India is not only sending athletes but also specially-trained dogs to ensure security at the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024. Ten highly-trained Indian dog teams from various central armed police forces have been deployed in France. These teams will assist French police and security agencies in counter-terrorism and anti-sabotage operations during the games, which begin next week.
The dogs, all Belgian Malinois breed, are known for their skills in sniffing out bombs and detecting suspicious activities. They have been selected from units like the CRPF, SSB, ITBP, NSG, and Assam Rifles. These dogs underwent a rigorous 10-week training program in collaboration with French canine squads.
Each dog is paired with a handler who has received specialized training, including basic French language skills, for the Olympics assignment. The handlers and dogs were chosen based on their performance in tests conducted at the CRPF’s training school in Karnataka.
Belgian Malinois dogs are internationally renowned for their role in combat and security operations. They were notably involved in locating Osama Bin Laden’s hideout in Pakistan in 2011. These dogs can discreetly detect explosives and intruders without barking, ensuring minimal disruption.
The Indian teams will operate under the direction of French authorities and will be deployed where needed across Olympic venues. The handlers will wear their regular combat uniforms adorned with patches of the Indian flag during their duties.
France is gearing up with a massive security presence for the Olympics, including 30,000 police officers daily and 18,000 military personnel, with a significant deployment for the opening ceremony. India, meanwhile, will have 117 athletes and 140 support staff representing the country at the games.
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