Swapnil Kusale, a lesser-known shooter who has been employed as a travelling ticket examiner (TTE) with Indian Railways since 2015, made history by winning India’s first-ever Olympic medal in the 50m rifle three positions event. His journey from Pune to Paris was fraught with challenges, but his dedication to his sport and his role at the Railways has finally paid off.
New Delhi, 2 August 2024
Despite his significant achievement at the Tokyo Olympics, Kusale faced numerous obstacles in his quest for a promotion within the Indian Railways. Over the past nine years, his requests for a career advancement had been repeatedly denied. His coach, Deepali Deshpande, revealed to the Times of India that Kusale was deeply frustrated by the lack of support and recognition from his office. “He was instructed to report to the office before heading to Paris to expedite his promotion file, but he couldn’t because he was occupied with training,” she explained.
A colleague confirmed this sentiment, noting that Kusale faced dismissive and rude responses whenever he inquired about his promotion, which only added to his frustration.
In recognition of his historic Olympic win, Indian Railways has accelerated Kusale’s career progression. Swapnil Nila, Central Railways’ principal public relations officer, announced that Kusale has been promoted from TTE to Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Sports Cell based in Mumbai.
“Indian Railways is greatly pleased with Swapnil Kusale’s outstanding success.”His bronze medal not only contributes to India’s medal count but also positions him as a leading figure in Indian shooting sports,” Central Railways said in a press release. “His success reflects years of dedication and effort, making him a true inspiration for aspiring athletes throughout the country.”
The promotion order for Kusale has been finalized, acknowledging his significant impact on both the sport and his organization.
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