Meet Suman Kumari, Indian Border Security Force’s 1st Female Sniper

India's Border Security Force (BSF) won its first female sniper, Suman Kumari. Shooting through the glass ceiling, sub-inspector Kumari made history with a remarkable grade in the eight-week-long sniper training program. She was the only woman among the 56 trainees. Welcoming the trailblazer, the BSF posted to X(Twitter), "BSF is truly becoming an inclusive Force where #ladies are taking rapid strides everywhere. In a step in this direction, after rigorous training, #BSF has got the First #Mahila Sniper." The course is considered to be among the toughest trainings of the BSF.

In a Times Of India report, Bhaskar Singh Rawat, the Inspector General of the Central School of Weapon Training applauded Kumari's achievement and also spoke about her inspiring grit through the training program. 

Who Is Suman Kumari?

Suman Kumari belongs to the luscious-green Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. Her father is an electrician while her mother is a homemaker. She joined the BSF in 2021 and was commanding a platoon in Punjab before volunteering for the sniper course after she witnessed the threat of sniper attacks from across the border. 

The eight-month-long sniper training program is known to be one of the toughest courses in the BSF. Kumari was the only woman among 56 trainees from her batch. Yet, she showed confidence in her skills and completed the course with a remarkable grade. According to IG Bhaskar Singh Rawat, Kumari acquired the 'instructor' grade, which requires a special screening test.

“The sniper course demands a lot of physical and mental strength. We have enhanced the trained regime this year with focus on concentration and camouflaging so that the sniper can get closer to the enemy without being detected. Most male trainees find it difficult to survive this training and do not even attempt the course but she volunteered," the instructor told the Times Of India. 

Welcoming the first woman on the team, IG Rawat expressed, "She is the first woman sniper in BSF and will be an inspiration for other women to come forward. This course is one of the toughest after the commando training. I am happy to say that she was leading in most activities during the course. Her hard work, determination and willingness to learn make her stand out. We are hoping that more female recruits will take up this course."