Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra conferred rank of Lieutenant Colonel

Olympic gold medallist javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra was on Wednesday (October 22, 2025) conferred with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh describing him as an “epitome” of perseverance, and nationwide satisfaction.

Mr. Singh conferred the insignia of honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel to the star javelin thrower, serving within the Territorial Army, at a pipping ceremony in New Delhi that was additionally graced by Army Chief Gen. Upendra Dwivedi and lots of different senior officers of the drive.

Mr. Chopra joined the Indian Army as a Naib Subedar on August 26, 2016 and was promoted to Subedar in 2021 and Subedar Major in 2022.

Born on December 24, 1997 in Khandra village in Haryana’s Panipat, he created historical past by successful India’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in athletics within the males’s javelin throw competitors on the Tokyo Olympics 2020.

Mr. Chopra continued his stellar efficiency by successful a silver medal on the Paris Olympics in 2024 and a gold medal on the World Athletics Championships in 2023.

He has additionally secured a number of gold medals on the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Diamond League occasions. His private finest throw of 90.23 metres (2025) stands as a milestone in Indian sporting historical past.

Interacting with Mr. Chopra and his members of the family, Defence Minister Singh described him as an “epitome of perseverance, patriotism and the Indian spirit of striving for excellence”.

“Lt. Col. (Hony) Neeraj Chopra embodies the very best beliefs of self-discipline, dedication and nationwide satisfaction, serving as an inspiration to generations throughout the sporting fraternity and the Armed Forces alike,” Mr. Singh stated.

In recognition of his excellent achievements and exemplary service to the nation, Lt. Col. (Hony) Chopra was granted an honorary fee within the Territorial Army by President Droupadi Murmu on April 16, the Defence Ministry stated.

Mr. Chopra can be a recipient of many coveted awards, together with Padma Shri, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award, Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal.