Olympian Neeraj Chopra now Lieutenant Colonel in Territorial Army | WATCH
New Delhi: Celebrated javelin thrower and Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra has been conferred with the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army, marking yet another honour in a decorated career. The rank was presented by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in a formal pipping ceremony held in New Delhi.
The event was also attended by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and several high-ranking military officials. Speaking at the ceremony, Singh hailed Chopra as an "epitome of perseverance, patriotism and the Indian spirit of striving for excellence."
Chopra began his journey with the Indian Army on August 26, 2016, as a Naib Subedar, and steadily rose through the ranks—becoming a Subedar in 2021, and Subedar Major in 2022.
Born on December 24, 1997, in Khandra village, Panipat (Haryana), Chopra etched his name in history by clinching India’s first-ever Olympic gold in athletics during the Tokyo Olympics 2020 in the men’s javelin throw. His track record since has only grown stronger.
He followed up with a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics and a gold at the 2023 World Athletics Championships. Chopra has also secured multiple gold medals at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Diamond League events. His personal best throw of 90.23 metres (2025) is a national milestone.
During the ceremony, Singh further remarked, "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."
Chopra’s honorary commission was officially approved by President Droupadi Murmu on April 16, as per the Ministry of Defence.
A symbol of sporting excellence, Chopra has been honoured with prestigious national awards including the Padma Shri, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award, and both the Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal.
PTI