Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh formally awarded the insignia of the Honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army to India's golden javelin thrower and two-time Olympic medalist, Neeraj Chopra. The ceremony of pipping (the event where the insignia is given) was conducted at South Block, New Delhi, in the presence of Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and Indian Army and Territorial Army senior officials.
The Defence Minister, during his time with Lt Col (Hony) Neeraj Chopra and his family, referred to him as a true example of perseverance, patriotism, and the Indian spirit of striving for excellence. Rajnath Singh appreciated Neeraj for being an achiever of the highest attributes of discipline, dedication, and national pride, and hailed him as an inspiration to not just the sporting community but the Armed Forces too.
Neeraj Chopra started his military service with the Indian Army on 26 August 2016 as a Naib Subedar in Rajputana Rifles regiment under the sports quota. Showing extraordinary accomplishments in international sports and holding on to commitment towards his military life, he was promoted successively to Subedar in 2021 and Subedar Major in 2022.
For his outstanding service and international representation of India, he was awarded the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel of the Territorial Army by President Droupadi Murmu on 16 April 2025. Formal presentation of insignia by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh marks this dignified progression.
Neeraj Chopra's sporting career has earned India and the Armed Forces tremendous pride. Neeraj Chopra was born on December 24, 1997, in Khandra village in Panipat in the state of Haryana. He made history by being the first Indian sportsperson to win an Olympic gold medal in athletics in the Tokyo 2020 Games.
He also strengthened his position by claiming a silver medal in the Paris 2024 Olympics and a gold medal in the 2023 World Athletics Championships. He also has several gold medals in Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Diamond League tournaments to his name, with his personal best javelin throw of 90.23 meters recorded in 2025, a new landmark in Indian athletics history.
Neeraj Chopra's remarkable accomplishments have been honoured with several illustrious awards such as the Padma Shri, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award, Param Vishisht Seva Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal. His honorary military rank also accentuates his singular status as a soldier-athlete embodying the pinnacle of excellence and patriotism.
The award of the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel to Neeraj Chopra by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is a moment that honours not only his huge sporting success but also his dedication to serving the country through a illustrious military service. It reflects the syncretic fusion of sportsmanship and service, projecting Neeraj as an influential icon of India's grit, glory, and national pride.
