Meet Suman Kumari, the first woman sniper of the Border Security Force (BSF), who has made history by completing an eight-week sniper course at the Central School of Weapons and Tactics (CSWT) in Indore, achieving the prestigious ‘instructor grade’.
Suman’s journey to becoming a sniper began when she volunteered for the course after witnessing the looming threat of sniper attacks from across the border while commanding a platoon in Punjab. Encouraged by her determination, her superiors approved her participation in the course.
Despite being the only female among 56 male counterparts in the sniper course, Suman’s resilience and dedication shone through, earning her the distinction of being BSF’s first ‘Mahila Sniper’. Her achievement marks a significant milestone for gender inclusivity within the BSF and is expected to inspire other female recruits to pursue similar military roles.
BSF is truly becoming an inclusive Force where #ladies are taking rapid strides everywhere. In a step in this direction, after rigorous training, #BSF has got the First #Mahila Sniper. pic.twitter.com/S80CUo0eKz
— BSF CSWT INDORE (@BSF_CSWT) March 2, 2024
In an interview with The Times of India, CSWT IG Bhaskar Singh Rawat emphasized the rigorous nature of the sniper course, ranking it among the toughest after commando training. Rawat praised Suman’s accomplishment and revealed that she is now eligible to serve as a sniper instructor.
Highlighting Suman’s exceptional performance during the course, one of her instructors emphasized the demanding physical and mental strength required for sniper training. Despite the challenges, Suman’s unwavering determination and eagerness to learn set her apart, leading her to excel in various activities throughout the course.
Hailing from Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh, Suman hails from a modest background, with her father working as an electrician and her mother as a homemaker. Her remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming BSF’s first woman sniper serves as a testament to her grit, perseverance, and dedication to serving her country.
