more than just gold, he stated.

Also Read: Swapnil Kusale Wins Bronze in Men’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions at 2024 Paris Olympics

Gagan Narang, an Indian Olympic rookie, claimed that Swapnil had been a consistent source of support for him over the years when he was told about his feelings following his bronze. “For many years, he has provided support. “He has taught me a lot about protecting myself and achieving this point, and he is an inspiration to me,” he remarked. “Many emotions, too many to convey at this time. Many thanks for your support, India, and parents,” he continued. After starting sixth at one point, Kusale finished third in the eight-shooter final with an aggregate of 451.4. It raised the nation’s total medal count in the Paris Games to three, all in shooting as bronze.