Army officer dubbed 'national crush' retires at 30 after serving as President's aide

Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal, a 2014 entrant of the National Defence Academy and holder of a BA in International Relations, completed his military studies at the Indian Military Academy before joining the Indian Army. Over a 12-year career he rose from lieutenant to major, leading the Jat Regiment's contingent at the 2021 Republic Day Parade and earning the Best Marching Contingent Trophy, as well as serving with the 4 Para Special Forces where he received the rare Balidaan Badge.

In March 2023 he was selected as aide-de-camp to President Droupadi Murmu, a position that involved strict security protocols and personal assistance to the head of state. In an Instagram Live interview, Sambyal explained that personal and family reasons prompted his early retirement at age 30, adding that he has no immediate plans to marry. He also discussed the extensive safety measures surrounding the President, including a one-kilometre sanitized perimeter and restrictions on contact with the President.