CRPF K9 Teams Join Global Effort to Secure Paris Olympics 2024

Two CRPF K9 teams, featuring Belgian Shepherd Malinois, have been deployed to Paris, joining a 10-team unit to ensure security at the 2024 Olympics. The teams, selected after rigorous tests and training, will stay through the event upon French government's request.

Two K9 teams from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have arrived in Paris as part of a specialized unit chosen to secure venues for the Paris Olympics 2024, scheduled from July 26 to August 11. The CRPF's Belgian Shepherd Malinois, named Vast and Denby, aged five and three respectively, reached Paris on July 10. This breed is globally favored for combat duties by security forces.

In addition to the two CRPF K9s, eight other dogs have been deployed from organizations including Assam Rifles, Sashastra Seema Bal, the National Security Guard, and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police. "Two K9s were selected from each Central Armed Police Force unit. Altogether, 10 dogs and their handlers have been assigned to safeguard various Olympic venues at the request of the French government," said a Central government official familiar with the deployment.

CRPF K9s Vast and Denby were chosen following a series of stringent tests at the organization's Dog Breeding and Training School. "They underwent nearly 10 weeks of specialized training tailored to their upcoming assignments," the CRPF noted. The handlers also received rigorous physical training and French language basics before their deployment. The assignment is expected to continue through the completion of the Summer Olympic Games in 2024, hosting athletes from 196 nations.

(With inputs from agencies.)