Harish Kajla, BSF Deputy Commandant, Achieves Historic Milestone In Comrades Marathon, Becomes 1st CAPF Officer & NSG Commando To Finish Race Under 9 Hours – Details

Harish Kajla, a Deputy Commandant in the Border Security Force (BSF), achieved a historic milestone in the Comrades Marathon 2025 held in South Africa’s  KwaZulu-Natal province on Sunday, June 8. Kajla has now become the first Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) officer to achieve the Bill Rowan medal by finishing the marathon in under nine hours.

With this achievement, Kajla has also become the first National Security Guard (NSG) commando to take part and finish the race. He took 8 hours, 53 minutes and six seconds to complete the race. His average speed was just under 6 kmph.

Video Of Harish Kajla After Completing The Marathon:

Kajla credited the BSF for his achievements as a marathon runner. “I dedicate this endeavor to my forces, whose unwavering support and exemplary standards have made this possible. This run is for every soldier who believes in pushing boundaries and achieving the extraordinary,” the BSF Deputy Commandant told Defence Stories before departing for South Africa on June 3.

Kajla had also highlighted how being part of the NSG shaped his career as a marathon runner. “My current tenure with the NSG has further honed my endurance and mental strength. The NSG’s uncompromising standards of fitness and operational readiness have pushed me beyond my limits, teaching me the importance of focus, adaptability, and never giving up, no matter how tough the circumstances,” he said.

“Every early morning run, every grueling workout, and every moment of self-doubt overcome is a reflection of the training and motivation I have received from my forces. The encouragement from my seniors, the support from my colleagues, and the inspiration drawn from the sacrifices of my fellow soldiers have been my constant companions on this journey,” Kajla had added.

“As I take on the Comrades Ultramarathon, I do so not just as an individual, but as a proud representative of the BSF and NSG,” he noted.

Last year in August, Kajla earned global recognition by becoming the first officer from the Central Armed Police Forces to participate in the Ironman Challenge. The CAPF includes the BSF, the CRPF, the CISF, the SSB, and the ITBP.

Kajla hails from Haryana’s Jhajjar district. He started taking part in marathons after joining the BSF. Kajla did Half Ironman, 70.3 km in Goa in 2022. He also finished the ‘Hell Race’ in Jaisalmer in 2022 and 2023.