New Delhi: Olympic gold medalist javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra was on Wednesday conferred with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, with Protection Minister Rajnath Singh describing him as an “epitome” of perseverance, and nationwide satisfaction.
Singh conferred the insignia of honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel to the star javelin thrower, serving within the Territorial Military, at a pipping ceremony in New Delhi that was additionally graced by Military Chief Gen Upendra. Dwivedi and plenty of different senior officers of the pressure.
Chopra joined the Indian Military as a Naib Subedar on August 26, 2016 and was promoted to Subedar in 2021 and Subedar Main in 2022.
Born on December 24, 1997 in Khandra village in Haryana’s Panipat, he created historical past by successful India’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in athletics within the males’s javelin throw competitors on the Tokyo Olympics. 2020.
Chopra continued his stellar efficiency by successful a silver medal on the Paris Olympics in 2024 and a gold medal on the World Athletics Championships in 2023.
He has additionally secured a number of gold medals on the Asian Video games, Commonwealth Video games, and Diamond League occasions. His private finest throw of 90.23 meters (2025) stands as a milestone in Indian sporting historical past.
Interacting with Chopra and his relations, Protection Minister Singh described him as an “epitome of perseverance, patriotism and the Indian spirit of striving for excellence”.
“Lt Col (Hony) Neeraj Chopra embodies the best beliefs of self-discipline, dedication and nationwide satisfaction, serving as an inspiration to generations throughout the sporting fraternity and the Armed Forces alike,” Singh stated.
In recognition of his excellent achievements and exemplary service to the nation, Lt Col (Hony) Chopra was granted an honorary fee within the Territorial Military by President Draupadi Murmu on April 16, the protection ministry stated.
Chopra can be a recipient of many coveted awards, together with Padma Shri, Main Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award, Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal.
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