India javelin superstar and Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra was conferred today the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army. The pipping ceremony took place at South Block in New Delhi, in the presence of Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi. Neeraj Chopra's family was also present to witness the proud moment as Rajnath Singh interacted with them, describing the athlete as an epitome of perseverance and patriotism.According to the Gazette of India, a weekly public journal and an authorized legal document of the Government of India (GoI), the appointment took effect on April 16. Notably, Neeraj joined the Indian Army as a junior commissioned officer in the rank of Naib Subedar in August 2016.
Earlier, Neeraj Chopra was conferred with the Padma Shri, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award, Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal. For the unversed, the star javelin thrower created history by becoming the first Indian athlete to win an Olympic Gold Medal in track and field at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.
He continued his brilliant show by winning a silver medal at the Paris Olympics in 2024 and a Gold Medal at the World Athletics Championships in 2023. He has also secured multiple Gold Medals at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Diamond League events. His personal best throw of 90.23 meters (2025) stands as a milestone in Indian sporting history.
Rajnath Singh lauds Neeraj Chopra for his achievements
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh lauded Neeraj Chopra for his exceptional achievements in his career and termed him as an inspiration for generations to come. "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," he said.
