State 17 September 2026
Rupal Chaudhary : UP's First Female Athlete to Join Army as Naib Subedar
Why in the News?
Renowned international athlete and sprinter Rupal Chaudhary from Meerut has made history by becoming the first female sportsperson from Uttar Pradesh to be directly appointed as a 'Naib Subedar' in the Indian Army based on her stellar sports achievements.
Key Features / Major Points:
Direct Appointment as Naib Subedar: Thanks to her medal-winning performances at the Junior World Athletics Championships and Asian Championships, Rupal was directly inducted into the Corps of Military Police (CMP) as a Junior Commissioned Officer.
JCO Rank Significance: Naib Subedar is a prestigious Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) rank in the Indian Army, serving as a crucial bridge between ordinary soldiers and commissioned officers.
Training and Special Exemption: Due to her elite status under the sports quota, Rupal was exempted from regular basic military training and returned straight to her national training camp. She is currently training under a Jamaican coach in Thiruvananthapuram.
Unwavering Support from the Army: Despite facing injuries, the Army administration provided her with complete mental, financial, and logistical support—including sports gear and supplements—without any pressure on her performance.
Competitive Representation: In domestic national tournaments, Rupal will represent 'Services', while continuing to proudly represent India on international platforms.
Static GK Facts:
Corps of Military Police (CMP): A combat support arm of the Indian Army responsible for maintaining law and order, discipline, and handling prisoners of war.
Army Sports Institute (ASI): Located in Pune, it is a premier institution established by the Indian Army to scout and train elite sportsperson for international competitions.
Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO): A distinct class of military officers in the Indian Army holding ranks superior to non-commissioned officers but subordinate to commissioned officers, comprising Naib Subedars, Subedars, and Subedar Majors.
One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):
Q: Who became the first female athlete from Uttar Pradesh to be directly appointed as a Naib Subedar in the Indian Army?
A: Rupal Chaudhary
Q: Which sport is Rupal Chaudhary associated with?
A: Athletics (400m sprinter)
Q: Into which corps of the Indian Army has Rupal Chaudhary been inducted?
A: Corps of Military Police (CMP)