Ten Indian Army soldiers qualify for Rio Olympics

The Indian Army continued its proud tradition of contributing towards the nation's sports performance in the global arena, as ten of its soldiers qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

The training of the qualified sportsperson is being carried out at the Army Sports Institute, Pune and Army Marksmanship Unit, Mhow among other institutions under the flagship initiative of Mission Olympics.

Till now, ten soldiers of the Army have qualified for the Rio Olympics.

Naib Subedar Jitu Rai won the quota for shooting in 50m Air Pistol. The JCO is presently training in AMU, Mhow. He is from Gurkha Regiment and his indomitable sportsmanship spirit is well known.

During the World Championship in Granada, he qualified for Rio by winning the Silver Medal.

Subedar Gurpreet Singh, a sapper, won laurels for during the ISSF World Cup where he won the quota for Rio Olympics. He is currently training in AMU, Mhow for shooting in 10m Air Pistol category.

Naib Subedar Chain Singh who has been selected for shooting in 50m 3rd position Rifle is also currently undergoing training in AMU, Mhow. He is an infantry soldier from JAK LI Regiment and was selected for Rio on 14 Aug 2015 during 4th ISSF World Cup by securing 8th Position.

Similarly, Hav Sandeep Singh from Jat Regiment has been selected for Athletics in 50 km walk event.

Hav. Nitender Singh Rawat from Kumaon Regiment, Hav Kheta Ram from JAT Regiment and Hav Gopi T from the Regiment of Artillery have also been selected for Athletics in Full Marathon category.

All these sportsmen are training in Army Sports Institute (ASI) in Pune.

Hav. Ganapathi has been selected for Athletics in 20km walk. He is from Madras Regiment and qualified for Rio during National Open Race Walking Championship by wining Silver Medal.

Another Madras Regiment soldier Hav. Irfan KT qualified for Rio on 27 February 2016 during the National Open Race Walking Championship by securing fourth Position.

Similarly, Hav. Devender Singh from Rajputana Rifles Regiment qualified for Rio in Athletics 20km walk on 27 February 2016 during National Open Race Walking Championship by securing sixth Position.