Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra, India’s golden boy of athletics, has added yet another feather to his cap. On 22 October 2025, the Defence Minister of India, Shri Rajnath Singh, conferred upon him the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army (TA).
- Neeraj Chopra: From Village Boy to National Hero
- The Honour: Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army
- The Journey Toward the Honour
- Defence Minister’s Words
- Symbolism Behind the Honour
- Precedents: Other Honorary Officers in the Armed Forces
- What the Rank Entails
- The Territorial Army: A Quick Overview
- Reactions from Across the Nation
- Broader Significance of the Appointment
- Comparison with Other Honorary Appointments
- Lessons from Neeraj Chopra’s Journey
- The Man Behind the Medal and the Uniform
The ceremony took place at South Block, New Delhi, in the presence of senior defence officials and Neeraj’s family. The honour officially came into effect earlier, on 16 April 2025, as per the Gazette notification issued by the Government of India. The pipping ceremony in October marked the formal presentation of the insignia, making the appointment public.
This recognition reflects not only Neeraj Chopra’s unparalleled contribution to Indian sports but also his embodiment of the discipline, perseverance, and patriotism that the Indian Armed Forces stand for.
Neeraj Chopra: From Village Boy to National Hero
Born on 24 December 1997 in Khandra village, near Panipat, Haryana, Neeraj Chopra’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. From throwing javelins made of bamboo in his early days to becoming India’s first-ever Olympic gold medallist in athletics, Neeraj has rewritten the history of Indian sports.
- 2016: Joined the Indian Army as a Junior Commissioned Officer (Naib Subedar) in the Rajputana Rifles regiment under the sports quota.
- 2018: Won the gold medal at the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.
- 2021 (Tokyo 2020 Olympics): Created history by winning India’s first Olympic gold in track and field.
- 2023: Continued to dominate the world circuit, winning the World Athletics Championships gold medal in Budapest.
Neeraj’s humility, commitment, and discipline have made him not just a sports icon but a role model for millions of Indians.
The Honour: Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army
What is the Territorial Army?
The Territorial Army (TA) is India’s citizen army, a voluntary reserve force that supports the regular army in times of need. It consists of civilians who receive military training and serve the nation during emergencies, natural disasters, or national defence operations.
The TA has also been known for recognizing distinguished civilians with honorary ranks, symbolizing the unity between the armed forces and civil society.
Meaning of “Honorary Rank”
An honorary rank is a symbolic appointment—a gesture of respect and recognition for an individual’s exceptional service or contribution to the nation. It does not involve operational command or daily military duties, but it carries immense prestige.
Holders of such ranks are often invited to represent the army in ceremonial functions, address cadets, inspire youth, and participate in morale-building events.
Thus, Neeraj Chopra’s new title of Lieutenant Colonel (Honorary) acknowledges his extraordinary achievements in sports and his representation of India’s values of excellence and patriotism.
The Journey Toward the Honour
1. Government Notification
According to official reports, the Gazette notification approving Neeraj Chopra’s honorary commission was issued earlier in April 2025, taking effect from 16 April 2025. This marked the legal and administrative beginning of his appointment.
2. Pipping Ceremony in October 2025
On 22 October 2025, a ceremonial event — known as a pipping ceremony — was held at South Block, where the Defence Minister personally presented the insignia of Lieutenant Colonel to Neeraj Chopra.
The event was attended by high-ranking army officials, including senior officers from the Rajputana Rifles, Neeraj’s regiment, and members of the Territorial Army Directorate. The ceremony was both solemn and celebratory, symbolizing the blending of military tradition and national sporting pride.
Defence Minister’s Words
During the ceremony, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded Neeraj’s achievements and his embodiment of the Indian soldier’s spirit. He remarked:
“Neeraj Chopra is the epitome of perseverance, discipline, and patriotism. His dedication to the nation, both on and off the field, inspires millions of youth. The Indian Army is proud to have him as one of its own.”
His statement resonated deeply with both the armed forces and the sports fraternity, highlighting how Neeraj’s success has transcended the sporting world.
Symbolism Behind the Honour
1. Recognition of National Service
Winning an Olympic gold medal is not just a personal victory — it is an act of national service. It brings prestige to the country and unites citizens in pride. By honouring Neeraj with an army rank, the government acknowledges that excellence in sports is also a form of service to the nation.
2. Bridging Sports and the Armed Forces
Both sports and the army share the same values: discipline, endurance, teamwork, and sacrifice. Appointing athletes like Neeraj Chopra as honorary officers strengthens this connection and encourages more young Indians to take up both military service and sports.
3. Inspiration for the Youth
Neeraj’s story — from a rural village to an Olympic podium, and now to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel — embodies the message that hard work and dedication can take anyone to the highest peaks. His example motivates countless young Indians to dream big, work hard, and serve their nation in their own way.
Precedents: Other Honorary Officers in the Armed Forces
Neeraj Chopra joins an elite club of Indian icons who have received honorary ranks for their outstanding service to the nation:
| Personality | Honorary Rank | Year | Field |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | Lieutenant Colonel, Territorial Army | 2011 | Cricket |
| Kapil Dev | Lieutenant Colonel, Territorial Army | 2008 | Cricket |
| Abhinav Bindra | Lieutenant Colonel, Territorial Army | 2011 | Shooting |
| Sachin Tendulkar | Group Captain, Indian Air Force | 2010 | Cricket |
| Milkha Singh | Honorary Captain, Indian Army | Earlier decades | Athletics |
Neeraj Chopra’s inclusion continues this tradition of honouring athletes who embody the virtues of courage, perseverance, and excellence.
What the Rank Entails
1. Ceremonial and Symbolic Role
Neeraj Chopra will not be serving in an operational military capacity. His rank is honorary, which means he will represent the Territorial Army at special events, motivational programs, and national ceremonies.
2. Public and Motivational Engagements
He may be invited to address soldiers, cadets, and students, participate in awareness campaigns, and promote fitness, discipline, and patriotism — values common to both sports and military life.
3. Privileges and Uniform
As an honorary Lieutenant Colonel, Neeraj Chopra is entitled to wear the army uniform with his rank insignia during official functions and ceremonial occasions. However, this is a matter of honour, not of regular military duty.
The Territorial Army: A Quick Overview
The Territorial Army was raised in 1949 and functions as a voluntary reserve force. It allows civilians to serve the nation in a military capacity for short durations, supporting the regular army during emergencies, natural disasters, and internal security operations.
The TA’s motto, “Savdhani Va Shoorta” (Vigilance and Valour), perfectly mirrors the ethos that Neeraj Chopra has displayed throughout his sporting career — alertness, courage, and unwavering commitment.
Reactions from Across the Nation
1. Public Applause
Social media erupted in celebration as soon as the images of Neeraj Chopra receiving the insignia surfaced online. Thousands congratulated him, calling him a “true son of India” and a “national hero in every sense.”
2. Army and Sports Community
The Indian Army’s official handles posted congratulatory messages praising Neeraj for “bringing glory to both the nation and the uniform.” Prominent athletes, including shooters, wrestlers, and fellow Olympians, hailed the recognition as a proud moment for Indian sports.
3. Media Coverage
Major newspapers and TV channels highlighted the dual symbolism — a sportsman who has conquered the world stage now being honoured by the nation’s defence forces. The Times of India, Indian Express, and Economic Times emphasized that the honour blends the spirit of sportsmanship with soldierly discipline.
Broader Significance of the Appointment
1. Elevating Athletics in India
For decades, athletics had remained in the shadow of cricket. Neeraj’s global success — and now his military recognition — have brought athletics to the forefront of India’s sporting culture. This recognition encourages investment in sports infrastructure and motivates young athletes from rural areas.
2. Strengthening Civil–Military Bonds
By bestowing honorary ranks upon civilians, the military builds stronger relationships with the public. Neeraj’s appointment helps make the army more relatable to ordinary citizens, especially the youth who see him as a relatable, hard-working role model.
3. A Message of National Unity
In a time when divisions often dominate public discourse, honours like this serve as symbols of unity. They remind citizens that excellence — whether in uniform or on the sports field — ultimately serves the same goal: the pride and progress of India.
Comparison with Other Honorary Appointments
The Indian Armed Forces have always recognised talent and contribution beyond the battlefield. While the Indian Air Force honoured Sachin Tendulkar with the rank of Group Captain, the Territorial Army has regularly honoured cricketers, shooters, and now an Olympic athlete like Neeraj.
What makes Neeraj’s case particularly significant is that he is already a serving soldier (through the Rajputana Rifles) — making this honorary commission both symbolic and deeply personal. It bridges his identity as both a sportsman and a soldier.
Lessons from Neeraj Chopra’s Journey
Neeraj’s appointment as Lieutenant Colonel carries deeper lessons for the nation:
- Discipline defines greatness.
Every milestone in Neeraj’s life — from training in the Haryana fields to standing atop the Olympic podium — reflects relentless discipline. - Patriotism is more than words.
Neeraj’s consistent humility and respect for the uniform show that patriotism shines brightest through action, not rhetoric. - Rural India’s potential is limitless.
His story reminds us that talent knows no geography. With the right support, India’s villages can produce world champions and national leaders. - National service takes many forms.
Whether one serves with a weapon or with a javelin, both represent the defence of the nation’s honour.
The Man Behind the Medal and the Uniform
Despite global fame, Neeraj remains deeply grounded. He continues to train rigorously, maintain his fitness, and aim for future world championships and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. He often attributes his success to his army discipline, his village upbringing, and the unwavering support of his coaches and regiment.
In interviews, Neeraj has expressed that wearing the army uniform gives him “a sense of purpose and pride.” His honorary commission only strengthens that bond.
