24 Armed Forces personnel will be among the 117 Indian athletes competing at the Paris Olympics, set to begin on July 26. This representation highlights the military’s commitment to sports excellence and national pride on the global stage.

The Ministry of Defence announced that the contingent includes 22 male and, for the first time, two female service athletes. This marks a historic moment for women’s participation from the Indian Armed Forces in the Olympic Games.

Leading the charge is Subedar Neeraj Chopra, the javelin star who clinched gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the World Athletics Championships. Chopra enters the Paris Games following an impressive streak of victories, including gold medals at the 2023 Asian Games, 2023 World Athletics Championships, and 2024 Paavo Nurmi Games.

Making history as the first female service athletes at the Olympics are Havildar Jaismine Lamboria, a 2022 Commonwealth Games bronze medalist in boxing, and CPO Reetika Hooda, who earned bronze at the 2023 Asian Wrestling Championships.

Other notable participants include Subedar Amit Panghal in boxing, CPO Tajinderpal Singh Toor in shot-put, and Sub Avinash Mukund Sable in the 3000m steeplechase. The 4x400m men’s relay team features several service members, including CPO Muhammed Anas Yahiya and PO(GW) Muhammed Ajmal.

In addition to the athletes, five officials from the Armed Forces will accompany the team to Paris, further emphasizing the military’s involvement in this prestigious sporting event.

This strong representation underscores the Armed Forces’ dedication to fostering athletic talent and promoting sports culture across India. As the nation rallies behind its Olympians, there’s hope that India will surpass its 2020 Tokyo Olympics tally of seven medals, which included one gold, two silver, and four bronze.

The Paris Olympics 2024 will start on July 26 and conclude on August 11.

(Inputs from ANI)