Northeast Desk, 20th October: India proudly announces the selection of Squadron Leader Rajkumar Herojit Singh, an Indian Air Force (IAF) officer from Manipur, as the country’s representative at the 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China. Scheduled from October 22 to October 28, this event is a momentous occasion for Manipur and the entire nation.
Squadron Leader Rajkumar Herojit Singh, affectionately known as ‘Hero’ among his colleagues, is an inspiring example of resilience and determination. Despite facing adversity, he has excelled in para swimming and is poised to compete in the 100m breaststroke event against athletes from across Asia.
Herojit Singh, the youngest son of R K Muktasana Singh and R K (O) Ibetombi Devi, has been a source of inspiration from his early days. While he had the opportunity to pursue an engineering career after his 12th-grade examinations, his heart led him to join the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) at Khadakvasla, Pune. His journey at NDA was marked by notable achievements, including being appointed as a Battalion Cadet Adjutant, receiving the ‘Best Cadet in Physical Training’ award, earning the ‘Sports Insignia’ for his sporting excellence, and the coveted ‘Blazer’ in swimming.
However, fate had a different path in store for Herojit Singh during his stage-2 fighter flying training at the Fighter Training Wing, Hakimpet. An aircraft accident resulted in his ejection from the plane and a spinal cord injury, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. However, this setback did not diminish his spirit or his dream of serving in the IAF.
In a remarkable turn of events, Herojit Singh created history when the IAF chose to retain him and commissioned him into the Indian Air Force. He became the world’s first person to be commissioned while using a wheelchair. Although he can no longer take to the skies, he continues to serve his nation proudly in the ground-duty branch of the IAF.
Herojit Singh’s indomitable spirit extends beyond his military service. He leads an active life and participates in various sports and adventure activities, including swimming, wheelchair marathons, wheelchair table tennis, wheelchair badminton, sea swimming, and open water diving. Notably, he successfully completed an Advanced Open Water Diving course before focusing on para swimming in 2017, marking a new chapter in his extraordinary journey.
Squadron Leader Rajkumar Herojit Singh’s story is a testament to the power of determination and the human spirit, serving as an inspiration not only for Manipur but for the entire nation. His participation in the 4th Asian Para Games is a momentous occasion, and India stands with him in this incredible journey.