Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called Olympic gold champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra a “epitome” of tenacity and patriotism after he was conferred the rank of Lieutenant Colonel on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.
At a pipping ceremony in New Delhi, attended by Army Chief Gen. Upendra Dwivedi and numerous other high-ranking officers of the force, Rajnath Singh awarded the Territorial Army’s top javelin thrower the insignia of honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
After enlisting in the Indian Army on August 26, 2016, Neeraj Chopra was promoted to Subedar in 2021 and Subedar Major in 2022.
Born on December 24, 1997, in Khandra village in Panipat, Haryana, Neeraj Chopra made history by winning India’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in athletics at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 in the men’s javelin throw competition.
Neeraj Chopra won a gold medal in the World Athletics Championships in 2023 and a silver medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, continuing his stellar performance.
Additionally, he has won numerous gold medals in Diamond League competitions, the Asian Games, and the Commonwealth Games. In Indian sports history, his personal best throw of 90.23 meters (2025) is a significant milestone.
According to Defence Minister Singh, who spoke with Mr. Chopra and his family, he represents the “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,” Mr. Singh said.
According to the Defence Ministry, President Droupadi Murmu awarded Lt. Col. (Hony) Chopra an honorary commission in the Territorial Army on April 16 in appreciation of his exceptional accomplishments and valiant devotion to the country.
The Padma Shri, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award, Param Vishisht Seva Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal are just a few of the numerous honors that Chopra has received.
