Meet Subedar Preeti Rajak: First Female To Become Subedar in the Indian Army

In the annals of Indian military history, few narratives capture the essence of perseverance, precision, and progress as vividly as that of Subedar Preeti Rajak. At just 23 years old, this unassuming daughter of a dry cleaner from Madhya Pradesh has shattered glass ceilings, becoming the first woman to ascend to the rank of Subedar in the Indian Army a junior commissioned officer position that commands respect and responsibility in one of the world's largest volunteer forces.

Her story is not merely one of personal victory but a testament to the symbiotic relationship between sports and service, where the crack of a shotgun echoes the march of empowerment. As India continues to champion gender parity in its armed forces, Preeti's dual mastery in trap shooting and military discipline stands as a compelling case study in holistic excellence.

Roots in Resilience: A Humble Upbringing in Narmadapuram

Preeti Rajak's journey begins in the quiet industrial town of Itarsi, nestled in Madhya Pradesh's Narmadapuram district a region known more for its railway junctions than for producing sharpshooters. Born around 2001 into a lower-middle-class family, Preeti grew up amid the everyday rhythms of small-town life.

Her father, a dedicated dry cleaner whose business sustains the household, instilled in her the value of hard work and unwavering support for her ambitions. "He always encouraged me to chase my dreams, no matter how unconventional," Preeti has reflected in passing, crediting his belief as the bedrock of her confidence.

Her mother, Jyotsna Rajak, a social worker committed to community upliftment, added another layer of inspiration. Jyotsna's proactive role in enrolling Preeti and her elder sister in shooting programs in 2015 was pivotal; the sisters' shared passion for the sport turned sibling rivalry into mutual motivation.

This familial ethos practical support laced with empathy helped Preeti navigate the societal expectations often placed on young women from modest backgrounds. In a household where resources were stretched thin, sports became not just recreation but a pathway to opportunity, echoing broader themes of social mobility in rural India.

Itarsi's local sports infrastructure, though basic, proved fertile ground. The Madhya Pradesh Shooting Academy, established in 2006-07 under the vision of former sports minister Yashodhara Raje Scindia, became Preeti's proving ground.

Joining formally in 2016 at age 15, she immersed herself in the fundamentals of trap shooting: anticipating the erratic flight of clay targets, synchronizing breath with trigger pull, and cultivating mental fortitude under pressure. These early days were marked by small wins medals in state junior championships that built her resolve, transforming a curious teenager into a national contender.

The Sharpshooter's Ascent: From Academy Courts to Asian Glory

Trap shooting, a discipline originating from 19th-century game hunting simulations, tests an athlete's ability to hit airborne targets with a shotgun from five fixed stations. For Subedar Preeti Rajak, it was love at first shot. Starting at 13, she progressed rapidly, her natural poise and analytical mind setting her apart. By her late teens, she was a fixture in national tournaments, securing accolades that drew scouts from elite programs.

Her international breakthrough arrived at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, from September 23 to October 7, 2023. Competing in the women's trap team event, Preeti, alongside veterans Rajeshwari Kumari and Manisha Keer, tallied a combined score that clinched silver India's first in the discipline at those Games.

The medal, earned amid fierce competition from powerhouses like China and Kazakhstan, wasn't just hardware; it was validation. "It felt like all the late-night practices and doubts melted away in that moment," she later shared, capturing the emotional crescendo.

This wasn't a fluke. Preeti's trajectory includes consistent podiums in junior nationals and ISSF World Cups, where she honed techniques against global peers. By early 2024, she held the sixth rank in India's women's trap standings, a metric reflecting her sustained dominance.

Her training at the Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU) in Mhow a state-of-the-art facility blending military rigor with sporting science has been instrumental. Here, under expert coaches, she refines biomechanics, mental conditioning, and even nutritional strategies, often logging 10-hour sessions that blur the line between soldier and athlete.

Fast-forward to August 2025: At the 16th Asian Shooting Championship in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, Preeti captained her team to gold in the trap women's event, a triumph that reaffirmed her elite status just months after the Paris Olympics. These feats underscore a broader trend: Indian women's shooting has surged, with trap events yielding multiple medals since the 2022 Commonwealth Games, thanks to talents like Preeti who bridge domestic and international circuits.

Military Mandate: Enlistment, Promotion, and Leadership

Preeti's enlistment on December 22, 2022, into the Corps of Military Police (CMP) was a watershed. As the inaugural meritorious sportswoman in shooting to join as a Havildar (sergeant equivalent), she bypassed conventional entry, selected for her proven mettle. The CMP, tasked with law enforcement and discipline within the Army, demanded she adapt to patrols, drills, and command skills that complemented her shooter's focus.

Her Asian Games silver triggered an unprecedented out-of-turn promotion to Subedar on Republic Day eve, January 27, 2024. Bestowed by Lieutenant General Gajendra Joshi at the Infantry School, the honor elevated her from non-commissioned to junior commissioned officer, granting leadership over platoons and mentoring duties. "This rank isn't just mine; it's for every girl dreaming beyond the ordinary," the Army quoted her as saying, encapsulating her ethos.

In this role, Preeti juggles tactical responsibilities with athletic pursuits, training at AMU while pursuing her IGNOU degree a nod to the Army's emphasis on holistic development. Her story aligns with policy shifts: Since 2018, women have entered combat roles, and by 2024, over 1,500 female officers served, with Subedar Preeti as a vivid emblem of acceleration.

Challenges Conquered: Barriers, Balance, and Broader Echoes

No trailblazer's path is linear. Preeti faced skepticism societal whispers questioning a young woman's place in shooting ranges or barracks and the physical toll of dual careers, from recoil-induced strains to sleep-deprived regimens. Yet, resilience prevailed, fueled by mentors and family. Her elder sister's footsteps provided a blueprint, while her mother's advocacy mirrored the quiet revolutions in Indian women's sports.

Preeti's ascent holds profound implications. In an Army where women comprise just 3-4% of personnel, her promotion signals inclusivity, potentially boosting enlistments amid campaigns like "Join Indian Army Women Power."

It also spotlights sports quotas, which have inducted over 100 athlete-soldiers since 2020, blending national security with Olympic ambitions. As she mentors juniors at AMU, Preeti fosters a pipeline: "Discipline from the Army sharpens my aim; the range hones my command."

Looking ahead, with Paris 2024 reflections fueling her fire, Preeti eyes Los Angeles 2028 and further ranks. Her narrative rooted in Itarsi's dust, forged in Hangzhou's spotlight reminds us that true precision lies in aiming high, no matter the odds.