Neeraj Chopra conferred honorary rank of Lt Col in Indian Army

NEW DELHI: Olympic medalist javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra was conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army. The ceremony was held at South Block in Delhi in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi. Neeraj Chopra's family was also present to witness the proud moment. Rajnath Singh described Neeraj as a symbol of perseverance and patriotism.

According to the Gazette of India, the official legal document of the Government of India, Neeraj Chopra's appointment took effect from April 16 this year. Neeraj Chopra joined the Indian Army on August 26, 2016, as a Junior Commissioned Officer in the rank of Naib Subedar. He has also received the Padma Shri, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award, Param Vishisht Seva Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal. Neeraj Chopra also created history by becoming the first Indian athlete to win an Olympic gold medal in track and field at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Neeraj Chopra has also won a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics and a gold medal at the 2023 World Athletics Championships. He has won multiple gold medals at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Diamond League events.