Following Neeraj Chopra’s historic silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, the debate on whether he will be promoted to a commissioned officer rank in the Indian Army has resurfaced. Chopra, who became the fifth Indian athlete to win two Olympic medals, continues to be celebrated as a national hero.
Despite his remarkable achievements, including an Olympic gold in Tokyo 2020, the Indian Army’s regulations require written examinations and interviews for Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) like Chopra to become commissioned officers.
Neeraj Chopra’s Journey and Achievements
Neeraj Chopra, already a Subedar Major in the Indian Army, etched his name in history by winning India’s first-ever athletics gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
His 2024 silver medal, earned with a throw of 89.45m in Paris, solidifies his status as one of India’s greatest athletes. Despite narrowly missing a second consecutive gold, Chopra’s performance has further endeared him to millions.
The Possibility of Promotion
Many of Neeraj Chopra’s supporters and fellow Army officers have called for his promotion to a commissioned officer rank. However, the Army’s strict protocols require JCOs to clear written examinations and interviews to ascend to the commissioned ranks.
Military sources indicate that while Chopra may not bypass these procedures, he could still receive an honorary promotion, similar to the cases of other decorated athletes like Honorary Captain Vijay Kumar Sharma, who was promoted after winning an Olympic medal.
Honorary Promotions and Army Protocol
The Indian Army is known for recognizing the achievements of its personnel, especially those who bring pride to the nation through sports. Honorary ranks like honorary lieutenant and honorary captain are often awarded to distinguished soldiers. Given Chopra’s contributions, it is likely that he will be honored in a similar fashion, though becoming a commissioned officer would require adherence to the Army’s established procedures.
How an OR/JCO (Personnel Below Officer Rank) can become an officer in Indian Army?
To become an officer in the Indian army from a JCO or OR rank one must go through the service entries like ACC Exam, SCO, and PC(SL) Entry. One has to go through the written exam and 5 Days SSB Interview to become an officer in the Indian Army.
Conclusion
While Neeraj Chopra’s Olympic success has reignited discussions about his promotion, the Indian Army’s protocols are clear. Although a direct commission as an officer may not be feasible without the mandatory exams and interviews, Chopra’s exceptional achievements ensure that he remains a celebrated figure within the Army and the country.
His journey from a Subedar Major to a national icon serves as an inspiration to many, and his potential honorary promotion would be a fitting tribute to his contributions.
Will Subedar Neeraj Chopra Get Commissioned Officer Rank In the Indian Army?
all are becoming modern as per environment, Navy changing to lehangas , Air force to dhotis now already battered army is left, iska bhi
Lelo
If Army cannot give the hournary rank to Nirajchopra than how they have given the hournary rank to m.s dhoni .
Recently, Telangana Government given Group 1 post to Cricketer Mohammad Siraj who is under graduate. so why not Neeraj ?
if ms dhoni is given honorary colonel rank why not neeraj chopra he should be give n honorary colonel rank
similar situation had arrised with MEG for Padmashri n arjun Awardee Ignace Tirkey, so Meg coached/ guided him and he cleared PCSL commission and still serving as Major as General commissioned Officer.
If Army cannot promote him then he must quit and join Indian Railways or any other Public Sector Company where he can placed in Grade I officer. PT Usha has never won a medal in Olympics but she is a Class I officer in senior level , Harbhajan singh is gazetted officer of DSP level in Punjab Police. similarly there are so many sport person holding class I post in sports quota.
A SUB MAJ of indian army is supposed to be discharged from service if he attains 50 years of age or completed 4 years of service whichever is earlier. Hence he may be left with 2 or 3 years service and will be discharged subsequently. Neeraj case should be given special consideration and to be promoted to LIEUTENANT so that he can continue another 10 years or so in the armed forces. I hope ARMY will not lose this person. JAIHIND.
He should become an officer. His achievements are far greater than the other players.
Neeraj Chopra should quit Army. He will have several best job offers from MNCs, State Police Forces, Para Military Forces.
you are right ghosh
He should become an officer. his achievements are far greater than that of Tendulkar or Dhoni. possibly he could not speak English, so , made a JCO. But he speaks good English now. should be promoted to an officer