New Delhi: A total of 24 Armed Forces personnel are among the 117 Indian athletes who are gearing up to represent the nation at the Paris Olympics, commencing on July 26, 2024. This contingent includes 22 men and two pioneering women athletes, marking the first-ever participation of female Service athletes at the Olympics.
Star Javelin Thrower Subedar Neeraj Chopra, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Gold medalist, leads the pack. Chopra’s participation in the Paris Olympics follows a series of stellar performances, including Gold medals at the 2023 Asian Games, 2023 World Athletics Championship, 2024 Diamond League, and 2024 Paavo Nurmi Games.
Among the women, Havildar Jaismine Lamboria, a Bronze medalist at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Reetika Hooda, a Bronze medalist at the 2023 Asian Wrestling Championships, are set to make their Olympic debuts in Boxing and Wrestling, respectively. Their inclusion signifies a historic moment for female Service athletes.
The roster of Armed Forces personnel includes:
- Subedar Neeraj Chopra (Javelin Throw)
- Havildar Jaismine Lamboria (Boxing)
- CPO Reetika Hooda (Wrestling)
- Subedar Amit Panghal (Boxing)
- CPO Tajinderpal Singh Toor (Shot-Put)
- Subedar Avinash Mukund Sable (3000m Steeplechase)
- CPO Muhammed Anas Yahiya, Petty Officer (General Warfare) Muhammed Ajmal, Subedar Santhosh Kumar Tamilarasan, and Junior Warrant Officer (JWO) Mijo Chacko Kurian (4X400M Men’s Relay)
- JWO Abdulla Aboobacker (Triple Jump)
- Subedar Tarundeep Rai and Subedar Dhiraj Bommadevara (Archery)
- Naib Subedar Sandeep Singh (Shooting)
The athletes from the Armed Forces are known for their rigorous training, discipline, and resilience, which they bring to their respective sports. Their participation underscores the diverse talent within India’s military ranks and their significant contribution to the nation’s sporting achievements.
As these athletes prepare to compete on the world stage, they carry the hopes and aspirations of millions of Indians. Their journey to the Paris Olympics not only reflects their individual dedication and hard work but also highlights the support and encouragement from the Armed Forces.
India looks forward to cheering for these exceptional athletes and witnessing their quest for Olympic glory.
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