Neeraj Chopra, known as India’s javelin-throwing sensation, has made remarkable strides in both sports and military service, culminating in an honorary rank recently bestowed upon him. On October 22, 2025, during a pipping ceremony held in New Delhi’s South Block, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army to Chopra. The ceremony, attended by Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and senior officials, highlighted Chopra as an embodiment of discipline, patriotism, and excellence.
Chopra’s journey began on December 24, 1997, in Khandra village, located in Haryana’s Panipat district. Born into a modest agricultural family, he was inspired to pursue sports, particularly javelin throwing, due to local encouragement and his inherent athletic talent. At just 18, he joined the Indian Army in 2016 as a Naib Subedar under the sports quota, aligning with The Rajputana Rifles, a distinguished regiment. This marked the initiation of his dual commitment to serving the nation as a soldier while striving for excellence in athletics.
Increasingly recognized during his military tenure, Chopra quickly rose through the ranks to Subedar and then Subedar Major—the highest rank for Junior Commissioned Officers. His military dedication earned him several prestigious honors, including the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) and the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) in 2022, acknowledging his commitment both as a soldier and a national athlete.
Chopra’s athletic journey is filled with historic milestones and consistent achievements. His most significant accomplishment came at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where he secured India’s first-ever gold medal in track and field, throwing the javelin 87.58 meters. This landmark victory transformed him into a national icon. Following this success, he captured a silver medal at the Paris Olympics in 2024, further solidifying his reputation on the global stage.
Other noteworthy accomplishments include a gold medal at the 2023 World Athletics Championships, two gold medals at the Asian Games in 2018 and 2022, and additional gold medals at the Commonwealth Games in 2018. Notably, he achieved a personal best throw of 90.23 meters in 2025, setting a new milestone in Indian athletics history. These accolades also brought him civilian honors such as the Padma Shri, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, and the Arjuna Award, recognizing his profound contributions to Indian sports.
Chopra was granted the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army on April 16, 2025, formalized in the Gazette of India on May 9, 2025. The Ministry of Defence clarified that he was no longer in active service at that time and referred to him as “Ex-Sub Maj Neeraj Chopra.” This point is vital as Indian Army regulations prevent a serving Subedar Major from being directly appointed as a Lieutenant Colonel honorarily, suggesting that Chopra likely opted for voluntary retirement to qualify for this esteemed recognition.
This honorary title is not only a ceremonial acknowledgment of his achievements but also positions him among a select group of sports figures recognized in this manner, including MS Dhoni, Abhinav Bindra, Kapil Dev, and Sachin Tendulkar. Each of these figures epitomizes values like leadership, resilience, and patriotism.
Throughout his career, Chopra has illustrated the discipline of a soldier, balancing military duties with rigorous athletic training under challenging conditions. His affiliation with The Rajputana Rifles inspired him to uphold a strong sense of duty. Even as he enjoyed international fame, he remained grounded, often sporting his Army badge and prioritizing national service. Chopra has shown his commitment by postponing public engagements during critical national security operations.
His influence permeates beyond athletics and military titles. Speaking on topics like youth development, mental resilience, and discipline, he resonates with millions, motivating India’s youth to aim for excellence while valuing service and humility. With upcoming competitions scheduled, including the Doha Diamond League and the ORLEN Janusz Kusociński Memorial in Poland, expectations are high for further contributions to his legacy.
The honorary rank in the Territorial Army, which serves as a “second line of defense” in India, allows citizens to play a part-time role in national security. Honorary ranks are rare and typically reserved for individuals whose contributions bolster India’s standing globally. For Chopra, this recognition signifies his role as a connector between India’s sporting and military spheres, while aligning with the Army’s tradition of honoring athletes who embody its core principles.
In summary, Neeraj Chopra’s evolution from rural origins to Olympic podiums and an honorary military rank narrates a tale marked by grit, discipline, and national pride. His achievements have not only transformed Indian athletics but have also accentuated the virtues of service and perseverance. Whether competing on the field or donning the Army insignia, Chopra carries the tricolor with unmatched dignity. His legacy, interwoven within sports and military history, inspires future generations to dream ambitiously and serve selflessly.
