Bengaluru, India: In a momentous event on December 11, 2025, 22-year-old Preeti Panwar from Badeshra village in Bhiwani district, Haryana, etched her name into history by becoming the first woman athlete in India to be directly inducted into the Indian Army at the rank of a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) — Naib Subedar — in a special ceremony held in Bengaluru.
Preeti, a World Boxing Cup gold medallist and Olympian (Paris Games 2024), was welcomed into the Corps of Military Police Centre and School, marking a milestone moment not just for her career but for women athletes across the nation.
Unlike many female sportspersons who have been recruited into the Army’s sports quota as Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs), Preeti’s induction at the JCO rank directly is unprecedented. The Army already has examples of women reaching higher ranks — like trap shooter Preeti Rajak who became a Subedar after promotion via the sports quota — but Panwar stands apart for her direct entry at this level.
The ceremony, delayed by a day from its original schedule, saw proud moments as Preeti completed formalities and officially put on her new uniform. Her father, Somveer Panwar, expressed deep gratitude, saying the honour is a source of immense pride for Bhiwani, Haryana, and the entire nation, and a powerful inspiration for young girls everywhere.
Preeti’s coach, Vinod Raja, echoed the sentiment, stating her achievement will open new doors for aspiring female boxers aiming to serve both in sport and in uniform.
Her historic induction marks a defining moment for Indian women in sports and defence — a blend of athletic excellence and national service.
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