On Wednesday, October 22, 2025, the esteemed Olympic gold medalist and javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra, was officially bestowed with the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded Chopra as a true embodiment of perseverance, patriotism, and national pride.
During a distinguished pipping ceremony held in New Delhi, Defence Minister Singh personally presented the insignia of this honorary rank to the javelin star, who serves with the Territorial Army. The ceremony saw the presence of several high-ranking officials, including Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi.
Neeraj Chopra embarked on his journey with the Indian Army on August 26, 2016, joining as a Naib Subedar. His dedication led to subsequent promotions, first to Subedar in 2021, and then to Subedar Major in 2022.
Born on December 24, 1997, in Khandra village, Panipat, Haryana, Chopra etched his name in history books at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. There, he secured India’s inaugural Olympic gold medal in athletics, dominating the men’s javelin throw competition.
His remarkable athletic journey didn’t stop there. Chopra went on to clinch a silver medal at the Paris Olympics in 2024 and added a gold from the 2023 World Athletics Championships to his impressive collection.
Furthermore, his trophy cabinet boasts numerous gold medals from prestigious events such as the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and various Diamond League competitions. His extraordinary personal best throw of 90.23 meters, achieved in 2025, remains a significant landmark in India’s rich sporting narrative.
During his interaction with Chopra and his family, Defence Minister Singh reiterated his admiration, hailing him as a shining example of ‘perseverance, patriotism, and the inherent Indian spirit of striving for excellence’.
Minister Singh further emphasized that ‘Lieutenant Colonel (Honorary) Neeraj Chopra truly embodies the pinnacle of discipline, dedication, and national pride, thereby becoming a beacon of inspiration for both the sporting community and the Armed Forces across generations.’
The Defence Ministry announced that, in tribute to his exceptional achievements and commendable service to the nation, President Droupadi Murmu had granted Lieutenant Colonel (Honorary) Chopra an honorary commission in the Territorial Army on April 16.
Chopra’s accolades also include several highly prestigious awards, such as the Padma Shri, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award, Param Vishisht Seva Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal.