New Delhi, October 22, 2025 (PTI) – In a ceremony that blended sporting excellence with military honour, Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra was today conferred with the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army. The pipping ceremony, held at the South Block in the national capital, marks a significant milestone in the javelin thrower’s already illustrious career, recognising him not just as a sporting legend but as a symbol of national pride and discipline.
The Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, presided over the ceremony, officially pinning the insignia of the Lieutenant Colonel rank onto Mr. Chopra’s uniform. The event was also graced by the Chief of the Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, and other senior officials, underscoring the importance the Indian Armed Forces attach to this honour.
From Naib Subedar to Lieutenant Colonel: A Journey of Discipline and Glory
Neeraj Chopra’s association with the Indian Army is a long and storied one. He first joined the army as a Naib Subedar on May 26, 2016, a move that provided him with the structured environment and support crucial for his early development. His rapid rise through the ranks mirrored his ascent in the world of athletics:
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Promoted to Subedar in 2021, following his historic gold medal win at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
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Promoted to Subedar Major in 2022, as he continued to dominate the international circuit.
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Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in 2025, a fitting accolade after his silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
This promotion is not merely a change in rank; it is a testament to his unwavering dedication, discipline, and the immense pride he has brought to the nation. The honorary commission in the Territorial Army was formally granted by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, on April 16, 2025.
A Fitting Tribute from the Defence Minister
Praising the athlete, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described Neeraj Chopra as an “epitome of perseverance, patriotism and the Indian spirit of striving for excellence.”
In a statement that captured the sentiment of the nation, Mr. Singh said, “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.”
This honour places Chopra in an elite group of sportspersons, like legendary shooter Colonel (Honorary) Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, who have been recognized with military ranks for their extraordinary contributions to Indian sports.
The Man Behind the Rank: A Glimpse at a Stellar Career
Born on December 24, 1997, in Khandra village of Haryana’s Panipat district, Neeraj Chopra’s journey from a humble background to becoming a global sporting icon is the stuff of legend. His achievements have fundamentally altered the landscape of Indian athletics:
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Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Created history by winning India’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in athletics.
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Paris 2024 Olympics: Secured a silver medal, proving his consistency at the highest level.
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World Athletics Championships 2023: Clinched the gold medal, becoming a world champion.
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Dominance in Continental and International Events: Multiple gold medals at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Diamond League finals.
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National Record: His personal best throw of 90.23 metres, achieved in 2025, stands as a towering milestone in Indian sports.
His mantle is also adorned with the nation’s highest civilian and sporting honours, including the Padma Shri, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, the Arjuna Award, the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, and the Vishisht Seva Medal.
The conferment of the Lieutenant Colonel rank upon Neeraj Chopra is more than a ceremonial gesture. It is a powerful statement that celebrates the shared values of athletes and soldiers—sacrifice, rigor, and an unwavering commitment to raising the nation’s flag high on the global stage. Lieutenant Colonel (Hony) Neeraj Chopra continues to be a true inspiration, now with a new rank and the same golden spirit.