Jammu, Mar 6 (NVI): Squadron Leader Neha Devi of the Indian Air Force from Jammu has emerged as an inspiring example of determination, balancing military duties, motherhood and endurance sports while achieving notable success in long-distance running.
According to News Vibes of India—(NVI) that Neha joined the Air Force Academy in July 2013 and, through rigorous training and discipline, was commissioned into the Air Force in June 2014 after transforming her fitness during the training period.
Over the years, running and strength training became an integral part of her routine. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, when organised training was disrupted, she continued home workouts to maintain her fitness levels.
In 2021, she participated in the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon (virtual edition) and secured the third position in her age category. In 2023, she finished sixth overall in the 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, Neha became pregnant and continued controlled workouts under medical supervision. At four months pregnant, she secured second position in the virtual category of the TCS World 10K Bengaluru. She delivered a healthy baby girl via C-section in September 2024.
Following childbirth, she gradually resumed training while balancing official duties and caring for her child. Within 15 months postpartum, she recorded several achievements, including completing a half marathon in 1 hour 35 minutes and finishing the Kashmir Marathon 2025 in 1 hour 40 minutes, securing eighth position in the women’s category.
She also finished third in the defence category at the Adani Marathon 2025 with a timing of 3 hours 42 minutes and completed a 100 km ultramarathon in 9 hours 52 minutes.
On January 24, 2026, during a 24-hour stadium run in New Delhi, Neha completed her first 100 km run, narrowly missing the national qualification mark. Days later, she competed in the Indian Navy Half Marathon on February 2, finishing first among participants from the three services and fourth overall in the women’s open category with a time of 1 hour 32 minutes and 50 seconds.
Apart from her achievements as an officer and athlete, Neha also encourages young women in Jammu to pursue fitness and sports, promoting the message that motherhood does not limit a woman’s potential.(NVI)
