Stories of women trainees who made their mark at National Police Academy

A woman once dreamt of winning an Olympic medal for India, another grew up wanting to become a police officer, while a third arrived at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) without any sporting background, only to discover physical and mental strength she never knew she possessed. Different ambitions, different journeys, but a common destination: the Indian Police Service (IPS).

As the 78th batch of officer trainees prepares for its passing-out parade at the SVPNPA in Hyderabad on Saturday (October 17, 2026), the stories of its 37 women trainees reflect the determination to enter, and excel in, a profession long dominated by men.

Among them is Kuhoo Garg, daughter of former DGP of Uttarakhand Ashok Kumar, a former international badminton player who has won the IPS Association’s Sword of Honour for the best outdoor probationer. A native of Dehradun, Uttarakhand, she represented India between 2013 and 2020 and was formerly ranked world No. 34 and India No. 1 in mixed doubles.

A graduate in Economics Honours from Shri Ram College of Commerce, Ms. Kuhoo trained at the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy in Hyderabad, where her ambitions were firmly rooted in sport.

Her plans, however, changed following injuries and the COVID-19 pandemic. Encouraged by her parents, particularly her father, whose work in public service inspired her, she turned towards the civil services and cleared the examination in her first attempt.

Finding strength beyond the field

“The academy equips us with everything required to deal with these challenges. The training builds resilience and confidence, which will help us perform our responsibilities in the field,” she said.

For N. Chetana Reddy, a Hyderabad native who was allotted the Telangana cadre, the transformation was of a different kind.

With both parents being doctors and no background in sports, she admitted that physical fitness had never been a major part of her life before joining the academy.

“The training is very scientific and systematic. Even if you are not from a sporting background, discipline and consistent effort can help you achieve the required level of physical fitness,” she said.