In a significant celebration of athletic excellence, General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), honoured the Indian Army sportspersons for their outstanding performance at the Paris Olympics 2024.
The felicitation ceremony at South Block was a moment of immense pride for the nation, recognizing the athletes' dedication and the Indian Army's vital role in developing world-class sporting talent.
The Indian contingent at the Paris Olympics 2024 made the nation proud by securing six medals, including one silver and five bronze. Among the highlights of these achievements was Subedar Major Neeraj Chopra's silver medal in Javelin, marking yet another milestone in his illustrious career. Additionally, Subedar Bommandevara Dhiraj showcased exceptional skill in archery, finishing just shy of the podium in 4th place.
The Indian Army has a long-standing history of nurturing athletes who have achieved Olympic glory. This tradition began with the establishment of the Mission Olympic Wing (MOW) in 2001, a program designed to identify and train Army personnel with the potential to excel in various sports at the highest levels. The Army’s contribution to India's Olympic success is noteworthy, with significant achievements over the years:
- In the 2004 Athens Olympics, Colonel RVS Rathore brought home a silver medal in shooting, marking the beginning of the Army's Olympic journey.
- The 2012 London Olympics saw Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Vijay Kumar winning another silver in shooting.
- At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Subedar Major Neeraj Chopra made history by winning India's first gold medal in athletics.
- The Paris Olympics 2024 continued this legacy, with Chopra again securing a silver in javelin.
The Indian Army's impact on the national Olympic effort is remarkable. Army personnel represented 11.11% of the Indian contingent at the Paris Olympics and contributed 16.66% to the nation’s overall medal tally. Notably, Havildar Jaismine was the first female Army sportsperson to represent India in boxing at the Olympics.
In his address, General Dwivedi praised the athletes for their discipline, perseverance, and dedication, qualities that reflect the Indian Army's core values. He reiterated the Army’s unwavering commitment to supporting sports and nation-building, expressing confidence that the sports persons would continue to reach even greater heights.