Neeraj Chopra conferred honorary Lt Colonel rank, joins elite league of sporting legends

Olympic gold medallist and javelin sensation Neeraj Chopra was on Wednesday conferred the honorary rank of lieutenant colonel in the Territorial Army, joining the elite league of Indian sportspersons recognised for their stellar contributions. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed Chopra as an "epitome of perseverance, discipline, and national pride."

The ceremonial pipping in New Delhi, attended by Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi and senior officials, celebrated Chopra’s dual journey as a soldier and a sporting icon. Chopra joined the Indian Army as a naib subedar in 2016, rose to subedar in 2021, and subedar major in 2022 before receiving the honorary commission.

Born on December 24, 1997, in Khandra village, Panipat, Haryana, Chopra made history by winning India’s first-ever Olympic gold in athletics at Tokyo 2020. He added a silver at the Paris 2024 Olympics and a gold at the 2023 World Athletics Championships. Multiple golds at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Diamond League events, along with a personal best throw of 90.23 metres in 2025, cement his place among India’s sporting greats.

Defence Minister Singh said, “Lt Col (Hony) Neeraj Chopra embodies the highest ideals of discipline, dedication, and patriotism, inspiring generations in both sports and the Armed Forces.”

Perks and prestige As an honorary lieutenant colonel, Chopra can wear the rank insignia, attend ceremonial events, and access some Army facilities while continuing his sporting career. The honorary commission is a mark of national recognition and respect. However, it does not come with a regular salary or pension, as the role is largely ceremonial.

The Territorial Army grants honorary ranks to individuals who bring national or international recognition to India through sports, arts, or public service. Nominations are reviewed by senior army officials and the Ministry of Defence, and the President formally confers the commission.

Chopra now joins the distinguished league of sportspersons like MS Dhoni (cricket), PV Sindhu (badminton), Vijender Singh (boxing), and Milkha Singh (athletics), who have all been honoured for their exceptional contributions.

President Droupadi Murmu had earlier approved Chopra’s honorary commission on April 16. His decorated career also includes prestigious awards such as Padma Shri, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award, Param Vishisht Seva Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal.