India’s pride Neeraj Chopra receives honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, marking a rare union of sportsmanship and national service
India’s golden boy Neeraj Chopra, the Olympic and World Champion javelin thrower, has achieved yet another historic milestone this time, not on the field but in uniform. On October 22, 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conferred upon him the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army, recognising his extraordinary contribution to sports and his unwavering dedication to the nation. The ceremony, held at South Block in New Delhi, was attended by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and several senior officials, making it a moment of pride not just for sports fans but for the entire country.
➡️ Union Defence Minister @rajnathsingh formally confers insignia of Honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in Territorial Army upon star javelin thrower #NeerajChopra (@Neeraj_chopra1)
➡️ Lt Col (Hony) Neeraj Chopra is an epitome of perseverance, patriotism and the Indian spirit… pic.twitter.com/UZqLIDJpO9
Key Highlights: Neeraj Chopra’s Historic Honour and Legacy of National Pride
Event Date & Venue: October 22, 2025, at South Block, New Delhi.
Conferred By: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in presence of Army Chief Gen. Upendra Dwivedi and senior officials.
Title Received: Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army.
President’s Commission: Honorary commission approved earlier by President Droupadi Murmu on April 16, 2025.
Army Service: Joined the Indian Army in 2016; served with The Rajputana Rifles; rose from Naib Subedar → Subedar → Subedar Major.
Achievements:
Gold at Tokyo Olympics 2020 (India’s first-ever athletics gold)
Gold at World Athletics Championships 2023
Silver at Paris Olympics 2024
Multiple Golds in Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Diamond League
Personal Best: 90.23 metres (2025)
Awards: Padma Shri, Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award, Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal.
A Ceremony That Blended Honour and Emotion
The pipping ceremony at South Block carried both solemnity and pride. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while conferring the insignia, praised Neeraj Chopra as “an epitome of perseverance, patriotism, and the Indian spirit of striving for excellence.” His words captured the essence of Chopra’s journey , from a small village in Haryana to becoming one of India’s most respected global icons.
Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and senior Territorial Army officers stood witness to the moment when India’s sports hero donned the uniform symbolising courage and duty. The golden shine of Chopra’s Olympic medals found its reflection in the olive green uniform merging two of India’s greatest honours: sporting glory and military pride.
Neeraj Chopra’s Journey: From Khandra Village to Global Greatness
Born on December 24, 1997, in Khandra village, Panipat district, Haryana, Neeraj Chopra’s rise is a story of relentless dedication and discipline. Enrolled in the Indian Army in 2016, Chopra’s sporting dreams were nurtured alongside military training. His early promise in athletics turned into national euphoria when he claimed India’s first Olympic gold medal in athletics at the Tokyo Games 2020.
He followed this with a World Championship gold in 2023 and a silver at the Paris Olympics 2024, cementing his position as one of the world’s greatest javelin throwers. In 2025, his throw of 90.23 metres set a new benchmark in Indian sports history.
Though an athlete by profession, Neeraj Chopra has always represented the spirit of the soldier , resilience, focus, and service. His association with The Rajputana Rifles regiment and now his honorary rank as Lieutenant Colonel symbolise his lifelong bond with the Indian Armed Forces.
In his words, shared through Instagram after the ceremony:
“This is more than an honour – it is a responsibility towards my country. Thank you Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh ji and the Territorial Army for conferring upon me the honorary rank of Lt Col. Proud to wear this uniform. Jai Hind.”
This is more than an honour – it is a responsibility towards my country. Thank you Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh ji and the Territorial Army for conferring upon me the honorary rank of Lt Col. Proud to wear this uniform. Jai Hind. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/CQjAvLAznB
This heartfelt message resonated across the nation, portraying Neeraj not just as an athlete but as a patriot committed to serving India in every possible way.
National Recognition and the Power of Discipline
Neeraj Chopra’s recognition goes beyond medals and ranks. His list of national awards , Padma Shri, Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award, Param Vishisht Seva Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal reflects the country’s acknowledgment of his sporting brilliance and contribution to India’s global image.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s remarks during the ceremony perfectly summarized Chopra’s journey:
“Lt Col (Hony) Neeraj Chopra embodies the highest ideals of discipline, dedication and national pride, serving as an inspiration to generations within the sporting fraternity and the Armed Forces alike.”
A Defining Moment in the History of Indian Sports and Defence
The conferment of an honorary military rank to a sports personality of Neeraj Chopra’s stature is a rare honour. It bridges two domains where excellence and duty meet , sportsmanship and service. The Indian Army’s Territorial branch, known for its rich legacy, has often recognized individuals who elevate the nation’s pride, but Chopra’s case stands out for the sheer global impact of his achievements. This event has been seen as a symbolic salute from the Armed Forces to a man whose discipline mirrors that of a soldier and whose humility represents the true Indian spirit.
The Legacy of an Athlete Who Inspires a Nation
Neeraj Chopra’s journey has inspired millions from young athletes in rural India to professionals in every field who see in him a story of perseverance and integrity. His honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel serves not only as recognition of his past triumphs but also as motivation for future generations to blend patriotism with performance.
From the golden podiums of Tokyo and Paris to the ceremonial halls of South Block, Neeraj Chopra continues to remind India that true greatness lies in service whether through sport or uniform.
A New Chapter of Pride for India
Neeraj Chopra’s conferment as Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army is more than a decoration; it is a testament to the unity of India’s two greatest passions: sports and national service. With his olive-green uniform now standing beside his tricolour flag, Neeraj Chopra has become a living embodiment of India’s strength, discipline, and unwavering spirit. His story redefines patriotism in the modern age where throwing a javelin and wearing a soldier’s insignia both carry the same heartbeat: for the nation.
Spiritual Insights Inspired by the Unique Knowledge of Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji
While Neeraj Chopra’s achievements highlight dedication, discipline, and service to the nation, there is a deeper lesson in life that goes beyond medals and ranks. Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji teaches that true excellence is not just in worldly accomplishments but in cultivating inner wisdom, humility, and devotion. He emphasizes that the highest success comes from aligning one’s actions with the eternal truth, understanding the soul, and serving humanity with sincerity.
Through His unique knowledge, Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji inspires individuals to balance worldly achievements with spiritual growth, reminding everyone that real victory is the realization of the self and devotion to the Supreme Being. Following His teachings enables one to experience peace, clarity, and unwavering purpose, no matter how high one rises in fame or position.For more information, visit www.jagatgururampalji.org and the official YouTube Channel Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj.
Vedio Credit: ANI News
FAQs on Neeraj Chopra’s Honorary Lieutenant Colonel Rank
1. When was Neeraj Chopra conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel?
Neeraj Chopra received the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel on October 22, 2025, during a ceremony held at South Block, New Delhi.
2. Who conferred the honorary rank on Neeraj Chopra?
The honorary rank was formally conferred by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in the presence of Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and senior military officials.
3. Why was Neeraj Chopra awarded the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel?
He was honoured for his outstanding achievements in athletics and his dedication to national pride and service as part of the Indian Army’s Territorial branch.
4. Which regiment does Neeraj Chopra serve in?
Neeraj Chopra serves with The Rajputana Rifles regiment of the Indian Army, where he was first enrolled in 2016 as a Naib Subedar.
5. What are Neeraj Chopra’s major sporting achievements?
Neeraj Chopra won Olympic Gold (Tokyo 2020), World Championship Gold (2023), Olympic Silver (Paris 2024), and multiple golds in Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.
