Neeraj Chopra Conferred Honorary Rank of Lieutenant Colonel in Indian Army

On October 22, 2025, Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra was conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army during a pipping ceremony held at South Block, New Delhi. The event was presided over by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and attended by Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, along with other senior military officials. This recognition is a continuation of the tradition of awarding military ranks to distinguished athletes in India.

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Neeraj Chopra, born on December 24, 1997, in Khandra village, Haryana, has made significant contributions to Indian sports. He gained international fame by winning India’s first Olympic gold medal in athletics at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and followed it with a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Additionally, he secured a gold medal at the World Athletics Championships in 2023. His personal best throw of 90.23 meters, achieved in 2025, stands as a milestone in Indian athletics.

The Hindu

Chopra's journey in the Indian Army began on August 26, 2016, when he joined as a Naib Subedar. He was promoted to Subedar in 2021 and to Subedar Major in 2022. His military service has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award, and the Param Vishisht Seva Medal.

‘Golden Boy’ Neeraj Chopra conferred honorary Lieutenant Colonel rank in Indian Army

During the ceremony, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised Chopra, stating, “Lt Col (Hony) 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.” Singh described Chopra as an “epitome of perseverance, patriotism, and the Indian spirit of striving for excellence,” highlighting the athlete's role as a national icon.

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Despite his accolades, Chopra faced challenges in his recent performances, notably finishing eighth at the World Athletics Championships, which marked the end of a remarkable streak of 26 consecutive top-two finishes. This setback has led to discussions about the pressures faced by elite athletes and the unpredictability of competitive sports.

Neeraj Chopra Honored as Indian Army’s New Lieutenant Colonel in Grand Ceremony

As Neeraj Chopra continues to represent India on both athletic and ceremonial stages, the conferment of the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel underscores his dual role as a sportsman and a symbol of national pride. His future endeavors in athletics and potential participation in upcoming competitions will be closely watched by fans and sports enthusiasts alike.

Javelin Thrower Neeraj Chopra Conferred Honorary Rank Of Lieutenant Colonel

• “(Hony) 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,” Mr.” — Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister

The Hindu

• “It is life and sports,” — Neeraj Chopra, reflecting on his recent performance challenges.

Neeraj Chopra Honored as Indian Army’s New Lieutenant Colonel in Grand Ceremony