Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh officially presented the Honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army to star javelin thrower and two-time Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra during the ceremony in South Block, New Delhi, on October 22, 2025.
While interacting with Lt Col (Hony) Neeraj Chopra and his family, the Raksha Mantri described him as a symbol of perseverance, patriotism, and the Indian spirit of striving for excellence.
Neeraj Chopra Conferred Honorary Lieutenant Colonel Rank
“Lt Col (Hony) Neeraj Chopra represents the highest ideals of discipline, dedication, and national pride. He inspires generations within both the sports community and the Armed Forces,” said Shri Rajnath Singh. Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and other senior officials from the Indian Army and Territorial Army attended the event.
Enrolled in the Indian Army in 2016, Lt Col (Hony) Neeraj Chopra has served with The Rajputana Rifles. Born on December 24, 1997, in Khandra village, Panipat district, Haryana, he has brought immense pride to the Nation and the Armed Forces through his remarkable achievements in international athletics.
Win Olympic Gold Medal in Tokyo Olympics 2020
Neeraj Chopra made history by becoming the first Indian athlete to win an Olympic Gold Medal in track and field at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. He followed this success with a Silver Medal at the Paris Olympics in 2024 and a Gold Medal at the World Athletics Championships in 2023. He has also earned multiple Gold Medals at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Diamond League events. His personal best throw of 90.23 meters in 2025 marks a significant milestone in Indian sports history.
To honor his remarkable achievements and dedicated service to the nation, Lt Col (Hony) he received an Honorary commission in the Territorial Army from President Smt Droupadi Murmu on April 16, 2025. He was also awarded the Padma Shri, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award, Param Vishisht Seva Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal.
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