New Delhi: In a significant move reflecting India’s escalating preparations, the Ministry of Defence has extended the powers of the Chief of the Army Staff to mobilise the entire Territorial Army (TA) for essential duties and deployment amid mounting cross-border tensions.
Amid this development, it’s worth acknowledging the many Indian sportspersons who have served in the armed forces, blending athletic excellence with patriotic duty. Let’s take a look at the sporting heroes who have either been part of the Territorial Army or received honorary ranks, showing how deep the bond is between national pride, military service, and sporting greatness in India’s history.
MS Dhoni – Lieutenant Colonel ( Honorary)
The former captain of the Indian cricket team was awarded the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 2011. He later served in Kashmir in 2019, making him one of India’s most distinguished cricketers both for his on-field achievements and his contributions off it.
Kapil Dev – Lieutenant Colonel ( Honorary)
In 2008, iconic all-rounder Kapil Dev was inducted into the Indian Territorial Army and awarded the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Indian cricket and his role in inspiring national pride.
Sachin Tendulkar – Group Captain
In a landmark moment in 2010, the Indian Air Force conferred the honorary rank of Group Captain on legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar. This was especially historic, as the ‘Master Blaster’ became the first civilian sportsperson in India’s history to receive such an honour without any prior background in aviation.
Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore – Army Colonel
Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore had a distinguished career in the Indian Army, rising to the rank of Colonel and playing a significant role during the Kargil War. Only after his military service did he go on to make Olympic history for India by winning a silver medal at the 2004 Athens Games.
Abhinav Bindra – Lieutenant Colonel
India’s only individual Olympic gold medallist, Abhinav Bindra, was granted the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel by the Territorial Army in 2011 in recognition of his dedication and remarkable sporting achievement.
Meanwhile, Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra was appointed as a Junior Commissioned Officer in the Rajputana Rifles, and 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Deepak Punia also serves as a Junior Commissioned Officer in the Indian Army. Before becoming the legendary ‘Flying Sikh,’ Milkha Singh had also joined the Indian Army in 1951.
Explore the Indian sportspersons who have served in the Territorial Army, combining sporting excellence with deep patriotism for the nation. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
