Wings of Shakti: Jammu’s Squadron Leader Neha Devi Breaks Stereotypes in Elite Ultramarathon and Athletics

JAMMU, March 06, 2026 — In a powerful tribute to resilience and female empowerment, the Press Information Bureau (Defence Wing) has highlighted the extraordinary journey of Squadron Leader Neha Devi, an Indian Air Force officer from Jammu who is redefining the boundaries of motherhood and professional athletics.

Since commissioning in 2014 after a rigorous physical transformation, Sqn Ldr Neha has evolved into an elite long-distance runner, consistently placing among top finishers in national events. Her story took a pivotal turn in 2024 when she chose to challenge social stigmas surrounding fitness and pregnancy.

Exercising under strict medical supervision while pregnant, she secured a podium finish in a major 10K event, later delivering a healthy baby girl via C-section in September 2024.Refusing to let the physical toll of a C-section or the demands of breastfeeding and night feeds deter her, Sqn Ldr Neha embarked on a disciplined 15-month postpartum recovery.

Entirely self-trained, she achieved a staggering series of athletic milestones in 2025 and early 2026, including an 8th-place finish in the Kashmir Marathon against international competitors and a 3rd-place finish in the Adani Full Marathon’s Defence Category.

Her most recent feat on January 24, 2026, saw her complete a grueling 100 km Ultramarathon in just 9 hours and 52 minutes, missing the national qualification mark by a mere 22 minutes—a performance that signals her potential to represent India on the global stage with professional coaching.

Today, Squadron Leader Neha Devi serves as a prominent Ambassador of Youth and Women in Jammu, using her platform to prove that motherhood “multiplies” rather than limits a woman’s potential.

Her journey from the Air Force Academy to the finish lines of ultramarathons serves as a beacon for young girls across the region, encouraging them to trade stereotypes for consistency and belief.