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Women from Indian Armed Forces to compete in Paris Olympics

Women from Indian Armed Forces to compete in Paris Olympics

For the first time, women from the Indian Armed Forces will be participating in the Olympics. Havildar Jaismine Lamboria and CPO Reetika Hooda will represent India in boxing and wrestling respectively at the Paris Olympics.

Jaismine, a bronze medallist at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and Reetika, a bronze medallist at the 2023 Asian Wrestling Championships, are the first female military personnel to compete at the Games, aiming to make history, according to a press release from the Ministry of Defence.

Of the 117 Indian athletes competing at the Paris Olympics, 24 are from the armed forces, including 22 men and two women, marking the debut of female service athletes at the Olympics. This group includes javelin thrower Subedar Neeraj Chopra, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold medallist, who is aiming for the top honour after a series of exceptional performances.

The participation of service personnel underscores the commitment of the armed forces to promote sporting excellence and foster athleticism nationwide. While rallying behind these athletes, India extends its best wishes and unwavering support.

The 2024 Paris Olympics will begin on July 26 and end on August 11. India is aiming to surpass its tally of seven medals won at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, including one gold, two silver and four bronze.