Himachal’s Daughter Makes History as BSF’s First Woman Sniper
Mandi, May 3: Sub-Inspector Suman Kumari from Himachal Pradesh has made history by becoming the first woman sniper in the Border Security Force (BSF). Hailing from Mandi district, Suman has shattered long-standing gender norms in a male-dominated field through sheer determination, skill, and courage.
She recently completed an intense eight-week sniper training course at the Central School of Weapons and Tactics (CSWT) in Indore, Madhya Pradesh — a program known for its extreme physical and mental rigor. Remarkably, Suman was the only woman among 57 trainees and went on to earn an ‘Instructor Grade,’ underscoring her outstanding performance.
Suman joined the BSF in 2021. While leading a platoon in Punjab, she witnessed cross-border sniper attacks firsthand — experiences that inspired her to pursue sniper training. Volunteering for the course, she received approval from her seniors, who recognized her commitment and potential.
Coming from a modest background — her father is an electrician and her mother a homemaker — Suman’s journey is a powerful story of grit and perseverance. In addition to her sniper credentials, she is also trained in hand-to-hand combat and now stands ready to take on a new role in safeguarding the nation’s borders.
Snipers are trained to operate under high-stress conditions, often in isolation, capable of taking precise shots from over three kilometers away. According to instructors at CSWT, the course is as mentally demanding as it is physically challenging, with many male personnel opting out due to its difficulty. Suman, however, completed it with confidence and focus, setting a powerful example for women across the country.
At a time when women are breaking barriers across sectors, Suman Kumari’s achievement is a landmark moment — one that will inspire generations to come.
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