New Delhi: General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), felicitated Indian Army athletes for outstanding performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The ceremony, held at South Block, was a celebration of their achievements and a recognition of the Indian Army’s crucial role in cultivating the nation’s sporting talent.
The Indian contingent secured six medals in total—one silver and five bronze—at the Paris Olympics. Sub Maj Neeraj Chopra from the Indian Army claimed India’s sole silver medal in the javelin, marking a historic achievement for the Army at the Games. Highlights of the Indian Army’s contributions include:
- Sub Maj Neeraj Chopra, PVSM, VSM in Athletics (Javelin) – Silver Medal.
- Sub Bommandevara Dhiraj in Archery (Recurve) – 4th Position.
As India eyes a bid to host the 2036 Olympics, the Indian Army has been playing a leading role in nurturing Olympic talent. Since establishing its Mission Olympic Wing (MOW) in 2001, the Army has been identifying and training elite athletes. Expanding this mission, the Army has also established two Girls Sports Companies and 18 Boys Sports Companies, providing a platform for young athletes to sharpen their skills and compete at the global level. The Indian Army’s key Olympic milestones over the past two decades include:
- 2004 Athens: One Silver Medal (Col RVS Rathore – Shooting).
- 2012 London: One Silver Medal (Sub Maj (Hony Capt) Vijay Kumar – Shooting).
- 2020 Tokyo: One Gold Medal (Sub Maj Neeraj Chopra – Javelin).
- 2024 Paris: One Silver Medal (Sub Maj Neeraj Chopra – Javelin).
In the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Indian Army accounted for 11.11% of the Indian contingent (13 out of 117 athletes) and contributed 16.66% of the nation’s total medals, including its highest, a silver. Notably, Indian Army athletes made up 18.2% of the men’s events, and for the first time, the Army fielded a woman athlete, Hav Jaismine, in boxing. The Army’s presence was also strong at the 2023 Asian Games, where its athletes won 20 medals: 3 gold, 7 silver, and 10 bronze.
The COAS expressed immense pride in the achievements of the Army athletes, lauding their discipline, perseverance, and dedication, which reflect the core values of the Indian Army. Their success not only brings honor but also inspires the nation to pursue excellence in sports.
The Indian Army, a symbol of strength and discipline, continues to contribute to nation-building beyond its primary role of national defense, including fostering talent in the realm of sports. The COAS remains confident that Army athletes will continue to excel on the world stage in the years to come.
