Who is Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal? President Murmu’s ex-ADC dubbed the ‘national crush’ who took premature retirement

Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal, a former Indian Army officer and President Droupadi Murmu's ex-ADC, has taken premature retirement. The 12-year veteran, who served as a Captain in the Jat Regiment, rose to fame in 2021 after his departure from the army became public through President Murmu's digital photo library. Sambyal met with the President at Rashtrapati Bhavan on August 21, 2026, and expressed gratitude for her guidance and blessings in an Instagram post.

His impressive resume includes clearing the National Defence Academy exam in 2013, earning a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Affairs in 2017, and pursuing Military Studies and Defence Management at the Indian Military Academy. Sambyal led his regiment at the 2021 Republic Day Parade and earned the prestigious Best Marching Contingent Trophy.

He served with the elite 4 Para Special Forces, known as the "Daggers," and received the Balidaan Badge, an honor achieved by few. Born into a Dogra Rajput family from Jammu and Kashmir, Sambyal joined the Indian Army in March 2023 as President's ADC, overseeing high-stakes protocol management, executive security, and itinerary coordination for national and international engagements.

Recognized as a "national crush," Sambyal had received Presidential Service Badge and Commendation Cards from both the Chief and Vice Chief of Army Staff. He cited personal and family reasons for his premature retirement in an Instagram Live video, emphasizing that there were no immediate marriage plans.