For the first time, women from the Indian armed forces will compete in the Olympics, with Havildar Jaismine Lamboria and CPO Reetika Hooda representing India in boxing and wrestling, respectively, at the Paris Olympics.
Jaismine, a bronze medalist at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and Reetika, a bronze medalist at the 2023 Asian Wrestling Championships, are the pioneering female service members to participate in the Games, aiming to create history, according to a press release from the Ministry of Defence.
Among the 117 Indian athletes set to compete at the Paris Olympics, 24 are from the Armed Forces, including 22 men and 2 women, marking the debut of female service athletes at the Olympics. This group features star javelin thrower Subedar Neeraj Chopra, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold medalist, who aims for top honors following a series of exceptional performances.
The participation of service personnel underscores the Armed Forces’ commitment to promoting sporting excellence and fostering athleticism nationwide. As India rallies behind these athletes, it extends its best wishes and unwavering support.
The Paris Olympics 2024 will commence on July 26 and conclude on August 11. India aims to surpass its 2020 Tokyo Olympics tally of seven medals, which included one gold, two silvers, and four bronzes.
