Subedar Preeti Rajak has etched her name in the history of the Indian Army as the first woman to be promoted to the rank of Subedar. Her journey from a small town in Madhya Pradesh to an elite rank in the Army and success on the international shooting stage is a story of talent, perseverance, and breaking barriers.
Early Life and Roots
Preeti Rajak was born on 6 November 2002 in Itarsi, Narmadapuram district, Madhya Pradesh. Her family had no direct links to sports or the military. Her father worked as a dry cleaner, and her mother worked as a social worker.
She and her elder sister were introduced to shooting early on, and in 2015 she joined a local shooting programme, which set her on the path to a remarkable career.
Rise in Shooting
Preeti joined the Madhya Pradesh Shooting Academy in 2016, where she trained rigorously in trap shooting; a discipline demanding precision, focus, and composure.
Her consistency and calm performance at competitions helped her progress from state level to national and then international events. She was part of the Indian team that competed at:
- World Shotgun Championships and World Cups
- Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, where she won silver in the women’s trap team event alongside Rajeshwari Kumari and Manisha Keer; India’s first medal ever in that category.
These achievements brought her national recognition and highlighted her as a rising shooting talent from India.
Joining the Indian Army
Preeti formally joined the Indian Army’s Corps of Military Police on 22 December 2022 based on her excellence in shooting and potential as both an athlete and a soldier.
Her dual role involved balancing the disciplined life of a soldier with rigorous shooting training and competitions, including work at the Army Marksmanship Unit in Mhow, a premier training centre for military shooters.
Historic Promotion: Breaking Barriers
On 27 January 2024, Preeti Rajak was promoted out of turn to the rank of Subedar, becoming the first woman to hold this rank in the Indian Army; a milestone in a military establishment where senior Junior Commissioned Officer positions have traditionally been held by men.
Subedar is a senior JCO rank entrusted with leadership and mentorship responsibilities, acting as a key link between junior soldiers and commissioned officers. Her promotion was based on her exceptional performance in sports and her potential as a leader in the Army.
Balancing Soldier and Athlete
Beyond rank, Preeti’s career exemplifies the synergy between military discipline and sporting excellence. She continues to train while completing her ongoing academic degree, a challenging balance of physical drills, marksmanship practice, and classroom study.
Her competitive career continued beyond the Asian Games, including helping India win gold in a team event at the Asian Shooting Championship, further establishing her reputation as one of India’s top trap shooters.
Why Her Story Matters
Preeti Rajak’s journey is significant for several reasons:
- Breaking gender norms in a traditionally male-dominated military role
- Demonstrating the increasing opportunities for women in the armed forces
- Inspiring young athletes and soldiers, showing that excellence can come from any background
- Highlighting the growing recognition of sports within the military framework
Her rise reflects broader changes in the Indian Army’s approach to talent, merit, and inclusivity.
Closing Thoughts
Subedar Preeti Rajak did not just earn a rank. She broke a barrier and set a precedent. From a small town in Madhya Pradesh to national and international arenas, her path underscores the idea that opportunity, determination, and performance can reshape traditions.
Her story is not just a personal achievement. It reflects a changing India where talent is recognised, barriers are dismantled, and new paths are opened for women in uniform and beyond.