Lieutenant General Rajesh Pushkar, AVSM, VSM, Army Commander, Southern Command, felicitated the Southern Command Cross Country Team for its outstanding performance at the Army Cross Country Championship 2026. The recognition highlighted the athletes’ dedication, physical endurance and commitment to sporting excellence.
During the interaction, Lt Gen Rajesh Pushkar commended the team for displaying exceptional endurance, discipline and competitive spirit throughout the championship. He appreciated the determination demonstrated by the athletes in maintaining high standards of physical fitness and performance while representing Southern Command at the Army-level competition.
The Army Commander also encouraged the athletes to sustain the momentum achieved through their performance and continue working towards higher levels of sporting excellence. He emphasised the importance of consistent training, perseverance and a professional approach in enabling Army sportspersons to compete successfully at increasingly higher levels.
The felicitation also underlined the Indian Army’s continued emphasis on sports and physical fitness as important components of military preparedness. Competitive sporting activities provide personnel with opportunities to develop stamina, mental resilience, discipline and the ability to perform under pressure.
Southern Command has continued to promote sporting talent among its personnel, with its athletes participating in major Army-level competitions across various disciplines. Earlier this year, the Command’s athletics team also delivered a strong performance at the Army Inter Command Athletics Championship, reinforcing its growing sporting credentials.
The recognition of the Cross Country Team reflects the Command’s broader focus on nurturing soldier-athletes and encouraging personnel to pursue excellence both in military duties and competitive sports. The achievement serves as an inspiration for other personnel to maintain high standards of fitness and sporting performance.
Lt Gen Rajesh Pushkar’s interaction with the athletes reaffirmed Southern Command’s commitment to supporting its sportspersons and providing them with encouragement to excel at national and service-level competitions. The team now carries forward the momentum with the aim of achieving greater sporting success in future championships.
