India’s Olympic-bound athletes represent the pride of the Indian Army and the aspirations of the nation. These accomplished athletes, many of whom hold ranks in the armed forces, bring to the world stage a unique blend of patriotism, discipline, and determination. Their dual roles as athletes and soldiers highlight the close relationship between military service and athletic achievement in India as they prepare to compete in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
The Indian Army has consistently produced sportsmen who compete at national and international events. In the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, 12 personnel from the Indian Army were part of the Indian contingent.
Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore made history as the first Indian to win an individual silver medal post-independence, standing on the podium for men’s double trap shooting at the Athens 2004 Olympics.
India’s Olympic athletes with Army background
| Athlete | Rank |
| Neeraj Chopra | Subedar |
| Pravin Jadhav | Havaldar |
| Avinash Sable | Naib Subedar |
| Amit Panghal | Junior Commissioned Officer |
| Balraj Panwar | Sepoy |
| Dhiraj Bommadevara | Subedar |
More on Paris Olympics
Neeraj Chopra
When Neeraj Chopra clinched the gold at the Tokyo Olympics, he was appreciated for folding the Indian flag most respectfully. This was because Neeraj belongs to the army and has been trained to give the utmost respect to the national flag.
Pravin Jadhav
Pravin Jadhav will be competing in archery. The Paris Olympics will be his second appearance at the Olympics. Jadhav is the posted as a Havaldar in Indian Army.
Avinash Sable
Steeplechaser Avinash Sable has quickly emerged as India’s foremost long-distance runner of this generation. Sable, ranked as Naib Subedar, will represent the Indian Army at the Paris Olympics.
Amit Panghal
In the men’s 52kg boxing class at the Tokyo Olympics, Amit Panghal represented India. This time, he will compete in the 51kg category. Panghal holds the rank of Junior Commissioned Officer in the Army.
Balraj Panwar
Balraj Panwar secured India’s first quota for the Paris 2024 Olympics in rowing by winning the bronze medal in the men’s single sculls (M1x) event at the Asian and Oceanian Rowing Olympic Qualification Regatta. As a sepoy in the Indian Army, he aims to win a medal in the upcoming event.
Dhiraj Bommadevara
Dhiraj Bommadevara will represent India in the recurve men’s individual and team events at the Paris Olympics. He is also posted as a Subedar in the Indian Defence Force.
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