YTC Ventures | Technocrat’ Magazine
New Delhi, November 3, 2025
In a nation where stories of grit and glory often echo from the frontlines, Subedar Preeti Rajak stands as a beacon of unyielding determination. At just 23 years old, this sharpshooting sensation from the heartland of Madhya Pradesh has etched her name in the annals of Indian military history as the first woman to attain the rank of Subedar in the Indian Army.
Her meteoric rise isn’t just a personal triumph—it’s a clarion call for ‘Nari Shakti’ (women’s power), inspiring a generation to aim higher, both on the shooting range and in uniform.As social media buzzes with tributes—from viral X posts celebrating her Asian Games heroics to heartfelt congratulations from leaders—Preeti’s journey is trending nationwide, reminding us that precision and passion can indeed rewrite destinies.
From humble beginnings in Itarsi to the prestigious Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU), her story is a masterclass in resilience, fueling conversations on gender parity in the armed forces.
Early Life and Introduction to Shooting
Subedar Preeti Rajak’s story begins in the bustling industrial town of Itarsi in Madhya Pradesh’s Narmadapuram district, where she was born on November 6, 2002, into a family of quiet resilience and unwavering support.
The youngest of three siblings, Preeti grew up in a modest household where her father, Rajendra Rajak, worked as a dry cleaner, toiling long hours to provide for the family, while her mother, Sangeeta Rajak, dedicated herself to social work, often volunteering in community initiatives that emphasized education and empowerment for underprivileged girls. This environment of hard work and service subtly shaped Preeti’s character from a young age, instilling in her a sense of discipline and empathy that would later define her military ethos.Preeti’s introduction to shooting came unexpectedly at the tender age of 13, in 2015, when her father noticed her keen interest in outdoor activities and her steady hands during family outings.
Encouraged by a local shooting enthusiast and inspired by India’s growing medal tally in international shooting events, Rajendra enrolled her at the Madhya Pradesh State Shooting Academy in Bhopal. Under the guidance of coach Indrajeet Singh Chouhan, a seasoned marksman with a track record of nurturing national talents, Preeti was introduced to trap shooting—a discipline that simulates historical game hunts by firing at fast-moving clay targets released from five different stations. The sport, which demands razor-sharp focus, split-second decisions, and emotional control, resonated with Preeti’s analytical mind and calm demeanor.Her early days at the academy were marked by humble challenges: balancing school studies with grueling practice sessions that stretched from dawn to dusk, often on rudimentary ranges with limited resources.
Yet, Preeti’s natural aptitude shone through quickly. By 2016, she had clinched her first state-level medal in a junior trap event, a bronze that ignited her passion and silenced early doubters who questioned a young girl’s place in a traditionally male-dominated arena. “My father’s belief was my first target—I hit it, and then aimed for the sky,” Preeti later reflected in an interview, crediting her family’s sacrifices for her unyielding drive.These formative years not only honed her technical skills—mastering the 12-gauge shotgun and perfecting her stance under varying weather conditions—but also built her mental fortitude. Participation in district and zonal competitions by 2017–18 exposed her to competitive pressures, teaching her resilience amid failures, like a heartbreaking miss in a national qualifier that only fueled her comeback.
This foundation propelled her to represent India at the 2019 Junior World Shotgun Championships in Lonato, Italy, where she finished a respectable 15th, marking her international debut and solidifying her resolve to blend her sporting prowess with a life of service. It was this early alchemy of family support, coaching mentorship, and personal grit that transformed a small-town dreamer into a national icon, setting the stage for her enlistment in the Indian Army.
Family Ties and Personal Life: The Anchor Behind the Aim
At the core of Subedar Preeti Rajak’s extraordinary journey lies a close-knit family that has been her unwavering pillar of strength, blending modest means with boundless encouragement. Hailing from a lower-middle-class background in Itarsi, Preeti is the youngest of three siblings, sharing a deep bond with her elder sister and brother. Her father, Rajendra Rajak, a dedicated dry cleaner who runs a small business, spotted Preeti’s potential early on and sacrificed much to fuel her dreams—enrolling her and her sister in the Madhya Pradesh Shooting Academy in 2015 despite financial constraints. “He saw the fire in my eyes and fanned it into a flame,” Preeti has often said, crediting his sport-savvy insight for her entry into trap shooting. Her mother, Jyotsna (or Sangeeta, as referenced in some accounts) Rajak, a passionate social worker, instilled values of empathy and community service, often involving the family in local initiatives for girls’ education and welfare.
This nurturing home—where evenings were filled with stories of perseverance rather than material comforts—forged Preeti’s resilient spirit, turning everyday challenges into stepping stones for success.In terms of her personal life, Preeti maintains a notably private stance, prioritizing her career in the Army and sports over public disclosures about relationships. As a young, unmarried Junior Commissioned Officer who enlisted in the Corps of Military Police in December 2022, she embodies the discipline of military life, where focus on duty often takes precedence. No public records or interviews reveal details of a boyfriend, marriage, or romantic involvements, aligning with the ethos of many athletes and service personnel who shield their personal spheres from the spotlight. Instead, Preeti channels her energies into mentorship, pursuing a degree from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), and inspiring her siblings and young recruits. Her family remains her emotional anchor, frequently attending her events and celebrating milestones like her Republic Day promotion, a moment the entire household cherished as a collective victory. This grounded personal life underscores Preeti’s philosophy: true fulfillment comes from service—to family, nation, and self—rather than fleeting headlines.
From Small-Town Dreams to Silver Medals: Preeti’s Unlikely Rise
Born on November 6, 2002, in the industrial town of Itarsi, Narmadapuram district, Madhya Pradesh, Preeti Rajak grew up in a modest household. Her father, a dry cleaner, and mother, a social worker, instilled in her the values of hard work and community service.
It was her father’s encouragement that sparked her love affair with trap shooting at age 13. Enrolled at the Madhya Pradesh Shooting Academy in 2015 under coach Indrajeet, Preeti’s natural poise and analytical mind quickly set her apart in a sport that demands unflinching focus—simulating 19th-century game hunts by blasting airborne clay targets from five stations.By 2019, she was representing India at the Junior World Shotgun Championships in Lonato, Italy. But it was her enlistment in the Indian Army on December 22, 2022, as a Havildar in the Corps of Military Police (CMP) that fused her athletic prowess with military discipline.
The Army’s rigorous training regimen didn’t just hone her marksmanship; it built her into a leader. “This rank isn’t just mine; it’s for every girl dreaming beyond the ordinary,” Preeti said, encapsulating her ethos of empowerment.Her breakthrough came at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China (September 21–October 1, 2023), where she clinched a silver medal in the Trap Women Team Event, etching India’s name in glory.
Currently ranked 6th in India for the Trap Women event, Preeti trains relentlessly at the AMU in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, gearing up for future international showdowns while pursuing a degree from IGNOU—balancing bullets, books, and barracks with seamless grace.
A Historic Promotion: Out-of-Turn Honor on Republic Day
On January 27, 2024—eve of Republic Day—Preeti’s dedication earned her an unprecedented out-of-turn promotion to Subedar, a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) rank typically requiring 18–20 years of service and rigorous exams. The pipping ceremony, presided over by Lieutenant General Gajendra Joshi at the Infantry School in Mhow, marked a watershed moment. As the first woman Subedar, she now leads platoons, mentors juniors, and bridges the gap between officers and troops—a role steeped in tradition and trust.
The Indian Army hailed it as an “extraordinary display of Nari Shakti,” noting how Preeti’s feat motivates young women to join the forces and excel in sports. In the CMP, where she serves, her promotion signals a shift: more women stepping into leadership, challenging long-held norms in one of the world’s largest volunteer armies.
Beyond the Rank: A Catalyst for Change in the Armed Forces
Preeti’s ascent transcends sports and service; it’s a cultural earthquake. Women have served in the Indian Army since 1992, but combatant roles opened only in 2018, and permanent commissions in 2020. As a JCO, Preeti embodies this evolution—proving that excellence knows no gender. Her story has sparked a surge in female enlistments, with the Army reporting increased applications post her promotion.On X (formerly Twitter), the buzz is electric. Posts from @TheDailyJagran highlight her “precision and passion,” while @sasmitpatra, a Rajya Sabha MP, lauds her as an “inspiration to millions.” @Mil2Corp calls her a testament to “focus, discipline, and belief,” with hashtags like #WomenInUniform and #NariShakti trending alongside her name. As one viral thread notes, “From Itarsi’s parade ground to the world’s stage—Preeti Rajak is redefining destiny.”Critics of gender quotas in the military may pause: Preeti earned her stars through sheer merit, not mandates. Her dual mastery—scoring bullseyes while saluting duty—challenges stereotypes, fostering a more inclusive force.
The Road Ahead: Olympics, Leadership, and Legacy
With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon (post-Paris 2024 preparations), Preeti eyes gold, training amid tactical drills and team huddles. As Subedar, she mentors recruits, emphasizing holistic growth: “Shoot straight, stand tall, and serve selflessly.”Preeti Rajak isn’t just a Subedar—she’s a symbol. Her journey from a dry cleaner’s daughter to a trailblazer underscores that barriers are clay pigeons: meant to be shattered. In an era of rapid change, stories like hers remind us that true power lies in precision—be it a shotgun’s aim or a nation’s aspirations.For more on women’s roles in the Indian Army, visit joinindianarmy.nic.in. Follow Preeti’s updates on official Army channels.
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