Havildar Preeti Rajak, a distinguished trap shooter, has been promoted to the esteemed rank of Subedar in the Indian Army, as the first woman to hold this position. The announcement was made by the army in a statement, applauding Rajak’s exceptional accomplishments.
Describing her elevation as an extraordinary display of Nari Shakti, the statement highlighted Rajak’s remarkable journey since joining the Corps of Military Police in December 2022, based on her outstanding performance in trap shooting. Notably, she was the first meritorious sportswoman in the shooting discipline to be enlisted as a havildar in the army.
At the 19th Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China, in 2022, Rajak secured a silver medal in the trap women team event, further solidifying her prowess in the field. Recognizing her exceptional achievements, she was granted the first out-of-turn promotion to the rank of Subedar.
The ceremony, chaired by Lieutenant General Gajendra Joshi, commandant of the Infantry School, celebrated Rajak’s excellent performance and acknowledged her as a trailblazer in breaking gender barriers within the military.
Currently ranked 6th in India in the trap women event, Rajak is actively training at the elite Army Marksmanship Unit in Mhow as she prepares for the upcoming Paris Olympics. Her dedication, skill, and groundbreaking achievements serve as an inspiration not only for aspiring sportswomen but also for breaking gender stereotypes within the armed forces.
Havildar Preeti Rajak’s elevation to the rank of Subedar marks a significant milestone in the history of the Indian Army, reflecting the commitment to recognizing and promoting talent irrespective of gender, and setting the stage for further inclusivity and diversity within the armed forces.
