S.Kannan in Chatoreuax
Deepali Deshpande is an established rifle coach who prefers to stay away from the limelight. Having spent nearly 40 years in Indian shooting, combined, as a markswoman herself, and, now, as a coach for over two decades. She was all smiles on August 1. One trainee who had worshipped her as his “second mother” for over 13 years now, shed tears after he won a bronze medal in the 3-position rifle shooting event at the Paris Olympics.
Yes, Swapnil Kusale from Pune, who first had to get a rifle after his father had to borrow money, spoke to RevSportz on his journey and how Deepali Madam has mentored him. “I did cry after winning the medal and called Madam. Meree doosree maa ke tarah hai Madam,” said Swapnil, his one sentence conveying a thousand meanings. He was not being dramatic at all. This was pure emotion, referring to his coach as ‘second mother.”
Like a child bidding his mother goodbye in India, Swapnil flew to France with a dream. “Yes, I dreamt big and this medal is for India, my coach Deepali Madam and my family. We have worked for it,” said Swapnil. Was he not angry that his coach was not cleared to fly out with the team? The champion preferred to smile, not reply.
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Back in May 2024, in the heat of New Delhi, when Olympic selection trials were on at the Karni Singh ranges, this writer asked Deeepali why she did not apply to officials to travel as a personal coach. “ Kannan, you have seen me as a shooter so many decades ago. You have also seen me train them, Arjun Babuta, Swapnil and so many others. I have to make them strong,” she said in May.
Deepali spoke to RevSportz again on August 1 from Mumbai and was all smiles on the video call. “See, I told you, I had prepared them for matches and how to shoot in every situation, even if I am not there. We have toiled for years. Yes, today, I am blessed, Swapnil has won an Olympic medal. He came as a “bachcha” to me and how could I refuse him. I know what all needed to be drilled into his training, technique, match situation and all facets. Today he is winning a medal and thanking me, that’s all I want. I am here to contribute and build champions, this is my passion,” said Deepali. There was no anger in her voice as she had not “applied” to fly out as a private coach.
“I am always their coach and Swapnil is so emotional. Let him return to India, I will meet him. And yes, I have no regrets that I did not come to France. TV sets pe dekha naa match,” said Deepali. She is a real “second mother” for these rifle kids, something acknowledged by even Gagana Narang, who runs his own Gun For Glory academies. On August 1, Gagan also posted on social media what contribution Deepali has made. Could he not have ensured Deepali had travelled? No, his job as chef de mission does not include that in his role profile.
The Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha was present to meet Manu Bhaker on August 1 and she sat in the shooting hall as well, different arenas both. “I have always believed all athletes can do better with personal coaches if you ask me. I had Nambiar Sir to guide me. Whoever approached me, I tried and helped, including Jaspal Rana. See the results he has got with Manu Bhaker,” said Usha.
Deepali did not miss the bus. She wanted to stay away from the limelight. As a “mother to rifle shooters” she grooms, she will see her “son Swapnil” in India soon. “He will come soon, what’s the hurry. I will keep doing my job. If I am a good coach, let them pick me, why should I go and request people. I don’t need to do this at all,” said Deepali. Last point, “I have got my award as a coach and that’s Swapnil’s medal,” said an emotional Deepali, who has spent thousands of hours perfecting these male shooters.
What a story, this. And this is just the beginning, Deepali will do more for Indian shooting. “I want to win more medals for India, my hunger is high,” said Swapnil, who will go and meet his “second mother” in India this month. HQe himself does not know the date but will wait.