Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh formally conferred the gleaming insignia of the Honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army upon India’s golden boy and star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra. The pipping ceremony, held with full military decorum at South Block in New Delhi, marked yet another glorious milestone in the journey of the athlete who has brought unmatched honour to Bharat on the global stage.
During the ceremony, Rajnath Singh interacted with Lt Col (Hon) Neeraj Chopra and his family members, commending the javelin ace as an “epitome of perseverance, patriotism, and the Indian spirit of striving for excellence.” He lauded Chopra’s inspiring journey from a small village in Haryana to the pinnacle of world athletics, and his deep connection with the Indian Army.
“Lt Col (Hon) 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,” said the Defence Minister.
The ceremony was attended by Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, senior officers of the Indian Army and the Territorial Army, and dignitaries from the Ministry of Defence.
Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh today conferred the Honorary rank of Lt Col in #TerritorialArmy upon @Olympics champion @Neeraj_chopra1 during a pipping ceremony at South Block, New Delhi.
Shri Rajnath Singh hailed Lt Col (Hony) Neeraj Chopra as an epitome of perseverance,… pic.twitter.com/qubsh97xxc
— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) October 22, 2025
Born on December 24, 1997 in Khandra village, Panipat district of Haryana, Neeraj Chopra’s journey has been one of relentless determination and excellence. Enrolled in the Indian Army in 2016, he has served with The Rajputana Rifles, one of the oldest and most decorated infantry regiments of the Army. His exemplary conduct and humility have earned him respect both within and beyond the sporting arena.
Chopra etched his name into history books 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 World Athletics Championships in 2023, reaffirming his stature as one of the world’s most consistent javelin throwers.
He has also clinched multiple Gold Medals at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Diamond League events, continuously elevating India’s position in global athletics. His personal best throw of 90.23 metres (2025) stands as a landmark achievement in the annals of Indian sporting history, symbolising both physical mastery and the spirit of national pride.
Neeraj Chopra’s association with the Indian Army has always reflected his sense of duty toward the nation. His military discipline, humility, and relentless focus mirror the ethos of the Armed Forces. By donning the Territorial Army uniform, Lt Col (Hony) Neeraj Chopra bridges the worlds of sports and service embodying the strength, unity, and resilience that define the Indian spirit.
In recognition of his outstanding achievements and contribution to the nation, he was granted the Honorary Commission in the Territorial Army by President Droupadi Murmu on April 16, 2025. Over the years, he has also been the recipient of some of the country’s highest civilian and military honours, including the Padma, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award, Param Vishisht Seva Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal.
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