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India`s star javelin throw athlete, Neeraj Chopra, on Wednesday was conferred with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described him as “epitome of perseverance” and national pride.
Singh conferred the insignia of honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel to the star javelin thrower, serving in the Territorial Army, at a pipping ceremony in New Delhi that was also graced by Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi and many other senior officials of the force.
“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 said.
On August 26, 2016, Chopra joined the Indian Army as a Naib Subedar. Later, he was promoted to Subedar in 2021 and was then appointed as Subedar Major in 2022.
Earlier, during the Tokyo Olympics 2020, the Haryana-born athlete scripted history by clinching India`s first-ever Olympic gold medal in athletics in the men`s javelin throw event.
He also bagged a gold medal at the World Athletics Championships in 2023. The 27-year-old then won a silver medal at the Paris Olympics in 2024.
Chopra also managed to win several gold medals at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Diamond League tournaments. So far, he recorded his best throw of 90.23 m in 2025, which stands at the top in Indian sporting history.
In recognition of his outstanding achievements and exemplary service to the nation, Lt Col (Hony) Chopra was granted an honorary commission in the Territorial Army by President Droupadi Murmu on April 16, the defence ministry said.
Chopra is also a recipient of many coveted awards, including Padma Shri, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award, Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal.
Neeraj Chopra’s results in 2025
Potchefstroom Invitational, South Africa 1st (84.52m)
Doha Diamond League, Qatar 2nd (90.23m)
Janusz Kusocinski Memorial, Poland 2nd (84.14m)
Paris Diamond League, France 1st (88.16m)
Ostrava Golden Spike, Czechia 1st (85.29)
Neeraj Chopra Classic, Bengaluru 1st (86.18m)
Zurich Diamond League Final, Switzerland 2nd (85.01m)
Tokyo World Athletics Championships, Japan 8th (84.03m)
(With PTI Inputs)
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