Olympic Medallist Neeraj Chopra Conferred Honorary Rank of Lieutenant Colonel in Indian Army

In Brief

• Honorary Lieutenant Colonel Title for Neeraj Chopra

• Olympic Gold Medalist Neeraj Promoted in the Army

• Honored by the Defense Minister

(Neeraj Chopra) Olympic gold medalist and India's star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra was conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army on Wednesday. On this occasion, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh described him as a “symbol of perseverance, patriotism, and the striving for excellence that embodies the Indian spirit.” At this pipping ceremony held at the 'South Block', Rajnath Singh presented Neeraj Chopra with the insignia of the honorary rank. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, along with senior officers of the Indian Army and Territorial Army, were present at the event.

“Lieutenant Colonel (Honorary) Neeraj Chopra is the epitome of discipline, dedication, and national pride. He is an inspiration not only for the new generations in the field of sports but also in the Indian Armed Forces,” said Rajnath Singh while interacting with Chopra and his family. President Droupadi Murmu had approved the honorary rank for Neeraj Chopra in the Territorial Army on April 16, 2025. This rank was awarded for his remarkable achievements and service to the country.

Neeraj Chopra, a 27-year-old from Khandra village in Panipat district of Haryana, joined the Indian Army as a Naib Subedar on August 26, 2016. He served in the 'Rajputana Rifles' and was promoted to Subedar in 2021 and to Subedar Major in 2022. Neeraj Chopra won a historic gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, earning India its first gold in athletics. He then won a gold medal at the 2023 World Athletics Championship and a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He has also won several gold medals in the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Diamond League.