JAMMU, MAR 06: Squadron Leader Neha Devi of the Indian Air Force has emerged as an inspiration for young women after completing seven marathons in just one year while balancing the demanding roles of an officer, athlete and mother.
According to details available with news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Neha Devi joined the Air Force Academy in July 2013 while being nearly 10 kilograms overweight. Within a year of sustained training and discipline, she transformed herself and was commissioned into the Indian Air Force in June 2014.
Defence spokesperson Lt Col Suneel Bartwal said that by 2017, structured running and strength training had become an integral part of her daily routine. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, when organised training was disrupted, she maintained her fitness through home workouts.
In 2021, Neha participated in the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon (virtual edition) and secured third position in her age category. She continued to deliver strong performances in subsequent events.
In 2023, she finished sixth overall in the Station Cross Country (10 km) and secured third position overall in the Station Unity Run (21 km), where she was the only female participant.
In January 2024, while pregnant, she continued exercising under medical supervision to challenge social stigma around physical activity during pregnancy. At four months pregnant, she secured second position in the TCS 10K (virtual).
Neha delivered a baby girl through a C-section in September 2024. Despite a slow recovery, she resumed training while managing official duties and caring for her newborn.
Within 15 months postpartum and without professional coaching, she completed the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2025 in 1 hour 35 minutes and the Kashmir Marathon 2025 in 1 hour 40 minutes, finishing eighth overall in the women’s category that included international participants.
She also secured third place 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 and 52 minutes.
On January 24, during the 24-Hour Stadium Run in Delhi, she completed her first 100 km in 9 hours 52 minutes, narrowly missing the national qualification mark by 22 minutes.
Days later, she competed in the Indian Navy Half Marathon on February 2, 2026, where she secured first position among the three services and finished fourth overall in the women’s open category with a time of 1 hour 32 minutes and 50 seconds.
Neha Devi now serves as an ambassador for youth and women in Jammu, encouraging young girls to pursue fitness and break stereotypes.
“Motherhood does not limit potential, it multiplies it,” she said, highlighting her message of determination and consistency (KNO).
