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First Post
a day ago
- General
- First Post
Historic first: 1st batch of 17 women cadets graduates from NDA alongside over 300 male peers
The prestigious National Defence Academy on Friday witnessed history as the first batch of 17 female cadets marched alongside more than 300 male counterparts towards the 'Antim Pag' in a spectacular display of integration read more Gen VK Singh (retired), former Army Chief and current governor of Mizoram, who was the reviewing officer of the Passing Out Parade, called it a uniquely significant day in the history of the academy. Image Courtesy: News18 The prestigious National Defence Academy on Friday witnessed history as the first batch of 17 female cadets marched alongside more than 300 male counterparts towards the 'Antim Pag' in a spectacular display of integration. A flypast by three majestic Su-30 aircraft was a fitting accompaniment to the occasion as the cadets of the tri-services training academy's first co-ed batch went past the 'Antim Pag' at the Khetrapal Parade Ground on their way to bring more laurels to an institution widely hailed as the 'cradle of leadership'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The first batch of women cadets joined the NDA's 148th course in 2022 after the Union Public Service Commission allowed women to apply to the defence academy following a Supreme Court direction in 2021. 'Every moment, every difficulty we went through, each emotion in all these three years we spent at the academy is worth it,' said Divisional Cadet Captain Harsimran Kaur, whose parents were beaming with joy and pride at their daughter's feat. It was a rollercoaster of emotions as the parade moved towards the 'Antim Pag' as all the memories from the past three years got vivid, said Battalion Cadet Captain Shriti Daksh, adding that she was now fully ready to make her mark at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun. Shital, another cadet who was flanked by her proud parents, said, 'It is a great feeling. There are more emotions and less words. As we approached the Antim Pag, the feeling was that yes we have done it.' The NDA had changed her '180 degrees' and had made her mentally and physically strong, said Shital, who will be joining the IMA. Her father Ashok Mahalen said all the 17 female cadets are 'not just our daughters but the daughters of the entire nation'. Cadet Shristi Singh, while thanking her instructors and Squadron Commander of India Squadron, remarked that the legendary saying associated with the academy of 'jitna ragda, utna tagda' (the more gruelling the training, the stronger the cadet) is absolutely true. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Singh, who is the first female cadet to pass out from India Squadron, aspires to join the Indian Naval Academy. Gen VK Singh (retired), former Army Chief and current governor of Mizoram, who was the reviewing officer of the Passing Out Parade, called it a uniquely significant day in the history of the academy. 'This marks a historic milestone in our collective journey towards greater inclusivity and empowerment. These young women are the inevitable symbol of Naari Shakti, embodying not just women's development but women-led development,' he said. 'I envision a future, not far from now, that one of these young women may rise to the highest of roles of the service they go to,' the former COAS said. Addressing the press, he said when the girls came to the academy, there was a system in place to integrate them, and they were truly integrated over these three years. 'I am sure the academy will be more successful in bringing more integration in the future,' the retired general said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Vice Admiral Gurcharan Singh, Commandant, NDA, said when girls first came to the academy, they were staying separately. 'Today they are integrated completely with squadrons and battalions. They are running together, they are playing together, they are training together. Each and every activity at the academy is gender-neutral. It took us time but now it is in progress,' he asserted. He said before taking the step of integrating the female cadets into the squadrons and assessing how their living conditions would be, he personally led a team to Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala and Officers Training Academy, Chennai, where female cadets have been in training for some years. 'We drew inspiration from them, studied their models and adapted as to how it can be implemented here at the academy,' the Vice Admiral said. A total of 1,341 cadets, including 336 from the passing out course, participated in the Passing Out Parade (POP) at the iconic Khetarpal Parade Ground in Khadakwasla. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The parade marked the successful completion of rigorous military and academic training by the cadets, culminating in a splendid display of precision, discipline and military bearing. It was impeccably conducted by Adjutant Lt Col Praveen Kumar Tiwari, astride his charger 'Reliant Robin'. Academy Cadet Captain Udayveer Singh Negi of 'G' Squadron commanded the parade. The Reviewing Officer presented President's Gold Medal to Battalion Cadet Adjutant Prince Raj, President's Silver Medal to Academy Cadet Captain Udayveer Singh Negi and President's Bronze Medal to Battalion Cadet Captain Tejas Bhatt. The prestigious Chiefs of Staff Banner was awarded to Golf Squadron for overall excellence, a release said. The event concluded with a grand flypast featuring flag-trooping Chetak helicopters, Super Dimona motorised gliders, and the majestic Sukhoi-30 fighter aircraft, symbolising the culmination of training and the cadets' readiness to embark on the next phase of their military journey.


India Gazette
4 days ago
- Sport
- India Gazette
Delhi successfully defend Swami Vivekananda Men's U20 NFC title
Narayanpur (Chhattisgarh) [India], May 27 (ANI): From two goals down to lifting the trophy for the second consecutive time, Delhi U20 scripted a sensational comeback to defeat Mizoram U20 4-2 after extra time in the final of the Swami Vivekananda Men's U-20 National Football Championship at the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Ground on Tuesday. Super-sub Laishram Rahul Meitei (90+1', 108') emerged as the hero, scoring twice, including the go-ahead goal in extra time, as Delhi fought back with grit, heart, and relentless determination in a match that saw as many as 10 expulsions as tempers flared in the extra half-hour's play. Mizoram ended the match with eight players, while Delhi were down to nine. Arya Kashyap (48') and Prashan Jajo (110') scored the other two goals for Delhi. Mesak C Lalrinngheta (39') and PC Pazawna (45+2') had netted the two goals for Mizoram. It was a final of two contrasting halves. Mizoram dominated the first 45 minutes, but Delhi responded with a second-half resurgence that turned the tie on its head, eventually sealing the title in emphatic fashion in extra time. The match began cautiously, with both sides probing and assessing each other's tactical setup. Despite the attacking flair both teams had displayed en route to the final, neither side committed too many numbers forward in the early stages. Mizoram, however, settled first and began to apply pressure through the lively Lalrinngheta, who forced Delhi goalkeeper Karan Makkar into an early save with a powerful strike. Delhi, in contrast, struggled to find rhythm in the final third. While they tried to build through the flanks and short passing in midfield, their attacks lacked the cutting edge required to trouble the Mizoram backline. The breakthrough came in the 39th minute. A quick move by Mizoram caught Delhi's defence off guard, and Lalrinngheta made no mistake in finishing it off, giving Mizoram a deserved 1-0 lead. On the stroke of half-time, Mizoram struck again -- Pazawna with a superb volley that left the keeper rooted and gave Mizoram a comfortable 2-0 lead heading into the break. Delhi needed a response, and they delivered almost immediately after the restart. In the 48th minute, Aditya Adhikari delivered a teasing corner, and Arya Kashyap rose highest to glance a header past the keeper to halve the deficit. As the minutes ticked by, Mizoram sat deeper, defending doggedly to protect their lead. Delhi kept pressing, but frustration began to mount as their equaliser remained elusive until injury time. A floated cross from Kashyap caused chaos in the box. After a strike hit the post, Sankhil Darpol Tuishang showed great awareness to pull the rebound back into the danger zone for Meitei, who headed home from close range to bring Delhi level and send the final into extra time. With momentum on their side, Delhi struck again in the 107th minute. From a set-piece, Meitei found space in the six-yard box and powered another header beyond the Mizo keeper to give his side the lead for the first time. The result was sealed in the 110th. Kushagra Chaudhary whipped in a perfect cross from the right, and Jajo made a clever run behind the defence to slot the ball home with composure, sending his teammates into raptures and Delhi to their maiden title triumph. The match, though, turned ugly from thereon as a scuffle broke out, and eventually,10 players were sent off. (ANI)


India Gazette
5 days ago
- Sport
- India Gazette
Delhi, Mizoram set up final showdown in Swami Vivekananda Men's U20 Championship
Narayanpur, (Chhattisgarh) [India], May 26 (ANI): It will be a battle of dominance and flair as Delhi and Mizoram will lock horns in the final of the Swami Vivekananda Men's U-20 National Football Championship after both sides cruised to emphatic 4-0 victories in their respective semi-finals at the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Ground, on Sunday. While Delhi defeated the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Mizoram overcame neighbours Meghalaya. Delhi put on a commanding performance in the first semi-final, dismantling the Sports Authority of India (SAI) with clinical precision. From the first whistle, Delhi dictated the rhythm of the match, pressing high and moving the ball with confidence and composure, according to an AIFF release. Their dominance paid off early, as they found the opener in the 15th minute. A well-delivered corner caused panic in the SAI defence, and Arman Ahmed (15') rose above his marker to nod home a powerful header, giving Delhi a deserved lead. The second half saw Delhi ramp up their intensity. Just five minutes after the restart, they doubled their advantage. Sankhil Darpol Tuishang (50') scored, leaving the SAI goalkeeper rooted to the spot. Delhi's third was a moment of solo brilliance. Prashan Jajo (54') picked up possession and finished coolly past the goalkeeper to effectively seal the contest. With the match all but decided, Aditya Adhikari added a fourth in the 65th minute after being unselfishly teed up by a teammate following a swift attack. It was a complete performance from Delhi -- organised at the back, dominant in midfield, and ruthless up front. If Delhi impressed, Mizoram were equally ruthless in the second semi-final against Meghalaya, showcasing their attacking depth and sharpness in the final third. From the outset, Mizoram looked the livelier side, pressing with purpose and spreading play across the flanks. Their breakthrough came in the 28th minute when Mesak C Lalrinngheta capitalised on a defensive error to slot home with clinical precision, showing his instincts as a natural poacher. Lalrinngheta remained the focal point of the attack and was brought down inside the penalty area in the 76th minute. He stepped up to take the spot kick. The resultant penalty was confidently converted, doubling the lead and breaking Meghalaya's resistance. With momentum firmly on their side, Mizoram brought on Dantes Lalhriatpuia, who made an immediate impact. The substitute added his name to the scoresheet in the 83rd minute, finishing off a flowing move with a composed strike. Deep into stoppage time, another substitute, F Vanlalchhanchhuaha (90+2'), capped off the win with a well-taken goal, wrapping up a dominant display. (ANI)


Hans India
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Hans India
Mizoram pip Punjab on penalties to enter Swami Vivekananda Men's U20 NFC semis
Narainpur (Chhattisgarh): Mizoram claimed victory in a roller-coaster of a Swami Vivekananda Men's U20 National Football Championship quarterfinal, defeating Punjab in a penalty shootout after the latter came back to level the score from being two goals down. The northeastern side eventually won the shootout 4-2 as the match ended 2-2 after extra time. It was a game of two different halves, followed by a goalless half-hour of extra time. Mizoram were masters of the first half, Michael Lalbiaksanga (10') and PC Pazawna (23' p) putting them in a comfortable position. Punjab, however, roared back after the change of ends, Akashdeep Singh (69') and Arshvir Singh (80' p) levelling things up to send the match into extra time. Contrary to the match, Punjab found themselves with the initial advantage, after Mizoram's first penalty by PC Pazawna was saved by goalkeeper Jaskaran Dub. However, the rest of the Mizoram players – Ngurthanmawia, F Malsawmtluanga, Lalremtluanga L and Freddy Lalruatkima – entrusted with taking the penalties and did their part in scoring. Punjab, who scored their first two penalties through Akashdeep Singh and Arshvir Singh, saw their challenge for a last-four spot fade away after Karan Kumar Sharma sent his spot-kick over the cross-bar while captain Harmandeep Singh's penalty was saved by Joel B Lalramchhana, Mizoram's goalkeeper and captain. Earlier in the first half, Mizoram got off to a cracking start after Lalbiaksanga gave them the lead in the 10th minute. Standing over a free-kick from the edge of the penalty box, near the right flank, Lalbiaksanga went for glory and found the top corner, to put his side in the lead. Things looked murkier for Punjab when Mohd Sahil was adjudged to have brought Ngurthanmawia down inside the box, and a penalty was awarded to Mizoram, on the Pazawna scored comfortably to double his side's lead. With the change of ends came the turn of the tables. Punjab began to crowd the Mizoram box with bodies in their attempts to connect with crosses from the wings. That also opened up spaces for Mizoram to exploit on the counter. It was, however, a counter-attack from Punjab that set their come-back in motion. Substitute Gurmeet Singh and captain Harmandeep Singh combined to intercept the ball in the Mizoram half, after it was hooved up field by keeper Jaskaran. They eventually worked the ball out wide, where an Arshvir cut-back set Akashdeep to halve the deficit. With a little over 10 minutes of regulation time left, a penalty was awarded to Punjab for a handball by Mizoram inside their own box. Arshvir, who had set up the first goal, stepped up to the spot and turned scorer to draw level. After a goalless extra time, Mizoram finally held their nerve to win 4-2 in the penalty shootout. They will face Meghalaya in the semi-final on Sunday at 3:30 pm IST. Meanwhile, defending champions Delhi take on Sports Authority of India in the first match of the day at 7:30 am IST. Both matches will be played at the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Ground and will be streamed live on the Indian Football YouTube channel.


United News of India
23-05-2025
- Sport
- United News of India
Mizoram pip Punjab on penalties to enter Men's U20 NFC semi-finals
Narainpur (Chhattisgarh), May 23 (UNI) Mizoram on Friday claimed victory in a roller-coaster of a Swami Vivekananda Men's U20 National Football Championship quarterfinal, defeating Punjab in a penalty shootout after the latter came back to level the score from being two goals down. The northeastern side eventually won the shootout 4-2 as the match ended 2-2 after extra time. It was a game of two different halves, followed by a goalless half-hour of extra time. Mizoram were masters of the first half, Michael Lalbiaksanga (10') and PC Pazawna (23' p) putting them in a comfortable position. Punjab, however, roared back after the change of ends, (Akashdeep Singh (69') and Arshvir Singh (80' p) levelling things up to send the match into extra time. Contrary to the match, Punjab found themselves with the initial advantage, after Mizoram's first penalty by PC Pazawna was saved by goalkeeper Jaskaran Dub. However, the rest of the Mizoram players – Ngurthanmawia, F Malsawmtluanga, Lalremtluanga L, and Freddy Lalruatkima – entrusted with taking the penalties did their part in scoring. Punjab, who scored their first two penalties through Akashdeep Singh and Arshvir Singh, saw their challenge for a last-four spot fade away after Karan Kumar Sharma sent his spot-kick over the cross-bar, while captain Harmandeep Singh's penalty was saved by Joel B Lalramchhana, Mizoram's goalkeeper and captain. Earlier in the first half, Mizoram got off to a cracking start after Lalbiaksanga gave them the lead in the 10th minute. Standing over a free-kick from the edge of the penalty box, near the right flank, Lalbiaksanga went for glory and found the top corner, to put his side in the lead. Things looked murkier for Punjab when Mohd Sahil was adjudged to have brought Ngurthanmawia down inside the box, and a penalty was awarded to Mizoram, on the Pazawna scored comfortably to double his side's lead. With the change of ends came the turn of the tables. Punjab began to crowd the Mizoram box with bodies in their attempts to connect with crosses from the wings. That also opened up spaces for Mizoram to exploit on the counter. It was, however, a counter-attack from Punjab that set their come-back in motion. Substitute Gurmeet Singh and captain Harmandeep Singh combined to intercept the ball in the Mizoram half, after it was hooved up field by keeper Jaskaran. They eventually worked the ball out wide, where an Arshvir cut-back set Akashdeep to halve the deficit. With a little over 10 minutes of regulation time left, a penalty was awarded to Punjab for a hand-ball by Mizoram inside their own box. Arshvir, who had set up the first goal, stepped up to the spot and turned scorer to draw level. After a goalless extra time, Mizoram finally held their nerve to win 4-2 in the penalty shootout. They will face Meghalaya in the semi-final on Sunday, May 25, at 3.30 pm IST. Meanwhile, defending champions Delhi take on Sports Authority of India in the first match of the day at 7.30 am IST. Both matches will be played at the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Ground and will be streamed live on the Indian Football YouTube channel. UNI BM