Neeraj Chopra Honored with Lieutenant Colonel Rank in Indian Army: A Journey from Athletics to Military Excellence
Neeraj Chopra, renowned for his prowess in javelin throwing, has achieved a notable milestone in both sports and military history. On October 22, 2025, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh awarded Chopra the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army in a formal ceremony held at South Block, New Delhi. The event, attended by the Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and other senior officials, highlighted Chopra’s embodiment of discipline, patriotism, and excellence. This report delves into Chopra’s inspiring journey from his rural beginnings to attaining global acclaim and military honor, underscoring his contributions to national pride.
Neeraj Chopra was born on December 24, 1997, in Khandra village, Panipat district, Haryana. He grew up in an agricultural family and developed an early interest in sports, particularly javelin throwing, encouraged by his community and his natural talent. At 18, in 2016, Chopra joined the Indian Army as a Naib Subedar through the sports quota and became a part of The Rajputana Rifles, one of the Army’s oldest regiments. This marked the start of his dual journey as a soldier and an athlete.
Chopra’s military career saw steady advancement. He was promoted to Subedar and eventually to Subedar Major, the top rank among Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs). His service earned him notable military honors, including the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) and the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) in 2022, recognizing his commitment to both military duties and athletics.
Neeraj Chopra’s athletic career is marked by historic achievements and consistent excellence. His most celebrated triumph came at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, where he secured India’s first Olympic gold in track and field with a remarkable throw of 87.58 meters. This landmark victory elevated him to the status of a national icon. He further solidified his reputation with a silver medal at the Paris Olympics in 2024.
Chopra’s accolades extend beyond the Olympics:
- Gold Medal: World Athletics Championships, 2023
- Gold Medals: Asian Games (2018, 2022)
- Gold Medals: Commonwealth Games (2018)
- Gold Medals: Diamond League events (multiple)
- Personal Best: 90.23 meters (2025), setting a milestone in Indian athletics
His achievements have earned him civilian honors, including the Padma Shri, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, and Arjuna Award, acknowledging his impact on Indian sports.
| Event | Year | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Olympics | 2020 | Gold Medal |
| Paris Olympics | 2024 | Silver Medal |
| World Athletics Championships | 2023 | Gold Medal |
| Asian Games | 2018, 2022 | Gold Medal |
| Commonwealth Games | 2018 | Gold Medal |
| Personal Best Throw | 2025 | 90.23 meters |
On April 16, 2025, Neeraj Chopra was bestowed with the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army by President Smt Droupadi Murmu, as announced in the Gazette of India on May 9, 2025. The Ministry of Defence noted that Chopra was no longer on active duty, referring to him as “Ex-Sub Maj Neeraj Chopra.” This is significant as Indian Army rules prohibit a serving Subedar Major from being directly commissioned as a Lieutenant Colonel, even on an honorary basis. It implies that Chopra likely opted for voluntary retirement before April 2025 to qualify for this honor.
This honorary rank is a ceremonial recognition of Chopra’s contributions to national pride through his sporting achievements and disciplined service. He joins a select group of sports personalities who have been similarly honored:
- MS Dhoni: Lieutenant Colonel (Honorary), Territorial Army
- Abhinav Bindra: Lieutenant Colonel (Honorary), Territorial Army
- Kapil Dev: Lieutenant Colonel (Honorary), Territorial Army
- Sachin Tendulkar: Group Captain (Honorary), Indian Air Force
These titles recognize not only their sporting excellence but also their demonstration of leadership, resilience, and patriotism.
Throughout his career, Chopra has exemplified the discipline akin to that of a soldier. While serving as a JCO, he balanced military responsibilities with rigorous athletic training, often under demanding conditions. His association with The Rajputana Rifles instilled in him a sense of duty that he carried to the global stage. Even as he gained international recognition, Chopra remained grounded, proudly wearing his Army badge and prioritizing national service. He has, on occasions, postponed public events during critical national security operations, reflecting his commitment to the nation.
Chopra’s influence reaches beyond athletics and military ranks. His discourses on youth development, mental resilience, and discipline resonate with many. As an honorary Lieutenant Colonel, he continues to inspire India’s youth to strive for excellence while remaining grounded in values of service and humility. His upcoming competitions, including the Doha Diamond League (May 16, 2025) and the ORLEN Janusz Kusociński Memorial in Poland (May 23, 2025), are expected to further bolster his legacy.
The Territorial Army, known as India’s “second line of defense,” allows citizens to serve part-time while contributing to national security. Honorary ranks in the Territorial Army are rare and reserved for individuals whose contributions elevate India’s global stature. For Chopra, this rank highlights his role as a bridge between India’s sporting and military spheres and aligns with the Army’s tradition of acknowledging athletes who embody its core values.
Neeraj Chopra’s journey from Khandra village to Olympic podiums and the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel is a testament to his determination, discipline, and national pride. His achievements have not only redefined Indian athletics but also reinforced values of service and perseverance. Whether leading on the athletic field or representing the Army, Chopra embodies the spirit of the tricolor with unparalleled dignity. His legacy in sports and military history will inspire future generations to dream ambitiously, serve humbly, and pursue excellence.
