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India's javelin superstar Neeraj Chopra has been given a massive honour by Indian Army on Tuesday, May 14. The two-time Olympic medallist has been conferred with the Honorary Rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army. As per The Gazette of India, an official weekly publication and a legally recognized document of the Government of India, this honorary appointment officially took effect on April 16.
“No 3 (E) dated 9th May 2025 in exercise of the powers conferred by Para -31 of the Territorial Army Regulations, 1948, the president is pleased to confer on sEx- Sub Maj Neeraj Chopra, PVSM, Padma Shri, VSM, Village & Post Office Khandra, Panipat, Haryana with effect from 16 April, 2025,” a statement from Major General GS Choudhry, Joint Secretary, Department of Military Affairs, read.
Having previously enlisted in the Indian Army as a Junior Commissioned Officer with the rank of Naib Subedar on August 26, 2016, Neeraj Chopra's sporting achievements were recognized with the Arjuna Award two years later. His meritorious service continued to be acknowledged as he received the Khel Ratna and the Vishisht Seva Medal before his promotion to the rank of Subedar in 2021.
In 2022, two years after being honored with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, the highest peacetime decoration of the Indian Armed Forces, he achieved the rank of Subedar Major. The year 2022 also saw the former World Champion receive the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian honor in the Republic of India.
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