NE SPORTS BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, JULY 23
The Indian Air Force on Friday announced the inclusion of five Air Warriors — four competing as sportspersons and one as a referee — in the Indian contingent, after a gap of 25 years, for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics 2021 to perform, outshine and bring medals for the country, says a Defence release.
#IndianAirForce proudly announces inclusion of 5 Air Warriors (4 competing & one as Referee) in Indian contingent, after a gap of 25 years, for #Tokyo #Olympics2021 to perform, outshine & bring 🏅
It is a matter of great pride for warriors in Blue to represent National Flag🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/etqyepyWMt
— PRO Defence Gujarat (@DefencePRO_Guj) July 22, 2021
Four personnel – Sergeant Shivpal Singh, Sergeant Noah Nirmal Tom, Junior Warrant Officer Deepak Kumar and Corporal Alex Anthony – will be competing as sportspersons, while Master Warrant Officer Ashok Kumar will be a referee in the wrestling events, the IAF said in a statement on Friday.
“The IAF is proud to announce the inclusion of five Air Warriors (four competing and one as a referee) in the Indian contingent, after a gap of 25 years, for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics 2021 to perform, outshine and bring medals for the country,” it said.
IAF Sports has made significant progress at the National and International arenas wherein talented Air Warriors have shown their grit and determination, and have won medals at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, World Cups and World Championships, thus bringing accolades for the country in the international arena. Over the years, IAF sportspersons have exhibited consistent improvement in their performance and there has been an increase in the number of Air Warriors becoming part of national coaching camps for international tournaments, the statement added.
Sgt Shivpal Singh of IAF Athletics team qualified for Tokyo Olympics 2021 in Javelin throw event after an effort of 85.47 meters in ACNW League at South Africa on January 25, 2020. Prior to this, Sgt Shivpal Singh, being a member of IAF Athletics team, created history by winning Gold medal in Javelin throw event covering a distance of 83.33 Meters in Military World Games held at Wuhan, China in ober 2019.
Sgt Noah Nirmal Tom of the IAF Athletics team qualified for Olympics 2021 as member of Indian 4X400 m mixed relay team by virtue of his performance in IAFF World championship 2019.
WO Deepak Kumar of the IAF Shooting team qualified for Olympics 2021 in 10 Mtr Air Rifle event by winning Bronze medal at 14th Asian Shooting championship held at Doha, Qatar in November 2019.
Cpl Alex Antony of IAF Athletics team qualified for Olympics 2021 in 4X400 m Mixed relay. The air warrior participated in Senior Inter State Athletics Championship held at Patiala from June 25-28 this year and Indian Grand prix-IV held at Patiala on June 21, 2021. By virtue of attaining the entry standards laid down by the International Association of Athletics Federation, he has secured his place at the Olympics.
MWO Ashok Kumar has been selected by United World Wrestling (UWW) as a Referee to officiate in the Wrestling Competition of the Tokyo Olympics Games. He is the first Indian Referee who would be officiating in back to back Olympic Games.
