Female Cadets to Make Historic Debut at 2026 Sabhikhi Cup in NDA Pune
For the first time, the Sabhikhi Cup 2026 will feature 98 female cadets participating in the esteemed inter-academy sports event of the Indian Armed Forces. Scheduled from March 17 to March 21, 2026, this competition will take place at the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune.
A total of 429 cadets, comprising 331 males and 98 females, from top military training institutions in India will take part in this event, marking a significant step towards gender inclusivity in military training.
Cadets from leading defense training centers across the country are set to compete. These institutions include:
- National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune
- Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
- Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal
- Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala
- Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai
- Officers Training Academy (OTA), Gaya
The Sabhikhi Cup stands as a prominent event among military academies, fostering physical excellence, teamwork, and inter-service camaraderie.
Competitors will engage in various sporting events, including:
- Cross-country
- Football
- Basketball
- Hockey
- Volleyball
- Squash
The academy with the best overall performance will be honored with the Sabhikhi Cup Rolling Trophy, along with medals, certificates, and individual awards.
Defence officials emphasize that sports are a crucial element of military training, cultivating discipline, resilience, teamwork, and the ability to make decisions under pressure.
The inclusion of female cadets in this year's competition highlights the Indian Armed Forces' dedication to gender equality and inclusivity, while also enhancing the spirit of unity among upcoming military leaders.
