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Preeti Rajak is an Indian sport shooter specializing in the trap event. She was born on 6 November 2002. She has represented India in multiple international competitions and is a Junior Commissioned Officer in the Indian Army, making history as the first woman to attain the rank of Subedar. Her journey from a small town in Madhya Pradesh to a leadership position in the Army is a remarkable story of dedication, talent, and breaking gender barriers.
Born in Itarsi, Madhya Pradesh, Preeti grew up in a modest family; her father worked as a dry-cleaner. Recognizing her sporting potential, he enrolled her in the Madhya Pradesh Shooting Academy in 2015. Under the guidance of local coaches, Preeti quickly excelled, winning medals at state and sub-junior national competitions.
Her talent and perseverance propelled her to represent India in major international events, including the World Shotgun Championships, Asian Games, and multiple World Cups, cementing her reputation as a leading trap shooter.
In December 2022, Preeti joined the Indian Army's Corps of Military Police, a branch that recently began enlisting women. She achieved the rank of Havildar due to her exceptional performance in trap shooting, becoming the first meritorious sportswoman in her discipline to reach this level.
The Army provided her with access to advanced training facilities at the Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU), helping her grow both as a soldier and an athlete.
On January 27, 2024, Preeti Rajak was promoted to Subedar, making her the first woman in Indian Army history to hold this rank. This out-of-turn promotion recognized her exemplary contributions to both sports and military service.
The promotion ceremony was attended by senior officers who highlighted her achievement as a source of inspiration for future generations of women in the armed forces.
Preeti has been instrumental in India’s success in shooting sports. Notably, she helped win the silver medal in the women’s trap team event at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, alongside teammates Rajeshwari Kumari and Manisha Keer.
Her participation in World Cups and World Championships has further strengthened India’s standing in international shooting sports.
The Subedar rank is one of the most prestigious Junior Commissioned Officer posts in the Indian Army. It carries significant responsibilities, including mentoring junior soldiers and acting as a bridge between officers and troops.
Preeti’s promotion is a historic achievement, challenging traditional gender norms and opening doors for more women to pursue leadership roles in the military.
Preeti Rajak’s journey, from a small town in Madhya Pradesh to becoming the first woman Subedar in the Indian Army, is more than a personal accomplishment. It is a beacon of inspiration for young women across India and around the world, demonstrating that dedication, talent, and resilience can break barriers and redefine possibilities.
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