Raksha Mantri Awards Honorary Rank of Lieutenant Colonel to Neeraj Chopra in the Territorial Army
In a ceremony of pride and dignity, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh formally invested India's golden javelin thrower and two-time Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra with the insignia of Honorary Lieutenant Colonel of the Territorial Army. The pipping ceremony was held at South Block, New Delhi, on October 22, 2025, in the presence of Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and senior Indian Army and Territorial Army officials.
While meeting Lt Col (Hony) Neeraj Chopra and his family, the Raksha Mantri appreciated the athlete's remarkable journey, terming him as "an epitome of perseverance, patriotism, and the Indian spirit of striving for excellence."
He added that Neeraj's discipline, dedication, and national pride make him a source of inspiration that would inspire for generations in the sporting world and the armed forces as well.
A Journey of Service and Sporting Glory
Enrolled in the Indian Army in 2016, Neeraj Chopra serves with The Rajputana Rifles, one of the Army’s most decorated regiments. Born on 24 December 1997 in Khandra village, Panipat district, Haryana, Neeraj has brought unmatched glory to India through his record-breaking performances in international athletics.
Historic Achievements
Neeraj Chopra became history's first-ever Indian Olympic gold medalist in the field of track and field at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. He continued to reign supreme in world athletics, winning a Paris Olympics Silver Medal (2024) and grabbing Gold at the World Athletics Championships (2023). His outstanding performance has also won him several gold medals at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Diamond League competitions.
His best throw of 90.23 metres (2025) is a milestone in Indian sports history — marking accuracy, strength, and unflinching determination.
Honours and Recognition
In a nod to his unprecedented contributions to Indian sports and his personification of the country's values, President Smt Droupadi Murmu awarded Neeraj Chopra an Honorary Commission in the Territorial Army on April 16, 2025. He has been adorned with many coveted honours over the years, such as the Padma Shri, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award, Param Vishisht Seva Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal.
Symbol of a Nation's Pride
With this honorary rank, Lt Col (Hony) Neeraj Chopra is among the selected few sportspersons who have crossed over between the two worlds of sports and service. His journey — from being a young sportsman in Haryana to becoming a world champion and now an honorary officer in the Indian Army — is a testament to India's unbreakable spirit of commitment, excellence, and national pride.
Read more:-
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh Visits DRDO’s ARDE, Highlights Defence Innovation
India Surpasses China to Claim Third Spot in Global Air Power Rankings
