India’s ace javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has been conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army, a recognition of his immense contributions to Indian sports.
The appointment, made official by the Ministry of Defence, came into effect on April 16, 2025.
The Olympic champion, who previously held the rank of Subedar in the Indian Army, was awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) in 2022 for his exceptional achievements. Chopra, India’s first-ever Olympic gold medalist in track and field, followed his Tokyo 2020 victory with a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, further cementing his legacy.
Beyond his military recognition, Neeraj Chopra has continued to dominate the international athletics scene. The javelin star recently began his season with a gold medal in an invitational meet in South Africa, registering an 84.52m throw. His next major challenge lies in the Doha Diamond League on May 16, where he aims to improve his personal best of 89.94m and break the elusive 90-meter barrier.
Neeraj had also planned to host the NC Classic, a premier javelin event sanctioned by World Athletics, in Bengaluru on May 24. However, due to cross-border tensions, the competition has been postponed indefinitely.
With his military honour and ever-rising sporting achievements, Neeraj Chopra continues to be a beacon of inspiration for young athletes across India. His dedication and success reaffirm his status as one of the country’s greatest sports icons.
