Olympics24: Swapnil Kusale Wins Bronze in 50m Rifle 3 Positions in shooting , India loses to Belgium in hockey

 

India secured another medal at the Olympics as Swapnil Kusale clinched the bronze in the 50m rifle 3 positions event. This marks India's third medal in shooting. Maintaining his composure until the last moment, Kusale brought glory to the nation. Following Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh, Swapnil's victory added a third medal to India's tally. This is the first time India has won a medal in this event at the Olympics.

Although he qualified for the finals, many doubted that Swapnil could secure a medal in this challenging event. His start was not very promising. In the initial 'kneeling' position, he scored 50.8 in the first series of five shots, placing him seventh. His score slightly improved to 50.9 in the next series, and he made a significant leap with a score of 51.6 in the third series.

The next stage was 'prone,' where he shot while lying on his stomach. Here, he consistently scored well, with 52.7, 52.2, and 51.9, moving up to fourth place. In the final 'standing' position, he scored 51.1 and 50.4 in two series, climbing to third place and sparking hopes for a medal.

The battle was not over yet. Following each shot, an 'elimination' round ensued, gradually narrowing down the competitors. Swapnil faced the challenge of maintaining his third-place position. After shooting 10.4 in the first elimination shot, he scored 9.4 and 9.9 in the subsequent shots. The difference between him and the fourth-place shooter was enough to keep Swapnil in third place, thus securing the bronze medal.

To advance from bronze to silver, Swapnil needed exceptional shots. He shot a 10.0 but remained 0.6 points behind Serhiy Kulish, who secured the silver with a score of 9.9. China's Yukun Liu won the gold.

India Loses 2-1 to Belgium in Hockey at Paris Olympics

India's hockey team faced a 1-2 defeat against Belgium in their opening match at the Paris Olympics. Despite the loss to the previous Olympic champions, Harmanpreet Singh and his team showed significant resilience throughout the match. India competed fiercely from start to finish, keeping Belgium on their toes. With a bit more effort in the remaining two quarters, India might have managed a draw. Additionally, some excellent saves by P.R. Sreejesh kept India in the game.

From the beginning, Belgium tried to maintain possession, while India aimed to intercept and counter-attack. Gradually, India took control, showing no intimidation against the reigning Olympic champions. Indian midfielders played well, creating the first opportunity. In the eighth minute, Belgium earned a penalty corner, which P.R. Sreejesh saved, with Sumit clearing the ball. Two minutes later, Abhishek's shot was saved by the Belgian goalkeeper, Vincent Vanasch.

India took the lead at the start of the second quarter, capitalizing on a mistake by Belgian player De Sloover, whose mispass allowed Abhishek to enter the Belgian circle and score. This was India's first field goal in the Olympics. The goal invigorated the Indian team, but Belgium was not far behind. In the 23rd minute, they earned another penalty corner, which Sreejesh saved. India continued to thwart Belgium's attacks throughout the second quarter.

Belgium's game plan shifted in the third quarter, and they began to attack more aggressively, equalizing within three minutes. De Sloover entered India's circle and passed to Van Aubel, who assisted Stockbroekx in scoring. India tried to regain control, but Belgium's sharp attacks kept the Indian defense on its toes. Just before the end of the third quarter, Belgium took the lead again after securing three consecutive penalty corners. Sreejesh saved the shots, but Dohmen scored from the resulting melee.

Belgium dominated the fourth quarter as well. Although Abhishek missed a chance in the 51st minute and Belgium wasted a penalty corner, Sreejesh made another critical save. With two minutes left in the match, India earned a penalty corner, but Belgium's Van Aubel thwarted their effort.