By Business Connect Magazine | May 15, 2025
India’s javelin superstar and double Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra has been conferred the prestigious honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army, effective April 16, 2025. The announcement, published in The Gazette of India on May 9, 2025, by the Ministry of Defence, celebrates Chopra’s extraordinary contributions to Indian athletics and his service to the nation.
Hailing from Khandra village, Panipat, Haryana, the 27-year-old made history as the first Indian to win an Olympic gold in track and field at Tokyo 2020, followed by a silver at Paris 2024.
Chopra, previously a Subedar Major in the Indian Army, joins an elite group of sports icons, including cricketer MS Dhoni and shooter Abhinav Bindra, who have received similar honorary ranks.
His journey began in 2016 as a Naib Subedar, earning promotions and accolades like the Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Padma Shri for his achievements. This honor underscores his role as a national icon, blending athletic excellence with military pride.
As Chopra gears up for the Doha Diamond League on May 16, 2025, aiming to surpass his personal best of 89.94m under coach Jan Železný, his new title inspires millions. The postponement of the Neeraj Chopra Classic in Bengaluru due to India-Pakistan tensions highlights his commitment to national priorities. Let’s salute Lieutenant Colonel Neeraj Chopra for soaring to new heights!
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