New Delhi [India], August 16 (ANI): General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) on Friday felicitated Indian Army sportspersons for their remarkable accomplishments at the Paris Olympics 2024.
The ceremony was held at South Block to celebrate the achievements of the players and to acknowledge the pivotal role of the Indian Army in nurturing sporting talent in the nation.
The Indian contingent clinched a total of six medals (one silver and five bronze) at the Paris Olympics, with Sub Maj 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 at the Olympic Games.
In the major highlights of the performance of Indian Army Personnel, Subedar Major Neeraj Chopra won the Silver Medal in the Javelin throw while Subedar Major Bommandevara Dhiraj clinched 4th position in the Archery sports event.
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. The major landmarks and contributions of the Indian Army in its past two-decade Olympic journey include One Silver Medal in a shooting event by Colonel RVS Rathore in the 2004 Athens Olympics, One Silver Medal in a shooting event by Subedar Major Vijay Kumar in the 2012 London Olympics and one Gold and Silver medal by Subedar Major Neeraj Chopra in the Javelin Throw event in 2020 Tokyo Olympics and 2024 Paris Olympics respectively.
During the Paris Olympics, the Indian Army’s representation in the Indian contingent was 11.11 per cent, a total of 13 out of 117 sportspersons. The Indian Army sportspersons contributed 16.66 per cent towards the overall medal tally including the highest medal earned (Silver).
Indian Army’s representation in Men’s events was 18.2 per cent, a total of 12 out of 66 sportsmen and the Paris 2024 Olympics saw the Indian Army fielding its first Women sports person, Hav Jaismine in Boxing.
During the Asian Games 2023 also, the Indian Army’s athletes bagged 20 medals – 03 Gold, 07 Silver, and 10 Bronze.
The COAS expressed profound pride in the incredible achievements of the Army’s sportspersons. 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. COAS expressed confidence that the IA sportspersons would continue their quest for excellence and achieve still greater heights in the coming days. (ANI)
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