New Delhi, October 22, 2025 — Two-time Olympic medallist and India’s star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra was on Wednesday conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army’s Territorial Army. The ceremony took place in the national capital and was graced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi. The honour recognizes Chopra’s exceptional contributions to Indian sports and his role in inspiring a generation of youth with his discipline, dedication, and patriotism. Officials from the Ministry of Defence stated that Chopra’s induction symbolizes the deep respect the armed forces hold for India’s athletes who bring global glory to the nation.
Chopra began his association with the Indian Army in 2016 when he was appointed as a Naib Subedar in the Rajputana Rifles regiment following his impressive performances in national and international events. His meteoric rise continued after winning gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Over the years, he was promoted to Subedar in 2021 and Subedar Major in 2022 before receiving this prestigious honorary rank. With this, Chopra joins the distinguished league of sportspersons, including cricketers and Olympians, who have been conferred honorary ranks by the Indian Army for their contribution to the nation’s pride and sporting excellence.
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