In a momentous ceremony that blended sporting excellence with military honour, India’s javelin superstar Neeraj Chopra was today conferred with the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army. The event, held at the iconic South Block in New Delhi, marks a new chapter in the illustrious career of the Olympic champion, solidifying his status as a national icon whose discipline and success resonate far beyond the athletic arena.
The pipping ceremony was graced by the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi. Adding a deeply personal touch to the proud occasion, Neeraj Chopra's family was present to witness the soldier-athlete receive this distinguished rank. The Defense Minister took a moment to interact with them, describing the athlete as an "epitome of perseverance and patriotism."
According to the Gazette of India, the government's authorised legal document, the appointment took effect retrospectively from April 16. This honour is a significant milestone in Neeraj’s long-standing association with the Indian Army, which began in August 2016 when he joined as a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) in the rank of Naib Subedar. The Army has been a constant in his journey, providing support and structure that helped shape his champion mentality.
A Legacy of Unprecedented Achievements
Neeraj Chopra’s journey from a Naib Subedar to an Honorary Lieutenant Colonel is a narrative of relentless hard work and historic firsts. He burst into the nation's consciousness by creating history at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, becoming the first Indian athlete to win an Olympic Gold Medal in a track and field event. He didn't stop there.
The champion athlete continued to dominate the global stage, securing a Gold Medal at the World Athletics Championships in 2023, followed by a brilliant Silver Medal at the recent Paris Olympics in 2024. His trophy cabinet also includes multiple Gold Medals from the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Diamond League finals. His personal best throw of 90.23 meters, achieved in 2025, stands as a towering benchmark in Indian sporting history.
His contributions have already been recognised with the nation's highest sporting and civilian honours, including the Padma Shri, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, and the Arjuna Award.
"An Inspiration for Generations": Rajnath Singh
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh lauded Neeraj Chopra for his exceptional career and profound impact. In his statement, the Minister captured the essence of why this military honour is so fitting.
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