365telugu.com online news,New Delhi, 22 October, 2025: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army upon Olympic medalist and javelin star Neeraj Chopra during a pipping ceremony at South Block, New Delhi, on 22 October 2025.
Rajnath Singh praised Lt Col (Hony) Neeraj Chopra as a symbol of perseverance, patriotism, and India’s pursuit of excellence, inspiring both the sporting community and the Armed Forces.
Enlisted in the Indian Army in 2016 with The Rajputana Rifles, Neeraj Chopra, born on 24 December 1997 in Khandra village, Panipat, Haryana, has elevated India’s global standing through his athletic achievements.
He became the first Indian to win an Olympic gold medal in track and field at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, followed by a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics and a gold at the 2023 World Athletics Championships. His accolades also include multiple golds at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Diamond League, with a personal best throw of 90.23 meters in 2025.
On 16 April 2025, President Smt Droupadi Murmu granted him an honorary commission in the Territorial Army. Lt Col (Hony) Chopra’s prior honors include the Padma Shri, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award, Param Vishisht Seva Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal. Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and senior officials attended the ceremony.