GUWAHATI: General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), has felicitated Indian Army sportspersons for their remarkable accomplishments at the Paris Olympics 2024.
The ceremony, held in South Block, was not just an occasion to celebrate the achievements of the sportspersons but also to acknowledge the pivotal role the Indian Army has played in nurturing sporting talent in the nation.
The Indian contingent clinched a total of six medals, including one silver and five bronze, at the Paris Olympics, with Sub Major Neeraj Chopra of the Indian Army winning the only silver medal in Javelin for India.
This exemplary performance has etched itself as one of the most remarkable displays of the Indian Army sportspersons at the Olympic Games.
Indian Army personnel delivered outstanding performances with Neeraj Chopra, PVSM, VSM clinching a silver medal in Athletics (Javelin) and sub Bommandevara Dhiraj securing 4th Position in Archery (Recurve).
As India prepares to bid for the hosting of the 2036 International Olympics, the Indian Army has been playing a pivotal role in fostering Olympic excellence.
In a significant move, the Indian Army established its Mission Olympic Wing (MOW) in 2001, dedicated to identifying and nurturing sporting talent.
To further empower the youth and propel them towards global excellence, the Indian Army has set up two Girls’ Sports Companies and 18 Boys’ Sports Companies.
These initiatives aim to provide a platform for young athletes to hone their skills, build their confidence, and compete at the highest level.
During the Paris Olympics, the Indian Army’s representation in the Indian contingent was 11.11% (13/117). The Indian Army sportspersons contributed 16.66% towards the overall medal tally, including the highest medal earned (Silver).
Indian Army’s representation in Men’s events was 18.2% (12/66) and the Paris 2024 Olympics saw the Indian Army fielding its first woman sportsperson Hav Jaismine in Boxing.
During the Asian Games 2023, the Indian Army’s athletes bagged 20 medals, including 3 gold, 7 silver, and 10 bronze.
The COAS expressed profound pride in the incredible achievements of the Army’s sportspersons.
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Dwivedi said, “Their discipline, perseverance, and dedication symbolise the core values of the Indian Army. Their achievements have not only brought accolades but have also inspired countless others to pursue excellence in the field of sports. The Indian Army stands as a pillar of strength, valour, and discipline for the nation. Beyond its primary mission of defending our borders, the Army consistently demonstrates its commitment to various socio-cultural engagements, including sports, contributing holistically to nation-building,”
He also expressed confidence that the IA sportspersons would continue their quest for excellence and achieve greater heights in the coming days.
