Hyderabad, October 17, 2026: Former international badminton player and Indian Police Service (IPS) probationer Kuhoo Garg of the Gujarat cadre has been awarded the Sword of Honour at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) for being the best outdoor probationer in Phase I of training.
The distinction was conferred during the Dikshant (Passing Out) Parade of the 78th Regular Recruit (78 RR) batch on October 17. The outdoor assessment evaluates performance in physical training, horse riding, unarmed combat, yoga, tactics, mock drills, and sports. Garg, an Economics (Honours) graduate of Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi University, also received the Medal for Best Probationer in Drill during the Director’s Parade held on October 12.
Garg represented India in badminton from 2013 to 2020 and achieved a world ranking of No. 34 in mixed doubles. She trained under Padma Bhushan awardee Pullela Gopichand in Hyderabad. A knee injury (including an ACL tear that required surgery) and the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic led her to shift focus. Encouraged by her parents, she prepared for the Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination while recovering and secured All India Rank 178 in 2023 on her first attempt, opting for the IPS.
She is the daughter of Ashok Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer who served as Director General of Police of Uttarakhand and is currently Vice Chancellor of the Sports University of Haryana. Her mother, Dr. Alaknanda Ashok, is a professor and dean. Born on September 22, 1998, in Uttarakhand, Garg has described the qualities developed during her sporting career as central to her performance at the Academy. “Once an athlete, always an athlete. The discipline, resilience, strategising and the need to always get better and push yourself all of that stays with you,” she told The Times of India.
The 78 RR batch comprises 151 officer trainees (135 IPS officers and 16 foreign officers from Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives), including 37 women officers. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan reviewed the parade and addressed the probationers as chief guest. After the parade, the probationers will proceed for district practical training in their respective cadres. Garg is set to join the Gujarat cadre.
Her dual recognition as best outdoor probationer and best in drill highlights the transfer of athletic discipline into the rigorous demands of police training and marks a notable milestone in her transition from international sport to public service.
