Jammu, 07 March (H.S.): Squadron Leader Neha Devi, a Jammu Indian Air Force officer, has emerged as an inspiration for young women by completing seven marathons in just one year, balancing the roles of an officer, athlete, and mother.

Neha Devi joined the Air Force Academy in July 2013 while being nearly 10 kilograms overweight.

“Within a year, through sustained effort and training, she transformed herself and was commissioned into the Indian Air Force in June 2014,” defence spokesperson Lt Col Suneel Bartwal said.

By 2017, structured running and strength training had become an integral part of her routine. “Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, when organised training was disrupted, she continued to maintain fitness through home workouts,” he said.

In 2021, Neha Devi participated in the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon (virtual edition) and secured the third position in her age category. She continued to feature among the top finishers in subsequent events, he said.

In 2023, she finished sixth overall in the Station Cross Country (10 km) and secured the third position overall in the Station Unity Run (21 km), where she was the only female participant, he said.

In January 2024, while pregnant, she decided to continue exercising under medical supervision, motivated by the need to challenge the social stigma surrounding physical activity during pregnancy. “At four months pregnant, she secured second position in the TCS 10K (virtual).”

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar