Paris 2024: Indian K9 Units Bolster Security for Summer Olympics

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Paris, Jul 17: Reinforcing security for the upcoming Paris Olympics, India has deployed 10 dog units, with two coming from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). These K9 teams will be spread across various venues throughout the games, which run from July 26 to August 11.

The CRPF contingent consists of two Belgian Shepherd Malinois dogs, Vast and Denby, aged five and three respectively. This breed is a favourite among security forces worldwide due to their exceptional skills. Paris Olympics Special Page

Beyond the CRPF, eight additional K9 teams are joining the effort. These teams hail from organisations like the Assam Rifles, Sashastra Seema Bal, the National Security Guard, and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police. Their presence adds another layer of security to ensure a safe and successful Olympics.

The K9 units will play a crucial role in bolstering security by sniffing out explosives. This will significantly enhance the ability of security teams to identify and neutralize potential threats. These highly trained dogs will be strategically deployed across various locations throughout France.

"Two K9s are selected from each of the Central Armed Police Forces (CRPF). A total of 10 K9s, along with their handlers, have been deployed to secure the various venues of the Paris Olympics. They have been deployed at the request of the French government," Central government officials were quoted as saying by ANI on the condition of anonymity.

Earning their spots in Paris wasn't by chance. Vast and Denby, the two CRPF K9s, underwent rigorous testing at the CRPF's Dog Breeding and Training School before being selected for this crucial assignment.

"They (Vast and Denby) also underwent specialised training for nearly 10 weeks before their deployment, focusing on the assignments they were likely to be given," said the CRPF, as quoted by ANI.

The CRPF's statement highlighted that the K9 handlers underwent a tough training regimen as well. This included not only physical conditioning to ensure they could effectively handle the dogs but also basic French language classes to aid communication during their deployment in Paris.

Jawad Ashraf meets the K-9 unit in France

India's Ambassador to France and Monaco, Jawed Ashraf, also met with the Indian K-9 unit deployed for the Paris Olympics. Ambassador Ashraf shared his satisfaction on social media platform X with a photo alongside the Indian K-9 unit.

"Proud to meet 10-member K-9 unit from 🇮🇳, for a month in Paris to support 🇫🇷 Security for #ParisOlympics2024. Our K-9 stars & handlers doing well after travelling from India; quickly on the job for 🇫🇷National Day. Got a nice handshake, too! One example of 🇮🇳🇫🇷security cooperation!," he tweeted.

This deployment is expected to continue for the entirety of the Summer Olympics, which will see athletes from around 196 countries competing for glory at the grandest of stages.