India Celebrates Swapnil Kusale's Olympic Bronze and Boosts Support for Athletes
In a triumphant moment for Indian sports, Swapnil Kusale secured a bronze medal in the Men's 50m Rifle 3 Positions event at the Paris Olympics 2024. The achievement, which marks India's third medal in the games—all from shooting events—was celebrated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who praised Kusale's exceptional performance and resilience. The Prime Minister noted on social media, "Exceptional performance by Swapnil Kusale! Congrats to him for winning the Bronze medal in the Men's 50m Rifle 3 Positions at the Paris Olympics 2024. Every Indian is filled with happiness."
Kusale's journey to this historic win began with a score of 590 points in the qualification round, placing him seventh. He excelled in the final, scoring 451.4 points to secure the bronze. His achievements have been bolstered by support from the government's Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), which provided him with over ₹1.6 crore for training and competition.
Born on August 6, 1995, in Pune, Kusale's passion for shooting began in 2009 when he joined Maharashtra's Krida Prabhodini sports programme. Over the years, he has won numerous accolades, including gold medals at the Asian Games and World Cup events. His consistent performance has made him a prominent figure in Indian shooting, setting a benchmark for future athletes.
In light of Kusale's achievement and the growing focus on athlete welfare, the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, addressed the Rajya Sabha on the government's efforts to enhance medical facilities and insurance coverage for athletes. Under the National Centre of Sports Sciences and Research (NCSSR), medical care and injury rehabilitation are provided through specialised centres. The Central Athlete Injury Management System (CAIMS) further strengthens sports medicine in India, offering advanced diagnostic tools and personalised treatment.
The government has implemented various initiatives to improve the availability of medical staff and equipment at training centres. These include specialised sports medicine units staffed with qualified professionals, state-of-the-art medical equipment, and partnerships with private healthcare providers. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) also offers medical insurance, covering over 13,000 athletes, coaches, and support staff. The insurance provides health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per individual and an additional ₹25 lakh for accidental death or severe injuries.
Additionally, the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Welfare Programme for Sportspersons offers financial assistance of up to ₹10 lakh for medical treatment and injuries sustained during training and competitions. These measures reflect the government's commitment to ensuring the well-being of athletes and fostering a supportive environment for sporting excellence.
As India continues to celebrate its athletes' successes on the global stage, the government's initiatives in healthcare and financial support underscore a comprehensive approach to nurturing talent and promoting sportsmanship.
