Jammu, March 6, 2026 : Neha Devi, a Squadron Leader in the Indian Air Force, has emerged as a powerful inspiration for young women after completing seven marathons within a year following motherhood, successfully balancing her roles as an officer, athlete, and mother.
According to Defence spokesperson Suneel Bartwal, Neha began her journey in the armed forces when she joined the Air Force Academy in July 2013 while being nearly 10 kilograms overweight. Through rigorous training and determination, she transformed herself within a year and was commissioned into the Indian Air Force in June 2014.
By 2017, running and strength training had become a regular part of her disciplined routine. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, when organised training sessions were disrupted, she continued maintaining her fitness through home workouts.
Her competitive running journey gained momentum in 2021, when she secured third position in her age category at the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon (virtual edition). She continued delivering impressive performances in various running events.
In 2023, Neha 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.
Her determination stood out even during pregnancy. In January 2024, while expecting, she continued exercising under medical supervision to challenge social stigma around physical activity during pregnancy. At four months pregnant, she finished second in the TCS 10K (virtual).
Neha gave birth to a healthy baby girl through a C-section in September 2024. Despite the difficult recovery period, she resumed training while managing her professional responsibilities and caring for her newborn.
Within 15 months postpartum, and without professional coaching, she achieved remarkable milestones. 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, competing against international athletes.
Her achievements continued in 2025, when she secured third position in the Defence category at the Adani Marathon with a time of 3 hours 42 minutes. She also completed a 100-km ultramarathon in 9 hours 52 minutes during the 24-Hour Stadium Run in Delhi, narrowly missing the national qualification mark by 22 minutes.
Soon after, she competed in the Indian Navy Half Marathon on February 2, 2026, where she secured first position among the three armed services and fourth overall in the women’s open category, finishing with an impressive timing of 1 hour 32 minutes and 50 seconds.
Today, Neha Devi also serves as a youth and women ambassador in Jammu, motivating young girls to pursue fitness, challenge stereotypes, and believe in their potential.
“Motherhood does not limit potential — it multiplies it,” Neha said, sharing her message of determination, resilience, and consistency.
