Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra was conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army during a pipping ceremony held in New Delhi today. The event, graced by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, celebrated Chopra’s remarkable contributions to Indian sports and his service to the nation. According to The Gazette of India, this prestigious appointment took effect on April 16, 2025, further cementing the 27-year-old’s legacy as one of India’s most celebrated athletes.

Neeraj Chopra’s journey with the Indian Army began in 2016 when he joined as a Junior Commissioned Officer in the rank of Naib Subedar. His meteoric rise in athletics earned him the Arjuna Award in 2018 and the Khel Ratna, India’s highest sporting honor, in 2021. Following his historic gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Chopra was promoted to Subedar in 2021 and later to Subedar Major in 2022. That same year, he received the Param Vishisht Seva Medal from the Indian Army and the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, recognizing his extraordinary achievements in javelin throw.

Despite his recent setback at the World Athletics Championships, where he finished eighth with a throw of 84.03 meters, Chopra’s career remains a testament to resilience and excellence. This performance, affected by back issues, marked the end of his remarkable 26-event streak of top-two finishes that began after the 2021 Kourtane Games. His compatriot Sachin Yadav outperformed him, securing fourth place with a throw of 86.27 meters. Reflecting on the result, Chopra philosophically noted, “It is life and sports,” acknowledging the unpredictable nature of competition.

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The conferment of the honorary Lieutenant Colonel rank underscores Chopra’s enduring impact beyond the sports arena, highlighting his role as a national icon. His journey from a small village in Haryana to global stardom and military recognition inspires millions. As he continues to represent India on both athletic and ceremonial stages, Neeraj Chopra’s legacy as a trailblazer in Indian sports and a symbol of national pride only grows stronger.

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