According to reports which emerged late, the 4th battalion of the 9 Gorkha Rifles regiment grabbed the gold medal in the annual Cambrian Patrol Competition held in Wales, the United Kingdom, last month.

This is the first time a battalion of the Indian army has emerged the winner of this competition which is also referred to as the ‘Olympics of Patrolling.’

 

The Gorkha team beat 100 teams, including 14 of national armies of different countries, Indian media reported. 

 

“This achievement is extremely important as this competition is of great significance,” a retired Indian Army General, Ashok Mehta, said.

 

The regiment which has its centre in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh state of India, recruits people of the Chhetry and Thakuri clan from Nepal. Domiciled Indian Gorkhas are also recruited, who form about 20 percent of the total strength, according to the official website of the Indian Army. This competition is being conducted by the British Army for the past 40 years. Members of the team were recently felicitated by Southern Army Commander AK Singh in Rajasthan.