Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Oct 22: Olympic gold medallist and star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra was formally conferred the Honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army on Wednesday. The prestigious pipping ceremony was held at South Block, where Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presented Chopra with the shining insignia in the presence of senior military officials and Chopra’s family.
Neeraj, who was initially inducted into the Indian Army as a Naib Subedar on August 26, 2016, has served with distinction in The Rajputana Rifles, one of the oldest infantry regiments of the Indian Army.

Celebrated for rewriting India’s sporting history, Neeraj became the first Indian to win an Olympic gold medal in track and field at the Tokyo Olympics (2020). His exceptional journey continued with a gold medal at the World Athletics Championships (2023) and a silver at the Paris Olympics (2024). Most recently, he achieved a personal best of 90.23 metres in 2025 — a historic benchmark in Indian athletics.
Speaking at the ceremony, Rajnath Singh hailed Neeraj Chopra as “an epitome of perseverance, patriotism, and the Indian spirit of striving for excellence.” He also praised Chopra for embodying the values of discipline and dedication that are central to both the sporting world and the Armed Forces.
“Lt Col (Hony) Neeraj Chopra represents the highest ideals of national service and personal excellence,” said the Defence Minister, calling him an inspiration for both athletes and soldiers alike.
The conferment of the honorary rank was officially sanctioned by President Droupadi Murmu on April 16, 2025, in recognition of Neeraj’s unparalleled contributions to Indian sport and national pride.
Neeraj’s career is decorated with multiple golds at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Diamond League, along with top civilian and military honours including the Padma Shri, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award, Param Vishisht Seva Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal.
The ceremony was attended by Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, senior Indian Army officials, and dignitaries from the Territorial Army, marking yet another proud chapter in Neeraj Chopra’s remarkable journey.