"VAN" (Sports Desk, New Delhi - 22.10.2025) :: Olympic gold medal winning javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra was conferred the rank of Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army on Wednesday. The ceremony took place in Delhi in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi. The honour was given in recognition of Neeraj Chopra's exceptional achievements in athletics and his contribution in inspiring millions of young Indians. He has joined the select group of sportspersons who have been conferred the honorary rank in the Armed Forces for bringing glory to the country. According to The Gazette of India (government information sheet), the appointment took effect on April 16. Neeraj joined the Indian Army as a Junior Commissioned Officer in the rank of Naib Subedar on August 26, 2016. Two years later, he was awarded the Arjuna Award for his outstanding performance in athletics, and then in 2021, he received the Khel Ratna for his achievements in sports.
On Wed, Oct 22, 2025