Meerut Runner Rupal Chaudhary Becomes UP's First Female Athlete Appointed as Naib Subedar in Indian Army

• by Akanksha Mishra
• 2026-09-17 14:24:00

Meerut-based international track star Rupal Chaudhary has etched her name in history by becoming the first female athlete from Uttar Pradesh to be directly appointed to the prestigious rank of Naib Subedar in the Indian Army. Honored for her phenomenal medal-winning performances at the Junior World Athletics Championships and the Asian Championships, Rupal was inducted into the Corps of Military Police (CMP). Her direct commissioning highlights the Indian Armed Forces' progressive framework under the sports quota, which rewards elite athletic achievements with high-ranking positions.

Overcoming Initial Hesitation and Journey to the Army

Rupal's remarkable journey into the military ranks involved crucial guidance and family support. Initially, her father, Ombir Singh, was hesitant about her joining the forces until she consulted their relative and seasoned kabaddi coach Jasvir Singh, former coach of the UP Yoddha team, who strongly encouraged her path. Facilitated by Army Sports Institute coach Yunus Khan and former Commandant Devraj Gill, Rupal accepted the prestigious role. Unlike regular recruits, elite athletes entering under the sports quota bypass standard basic training, allowing Rupal to immediately return to national training camps to pursue her 400-meter racing career.

World-Class Support, Injury Recovery, and Jamaican Training

The Indian Army has provided unwavering mental and financial backing to Rupal, ensuring she receives comprehensive support for specialized footwear, kits, spikes, and supplements alongside her salary. Demonstrating exceptional empathy, when an injury sidelined her from participating in the Asian Games, Army officials advised her to prioritize full recovery without any performance pressure. Currently training relentlessly at the national camp in Thiruvananthapuram under the expert guidance of a Jamaican coach, a fully recovered Rupal is poised to represent Services domestically and fly India's flag high on the global athletic stage.

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