Neeraj Chopra, India’s javelin-throwing sensation, has etched his name in both sporting and military history. On October 22, 2025, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh conferred upon him the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army during a pipping ceremony in South Block, New Delhi. In the presence of Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and senior officials, the Raksha Mantri lauded Chopra as an embodiment of discipline, patriotism, and excellence. This article explores Chopra’s remarkable journey from a rural village to global stardom and military honor, highlighting his contributions to India’s pride and his enduring legacy.
Early Life and Entry into the Indian Army
Born on December 24, 1997, in Khandra village, Panipat district, Haryana, Neeraj Chopra grew up in a modest agricultural family. His early interest in sports, particularly javelin throwing, was sparked by local encouragement and his natural athletic talent. In 2016, at the age of 18, Chopra joined the Indian Army as a Naib Subedar under the sports quota, affiliating with The Rajputana Rifles, one of the Army’s most storied regiments. This marked the beginning of a dual journey—serving the nation as a soldier while pursuing excellence in athletics.
Chopra’s military career progressed steadily. He was promoted to Subedar and later to Subedar Major, the highest rank among Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs). His service was recognized with prestigious military honors, including the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) and the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) in 2022, reflecting his commitment to both his military duties and his role as a national athlete.
Athletic Achievements: A National Icon
Neeraj Chopra’s athletic career is a saga of historic firsts and consistent excellence. His crowning achievement came at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, where he won India’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in track and field with a throw of 87.58 meters. This victory was a watershed moment for Indian athletics, propelling Chopra to national icon status. He followed this with a silver medal at the Paris Olympics in 2024, further cementing his global reputation.
Beyond the Olympics, Chopra’s accolades include:
- Gold Medal: World Athletics Championships, 2023
- Gold Medals: Asian Games (2018, 2022)
- Gold Medals: Commonwealth Games (2018)
- Gold Medals: Diamond League events (multiple)
- Personal Best: 90.23 meters (2025), a milestone in Indian athletics history
These achievements earned him civilian honors such as the Padma Shri, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, and Arjuna Award, recognizing his contributions to Indian sports.
| Event | Year | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Olympics | 2020 | Gold Medal |
| Paris Olympics | 2024 | Silver Medal |
| World Athletics Championships | 2023 | Gold Medal |
| Asian Games | 2018, 2022 | Gold Medal |
| Commonwealth Games | 2018 | Gold Medal |
| Personal Best Throw | 2025 | 90.23 meters |
The Honorary Lieutenant Colonel Rank
On April 16, 2025, President Smt Droupadi Murmu granted Neeraj Chopra the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army, as formalized in the Gazette of India on May 9, 2025. The Ministry of Defence notification clarified that Chopra was no longer in active service at the time, referring to him as “Ex-Sub Maj Neeraj Chopra.” This detail is significant, as Indian Army regulations do not permit a serving Subedar Major to be directly commissioned as a Lieutenant Colonel, even honorarily. It suggests that Chopra likely opted for voluntary retirement before April 2025 to become eligible for this recognition.
The honorary rank is a ceremonial acknowledgment of Chopra’s contributions to national pride through his sporting achievements and disciplined service. He joins an elite group of sports figures who have received similar honors:
- MS Dhoni: Lieutenant Colonel (Honorary), Territorial Army
- Abhinav Bindra: Lieutenant Colonel (Honorary), Territorial Army
- Kapil Dev: Lieutenant Colonel (Honorary), Territorial Army
- Sachin Tendulkar: Group Captain (Honorary), Indian Air Force
These titles reflect not only their sporting excellence but also their embodiment of values like leadership, resilience, and patriotism.
Balancing Military and Athletic Duties
Throughout his career, Chopra exemplified the discipline of a soldier. While serving as a JCO, he balanced military responsibilities with intense athletic training, often under challenging conditions. His affiliation with The Rajputana Rifles instilled in him a sense of duty that he carried onto the global stage. Even after achieving international fame, Chopra remained grounded, proudly wearing his Army badge and prioritizing national service. For instance, he has postponed public events during sensitive national security operations, demonstrating a soldier’s commitment to the nation.
A Role Model for India’s Youth
Chopra’s influence extends beyond the javelin field and military ranks. His speeches on youth development, mental resilience, and discipline resonate with millions. As an honorary Lieutenant Colonel, he continues to inspire India’s youth to pursue excellence while staying rooted in values of service and humility. His upcoming competitions, including the Doha Diamond League (May 16, 2025) and the ORLEN Janusz Kusociński Memorial in Poland (May 23, 2025), are anticipated to further enhance his legacy.
The Significance of the Territorial Army Honor
The Territorial Army, often described as India’s “second line of defense,” allows citizens to serve part-time while contributing to national security. Honorary ranks in the Territorial Army are rare and reserved for individuals whose contributions elevate India’s global standing. For Chopra, this rank underscores his role as a bridge between India’s sporting and military communities. It also aligns with the Army’s tradition of recognizing athletes who embody its core values.
Conclusion
Neeraj Chopra’s journey from Khandra village to Olympic podiums and the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel is a story of grit, discipline, and national pride. His achievements have not only redefined Indian athletics but also reinforced the values of service and perseverance. Whether hurling a javelin or wearing the Army’s insignia, Chopra carries the tricolor with unmatched dignity. His legacy, enshrined in both sports and military history, will inspire generations to dream big, serve humbly, and strive for excellence.
