New Delhi, Oct 22 (UNI) Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh formally conferred the insignia of Honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army upon star javelin thrower and two-time Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra during a pipping ceremony at South Block here today.
Interacting with Lt Col (Hony) Neeraj Chopra and his family, Rajnath described him as an epitome of perseverance, patriotism, and the Indian spirit of striving for excellence. “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,” the said Singh.
Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and other senior officials of the Indian Army and Territorial Army were present on the occasion.
Enrolled in the Indian Army in 2016, Lt Col (Hony) Neeraj Chopra serves with The Rajputana Rifles. Born on December 24, 1997, in Khandra village, Panipat district, Haryana, he has brought immense pride to the nation through his remarkable achievements in international athletics.
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 with a Silver Medal at the Paris Olympics in 2024 and a Gold Medal at the 2023 World Athletics Championships.
He has also won multiple Gold Medals at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Diamond League events. His personal best throw of 90.23 metres (2025) remains a milestone in Indian sporting history. He achived that feat in the Doha Diamond League on May 16, 2025.
In recognition of his outstanding accomplishments and exemplary service, Lt Col (Hony) Neeraj Chopra was granted an Honorary commission in the Territorial Army by President Droupadi Murmu on April 16. He has earlier been honoured with the Padma Shri, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award, Param Vishisht Seva Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal.
