Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra, whose golden arm transformed Indian athletics forever, added another laurel to his illustrious journey on Wednesday as he was conferred with the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army.

The insignia was presented to the 26-year-old javelin thrower by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at a ceremonial event in New Delhi, attended by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and several senior officials. Singh hailed Chopra as an embodiment of discipline and national spirit, describing him as “an epitome of perseverance, patriotism and the Indian spirit of striving for excellence.”

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“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,” Singh said while interacting with Chopra and his family members after the ceremony.

A soldier-athlete in the truest sense, Chopra’s association with the Army began in August 2016 when he joined as a Naib Subedar. His steady rise through the ranks, to Subedar in 2021 and Subedar Major in 2022, mirrors his phenomenal ascent in world athletics.

Born in Haryana’s Panipat district, Chopra carved his name into Olympic history by winning India’s first-ever gold medal in athletics at the Tokyo Games in 2020. He followed it up with a gold at the 2023 World Athletics Championships and a silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics, sealing his place among the sport’s global greats.

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His personal best throw of 90.23 metres, achieved earlier this year, stands as a benchmark for Indian javelin throwers and a symbol of the nation’s growing presence in global athletics. Beyond the Olympics, Chopra has consistently triumphed at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Diamond League meets.

In recognition of his achievements and contribution to national pride, President Droupadi Murmu granted him the honorary commission in the Territorial Army on April 16 this year.

A decorated athlete and an icon of modern India, Chopra’s accolades include the Padma Shri, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award, Param Vishisht Seva Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal.

As the ceremony concluded, Chopra stood resplendent in uniform — not merely as a sporting hero but as a symbol of India’s grit and glory, bridging the spirit of the battlefield and the playing field.