Woman Squadron Leader from Jammu breaks stereotypes

Jammu, Mar 6: An officer of the Indian Air Force (IAF) from Jammu, Squadron Leader Neha Devi’s journey is one of discipline, motherhood and belief beyond limits.

“Neha Devi joined the Air Force Academy in July 2013, nearly 10 kilograms overweight. Within a year, through relentless effort, she transformed herself and was commissioned in June 2014 – fitter, stronger, sharper,” said PRO Defence Jammu Lt Col Suneel Bartwal.

By 2017, structured running and strength training became part of her identity. Even during COVID, when organised training paused, she adapted with home workouts and remained consistent.

In 2021, she ran her first Airtel Delhi half marathon (virtual edition) and secured third position in her age category, continuing to feature among top finishers in the years that followed.

In 2023, she finished 6th overall in Station Cross Country (10 km) and third overall in the Station Unity Run (21 km), being the only female participant in both events.

In January 2024, she became pregnant. “What motivated her deeply was the realisation that many women hesitate to strength train or exercise during pregnancy due to fear or social conditioning. She wanted to change that narrative,” Pro Defence Jammu stated.

Under medical supervision, she continued controlled workouts. At four months pregnant, she secured 2nd position in the TCS 10K (virtual). In September 2024, she delivered a healthy baby girl via C-section.

Recovery, PRO Defence Jammu said, was slow and painful – walk to jog, jog to run. But her mission was clear: motherhood should not limit a woman’s potential.

“While breastfeeding her daughter – exclusively for six months and continuing thereafter she made it a daily commitment to dedicate 40-60 minutes to gym sessions or home workouts. Balancing night feeds, official duties and recovery, she rebuilt herself patiently,” PRO Defence Jammu said.

Within 15 months postpartum – completely self-trained, she achieved half marathon (VDHM 2025) – 1hour 35 minutes; Kashmir Marathon 2025 1 hour 40 minutes (securing 8th position overall in female category including international athletes); full marathon (Adani Marathon 2025) – third in Defence category (3-hour 42 minutes); 100 km ultramarathon – 9-hour 52 minutes.

On January 24, 2026, at the 24-hour stadium run in New Delhi, she completed her first 100 km in 9 hours 52 minutes – missing national qualification by just 22 minutes. Within days, she competed in the Indian Navy half marathon on February 2, 2026, where she secured first among the three Services and finished 4th overall in the Women’s Open category clocking 1 hour 32 minutes, 50 seconds missing the podium by just 43 seconds.

“Missing the national mark by 22 minutes is not a setback, it is a signal. With structured training, scientific support, and professional coaching, we may soon see her wearing the tricolour and representing India on the international stage,” said Lt Col Bartwal.

“Today, beyond being an officer, athlete, and mother, she serves as an ambassador of youth and women in Jammu, inspiring young girls to train, to believe, and to break stereotypes. Motherhood does not limit potential, it multiplies it,” PRO Defence Jammu said.