In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering talent and empowerment among young girls, the Indian Army has unveiled plans to establish Army Girls Sports Companies (AGSC) at two prestigious centers of excellence: the Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU) in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh and the Army Sports Institute (ASI) in Pune, Maharashtra.
The AGSCs are part of the national vision for women’s empowerment and the demonstration of Nari Shakti, reflecting India’s commitment to providing equal opportunities in the sporting arena. These companies will serve as platforms to identify and nurture talent in various disciplines including Shooting, Archery, Athletics, Boxing, and Weightlifting.
The decision to establish AGSCs comes on the heels of the success of the Boys Sports Companies (BSC), demonstrating the Indian Army’s rich experience in scouting and developing young sporting talent. The two chosen locations boast world-class training infrastructure, including sports medicine centers, rehabilitation facilities, and expert coaching.
The newly established Girls Sports Company aims to attract girls aged 12 to 16 to join as shooters, offering them a platform to pursue successful careers as international shooting champions.
The selection trials at AMU for the first batch of the Girls Sports Company will take place at from March 20 to 23, with online registration open until March 10. Eligible candidates, girls who have completed fifth grade and are between the ages of 12 and 16 as of April 1, 2024, will have the opportunity to showcase their skills. Selected athletes will receive free education up to the Matriculation level, along with complimentary boarding and lodging.
Young girls from all corners of the country will have the opportunity to be trained at these facilities, benefitting from the expertise of senior Army athletes who are also undergoing training. This exposure to seasoned athletes will serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for the girls, enabling them to emulate international athletes and hone their skills.
The Indian Army initiative has received praise from the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), the governing body for shooting in the country. According to the media reports, Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, the NRAI’s senior vice-president, expressed his appreciation for the Indian Army, highlighting the project’s focus on benefiting girls from rural and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, providing them with a chance to excel in sports.
Notable success stories already have emerged from this initiative including Subedar Preeti Rajak, a champion trap shooter and Asian Games Silver medalist, who was enrolled as a Havaldar in the Corps of Military Police in December 2022 and promoted to Subedar in January 2024. Another inspiring example is Jasmine Lamboria, a Bronze medalist in the Commonwealth Games 2022, who was enlisted as a Non-Commissioned Officer in the Indian Army in October 2022.
The initiative fits in line with this year’s women’s day theme as these role models are expected to inspire other incoming talent to strive and join for sporting glory in their respective fields. The AGSCs will be fully operational starting April 2024, providing a comprehensive platform for young girls to excel in sports while also offering avenues for recruitment as Direct Entry Non-Commissioned Officers, Direct Entry Junior Commissioned Officers, and Agniveers.
The establishment of AGSCs is a commendable move towards realizing India’s sports policy, aimed at achieving more podium finishes at prestigious events like the Olympics. It reflects a broader commitment to nurturing talent, promoting women’s empowerment, and fostering a culture of excellence in sports within the Indian Army.