Neeraj Chopra Honoured as Lieutenant Colonel in Territorial Army

Neeraj Chopra, India’s iconic javelin thrower and two-time Olympic medallist, has added another feather to his cap — he has been conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army. This honour not only recognises his extraordinary sporting achievements but also his embodiment of discipline, dedication, and national pride. The announcement marks a significant moment where Indian defence traditions and sporting excellence intersect.

Neeraj Chopra’s Journey in the Army

Neeraj Chopra’s association with the Indian Army began in August 2016 when he was inducted as a Naib Subedar, a junior commissioned officer. His continuous rise in both sports and military respect saw him promoted to,

• Subedar in 2021, following his Tokyo Olympics gold medal
• Subedar Major in 2022, along with the award of the Padma Shri and the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, the highest peacetime honour in the Army
• The newly conferred honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel, effective from 16 April 2025, solidifies his stature as a national icon in both fields.