14-05-2025
Neeraj Chopra conferred honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in Territorial Army
Two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra has been conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army, the Ministry of Defence announced on Wednesday, 14 May. The appointment came into effect on 16 April, according to an official statement."In No 3 (E) dated 9 May 2025, in exercise of the powers conferred by Para 31 of the Territorial Army Regulations, 1948, the President is pleased to confer the Honorary Rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army on Ex-Sub Maj Neeraj Chopra, PVSM, Padma Shri, VSM, Village & Post Office Khandra, Panipat, Haryana, with effect from 16 April 2025," the statement from the Ministry of Defence Chopra previously held the rank of Subedar in the Indian Army. He was awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal by the 4 Rajputana Rifles in January 2022 for his distinguished service, months after he won the historic gold medal in the men's javelin event at the Tokyo Olympics.
Neeraj Chopra was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honour, in 2022, months after receiving the country's highest sporting accolade — the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna has continued to bring laurels to the country. The 27-year-old won his second Olympic medal — a silver at the Paris Olympics last year. He is the first Indian athlete to win medals in track and field events at the decorated athlete from Panipat, Haryana, has also claimed the prestigious Diamond League Trophy and the World Championships gold for began his season at an invitational meet in Potchefstroom in South Africa in April, winning the gold with a best effort of 84.52m. The Olympic silver medalist will next compete in the Doha Diamond League on Friday, May was set to host and compete in the first-ever NC Classic, a one-day javelin event approved by World Athletics, on May 24 in the event was postponed due to ongoing cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan. Neeraj had been preparing to welcome some of the world's top javelin throwers, including former world champion Anderson who started training under legendary javelin coach Jan Zelezny, is aiming to surpass his personal best of 89.94 metres. With his sights firmly set on the elusive 90-metre mark, the javelin star is preparing to give himself the best possible chance of reclaiming the World Championship gold later this year.
