Raksha Mantri Confers Honorary Rank of Lieutenant Colonel on Neeraj Chopra

New Delhi: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh on Wednesday formally conferred the Honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army upon star javelin thrower and two-time Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra during a solemn pipping ceremony at South Block, New Delhi.

Interacting with Lt Col (Hony) Neeraj Chopra and his family, Rajnath Singh hailed the ace athlete as an epitome of perseverance, patriotism, and the indomitable Indian spirit.

“Lt Col (Hony) Neeraj Chopra embodies the highest ideals of discipline, dedication, and national pride, serving as an inspiration to generations within the sporting fraternity and the Armed Forces alike,” said the Raksha Mantri.

Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and senior officials of the Indian Army and Territorial Army were present at the ceremony.

Enrolled in the Indian Army in 2016, Neeraj Chopra has been serving with The Rajputana Rifles, one of the Army’s most distinguished regiments. Born on December 24, 1997, in Khandra village, Panipat district, Haryana, Neeraj’s meteoric rise from a small-town athlete to a global sporting icon has brought immense pride to the nation and the armed forces.

The javelin star created history at the Tokyo Olympics 2020, becoming the first Indian to win an Olympic Gold Medal in track and field. His dominance continued with a Silver Medal at the Paris Olympics 2024 and a Gold Medal at the World Athletics Championships 2023. He has also won multiple Gold Medals at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Diamond League events.

In 2025, Neeraj achieved another milestone with his personal best throw of 90.23 metres, marking a new chapter in India’s athletics history.

Acknowledging his exceptional contributions to sports and the nation, President Droupadi Murmu had earlier granted Honorary Commission to Neeraj Chopra in the Territorial Army on April 16, 2025.

Over the years, he has been conferred with some of India’s highest honours, including the Padma Shri, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award, Param Vishisht Seva Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal.