Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra was formally conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army during a ceremony presided over by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The appointment, officially recorded in The Gazette of India, took effect on 16 April. Chopra began his military career as a Naib Subedar in 2016. Over the years, he has received several prestigious awards, including the Arjuna Award, Khel Ratna, Padma Shri, and Param Vishisht Seva Medal, recognising his outstanding achievements in athletics and contribution to the nation.
Delighted to confer the insignia of Honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army upon Chopra, India’s outstanding sportsperson and two-time Olympic medalist.
Neeraj Chopra is an epitome of perseverance, patriotism and the Indian spirit of striving for… pic.twitter.com/PASbKS2fpM
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) October 22, 2025
#WATCH | Delhi | Olympic medallist javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army, in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and COAS General Upendra Dwivedi pic.twitter.com/bjLwuvoSLj
— ANI (@ANI) October 22, 2025
Neeraj Chopra’s Military and Sporting Journey
Chopra started as a Naib Subedar in 2016 and earned promotions to Subedar in 2021 and Subedar Major in 2022 due to his extraordinary performance in athletics. He won the Arjuna Award in 2018, the Khel Ratna in 2021, and made history by winning Olympic gold at Tokyo 2020. Chopra also received the Param Vishisht Seva Medal and the Padma Shri, cementing his legacy as one of India’s finest athletes and a respected Army officer.
Chopra’s Recent Performances
At the recent World Athletics Championships, Chopra finished eighth with a best throw of 84.03 m, ending his remarkable streak of 26 events with top-two finishes. Fellow Indian javelin thrower Sachin Yadav impressed with a throw of 86.27 m, securing fourth place. Despite the challenges, Chopra continues to be a symbol of dedication, inspiring athletes nationwide while balancing his dual roles as an elite sportsperson and a decorated Indian Army officer.
