Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, May 14: Olympic hero Neeraj Chopra has been conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army, marking yet another milestone in his remarkable career. The announcement was officially published in the latest edition of the Gazette of India by the Ministry of Defence.

The distinction comes after Chopra’s stellar performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he secured a silver medal in the javelin throw — adding to his historic gold from the 2020 Tokyo Games. With this feat, he became India’s most decorated individual Olympian.

According to the gazette notification, the honorary rank will be effective from April 16, 2025. Chopra had earlier joined the Indian Army in 2016 as a Naib Subedar and was promoted to Subedar in 2021 following his Tokyo triumph.

Chopra now joins a prestigious list of sportspersons who have been recognised with honorary military ranks for their service to the nation in sport. These include Abhinav Bindra (Lt. Colonel), Vijay Kumar (Captain), and cricket legend MS Dhoni (Lt. Colonel), all of whom have brought Olympic or international glory to India.

Chopra’s new role symbolises not only his athletic achievements but also his enduring association with the Indian Army, further strengthening the bond between sports and national service.