Lt. Col. Pooja Nautiyal Uttarakhand Sports Foundation has assumed charge as President of the Women’s Wing, marking an important step toward strengthening women-led sports leadership in the state.
In her new role, Lt. Col. Pooja Nautiyal Uttarakhand Sports Foundation President is expected to guide initiatives focused on mountaineering, rock climbing, and high-altitude sports development.
With over 22 years of distinguished service in the Indian Army, primarily within the Signals Corps, Lieutenant Colonel Pooja Nautiyal brings extensive experience in leadership, technology, and national service. She is currently serving as Director at the National Security Council Secretariat, where she has contributed to cybersecurity strategy and technology-driven national security initiatives at the highest levels of government.
A recognised cybersecurity expert and accomplished administrator, Lt Col Nautiyal is also a celebrated mountaineer and Mount Everest summiteer. Her mountaineering achievements reflect resilience, discipline, and perseverance, making her a strong role model for young athletes, particularly those from Uttarakhand aspiring to excel in adventure and mountain sports.
In her new role, Lieutenant Colonel Pooja Nautiyal is expected to actively guide and promote rock climbing, mountaineering, and high-altitude sports across the state. Drawing on her firsthand experience, she will mentor young athletes and support the development of structured training and leadership pathways.
A strong advocate for women’s empowerment, she will also focus on encouraging girls across Uttarakhand to pursue sports, fostering confidence, leadership, and mental resilience. Her appointment is expected to further strengthen the Uttarakhand Sports Foundation’s ecosystem, including its engagement with entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and sports institutions, while reinforcing its commitment to inclusive and high-impact sports development.
