JAMMU: Squadron Leader Neha Devi of the Indian Air Force has emerged as a powerful symbol of determination, resilience and balance, inspiring many with her journey of discipline, motherhood and athletic excellence.
Her path began in July 2013 when she joined the Air Force Academy. At the time, she was nearly 10 kilograms overweight, but through relentless dedication and hard work, she transformed herself within a year. By June 2014, she was commissioned into the Indian Air Force—fitter, stronger and mentally sharper.
By 2017, structured running and strength training had become an integral part of her life. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, when organized training came to a halt, she maintained her fitness through home workouts and remained consistent in her training routine.
In 2021, she participated in her first Airtel Delhi Half Marathon (virtual edition) and secured the third position in her age category. Over the following years, she continued to feature among top finishers in multiple events. In 2023, she finished sixth overall in the Station Cross Country (10 km) and third overall in the Station Unity Run (21 km), where she was the only female participant.
In January 2024, she became pregnant, but the experience further strengthened her resolve. Motivated by the belief that women should not fear exercising during pregnancy due to social conditioning or misconceptions, she continued controlled workouts under medical supervision. At four months pregnant, she secured second position in the TCS 10K (virtual event). In September 2024, she delivered a healthy baby girl through a C-section.
Recovery after childbirth was gradual and challenging. From walking to jogging and eventually returning to running, she rebuilt her strength step by step. While exclusively breastfeeding her daughter for six months and continuing thereafter, she committed 40–60 minutes daily to gym sessions or home workouts. Balancing night feeds, official duties and physical recovery, she steadily returned to competitive fitness.
Within just 15 months after childbirth, and training entirely on her own, she achieved several remarkable milestones. She completed the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2025 in 1 hour and 35 minutes and finished the Kashmir Marathon 2025 in 1 hour and 40 minutes, securing eighth position overall in the female category among international participants. She also secured third place in the Defence Category at the Adani Marathon 2025 with a time of 3 hours and 42 minutes.
Her most notable achievement came on January 24, 2026, during the 24-Hour Stadium Run in New Delhi, where she completed her first 100-kilometre ultramarathon in 9 hours and 52 minutes, narrowly missing the national qualification mark by just 22 minutes.
Shortly afterward, on February 2, 2026, she competed in the Indian Navy Half Marathon, securing first position among participants from the three armed services and finishing fourth overall in the Women’s Open category with a time of 1 hour, 32 minutes and 50 seconds, missing the podium by only 43 seconds.
Though she narrowly missed the national qualification mark, her performance signals immense potential. With structured training, scientific support and professional coaching, she is widely seen as a strong contender to represent India on the international stage in the future.
Today, beyond being an Air Force officer, athlete and mother, Squadron Leader Neha Devi also serves as an ambassador for youth and women in Jammu, motivating young girls to pursue fitness, believe in their abilities and challenge societal stereotypes.
Her journey stands as a testament to the belief that motherhood does not limit a woman’s potential—it can multiply it.
