Neeraj Chopra Honoured with Honorary Lieutenant Colonel Rank in Indian Army

New Delhi, October 22, 2025 — Olympic gold medalist and star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra was conferred with the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army during a special pipping ceremony held in New Delhi on Wednesday. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi were present at the event, where the gleaming insignia of his new rank was formally pinned on him.

The honorary title recognizes Chopra’s extraordinary achievements in athletics and his role in inspiring millions of young Indians. According to the Gazette of India, the appointment is effective from April 16, 2025.

Neeraj Chopra joined the Indian Army in 2016 as a Naib Subedar, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey that saw him rise through the ranks due to his outstanding sporting performances. He was promoted to Subedar in 2021 after his historic gold medal win at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, becoming the first Indian to win an Olympic gold in athletics. The following year, he was promoted to Subedar Major and awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour.

Over the years, Chopra has also received the Arjuna Award, the Khel Ratna, and the Param Vishisht Seva Medal from the Indian Army in recognition of his excellence in sport and service.

Recently, the 27-year-old athlete competed in the World Athletics Championship, where he finished eighth with a best throw of 84.03 metres. The result ended his 26-competition streak of finishing in the top two since 2021. Despite expressing disappointment over his performance, Chopra admitted that injuries and setbacks are part of an athlete’s life.

Neeraj’s consistency, discipline, and humility have made him one of India’s most admired sports icons — and now, a decorated soldier in the nation’s service.

By nishuthapar1

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