Neeraj Chopra Honored with Lieutenant Colonel Rank in Indian Army Ceremony

In a prestigious ceremony today, Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra was officially given the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army. This recognition highlights his outstanding contributions to both athletics and national service. The pipping ceremony, which was attended by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, represents a notable achievement in Chopra's dual career as a soldier and athlete.

The appointment, announced in The Gazette of India, took effect on April 16, 2025, promoting Chopra from his previous rank of Subedar Major in the Territorial Army. Chopra's journey with the Indian Army began on August 26, 2016, when he joined as a Naib Subedar, a junior commissioned officer.

His career progression has been closely linked with his sporting successes. He was promoted to Subedar in 2021, in the same year he received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, India's most prestigious sporting honor. In 2022, after winning a historic gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Chopra was awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal—the highest peacetime honor of the Indian Armed Forces—and promoted to Subedar Major, in addition to receiving the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award in India.

At the age of 27, the javelin thrower from Khandra village near Panipat in Haryana has reinforced his status as a global icon. Chopra's accolades include the gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, a silver at the Paris 2024 Olympics, and a gold medal at the 2023 World Athletics Championships, making him the current world champion. Earlier, he had been honored with the Arjuna Award in 2018 for his sporting achievements.

This honorary rank places him in the company of eminent Indian sportspersons honored by the armed forces, such as cricketers MS Dhoni and Kapil Dev, who hold similar ranks in the Territorial Army, and shooter Abhinav Bindra, who is also a Lieutenant Colonel.

The Territorial Army, founded in 1949, serves as a volunteer force that supports the regular Indian Army during wartime, disaster relief efforts, and national development projects. By integrating distinguished civilians like Chopra, the force aims to inspire youth and promote discipline. Chopra's promotion highlights the connection between sportsmanship and military values, underscoring resilience and national pride.

Those close to the event noted Chopra's role as a source of inspiration for budding athletes and soldiers. Although he recently finished eighth at the World Athletics Championships due to back issues, Chopra remains committed to future contests, including the ORLEN Janusz Kusociński Memorial in Poland on May 23, 2026. His journey from rural origins to international fame continues to exemplify determination and excellence.