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Olympic golden medallist javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra was connected Wednesday (October 22, 2025) conferred with the fertile of Lieutenant Colonel, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh describing him arsenic an “epitome” of perseverance, and nationalist pride.
Mr. Singh conferred the insignia of honorary fertile of Lieutenant Colonel to the prima javelin thrower, serving successful the Territorial Army, astatine a pipping ceremonial successful New Delhi that was besides graced by Army Chief Gen. Upendra Dwivedi and galore different elder officials of the force.
Mr. Chopra joined the Indian Army arsenic a Naib Subedar connected August 26, 2016 and was promoted to Subedar successful 2021 and Subedar Major successful 2022.
Born connected December 24, 1997 successful Khandra colony successful Haryana’s Panipat, helium created past by winning India’s first-ever Olympic golden medal successful athletics successful the men’s javelin propulsion contention astatine the Tokyo Olympics 2020.
Mr. Chopra continued his stellar show by winning a metallic medal astatine the Paris Olympics successful 2024 and a golden medal astatine the World Athletics Championships successful 2023.
He has besides secured aggregate golden medals astatine the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Diamond League events. His idiosyncratic champion propulsion of 90.23 metres (2025) stands arsenic a milestone successful Indian sporting history.
Interacting with Mr. Chopra and his household members, Defence Minister Singh described him arsenic an “epitome of perseverance, patriotism and the Indian tone of striving for excellence”.
“Lt. Col. (Hony) Neeraj Chopra embodies the highest ideals of discipline, dedication and nationalist pride, serving arsenic an inspiration to generations wrong the sporting fraternity and the Armed Forces alike,” Mr. Singh said.
In designation of his outstanding achievements and exemplary work to the nation, Lt. Col. (Hony) Chopra was granted an honorary committee successful the Territorial Army by President Droupadi Murmu connected April 16, the Defence Ministry said.
Mr. Chopra is besides a recipient of galore coveted awards, including Padma Shri, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award, Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal.
