Chilka, Nov. 13 -- In a historic milestone for the Indian Navy, a record-breaking 3,358 Agniveers-the largest single batch ever trained at INS Chilka-stepped out into naval service following a grand Passing Out Parade (POP) reviewed by the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, on Friday.

The ninth batch of Agniveers, which also includes 142 women sailors, marks the highest-ever trainee turnout from the premier sailor training establishment.

Underlining the sheer competitiveness and scale of the intake, the Navy Chief noted that out of the lakhs of young candidates who applied nationwide, only a select 1.5 per cent managed to make the cut.

Lauding the 142 women Agniveers who marched on the parade ground, the CNS s...