New Delhi: There was something special in the air at South Block this Tuesday afternoon. As Defence Minister Rajnath Singh carefully pinned the three stars of a Lieutenant Colonel onto Neeraj Chopra‘s shoulders, everyone present knew they were witnessing a moment that beautifully brought together India’s military tradition and sporting excellence. The nation’s beloved javelin thrower, who has won medals at both Tokyo and Paris Olympics, is now officially Lt Col (Honorary) in the Territorial Army.
Minutes after the pipping ceremony, Singh took to X to share his joy: “Delighted to confer the insignia of Honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army upon Neeraj Chopra, India’s outstanding sportsperson and two-time Olympic medalist. Neeraj Chopra is an epitome of perseverance, patriotism and the Indian spirit of striving for excellence. Wishing him success in all his future endeavours.”
A Family Affair
The ceremony wasn’t just about military protocol. Neeraj’s family was there, beaming with pride as the Defence Minister spent time talking with them about the young man’s incredible journey. Singh’s words carried genuine warmth as he described the newly-minted Lt Col as much more than an athlete. “He represents discipline, dedication, and national pride in their purest form,” the Defence Minister said. “Future generations, whether on the sports field or in the armed forces, will look up to Neeraj for inspiration.”
Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and other senior military officials attended the ceremony, adding to its significance.
From Khandra Village to National Icon
Neeraj’s story reads like a screenplay. Born in the small village of Khandra in Panipat district of Haryana in 1997, he joined the Rajputana Rifles regiment in 2016 as a young man with big dreams. Back then, few could have imagined that this soldier would go on to plant India’s flag at the very top of world athletics.
President Droupadi Murmu had granted him the honorary commission in April this year. Tuesday’s event was the formal recognition of that honour, where he received the gleaming badges of his new rank.
The Winning Streak
When Neeraj threw that historic javelin in Tokyo in 2020, a billion hearts stopped for a moment before erupting in celebration. India’s first Olympic gold in track and field! Since then, the medals have kept coming.
A silver at Paris last year. World Championships gold in 2023. Whether it’s the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, or Diamond League events, Neeraj has made winning look almost routine.
This year, he hit a personal best of 90.23 metres – a throw that’s already being celebrated as a watershed moment in Indian athletics. His shelf groans under the weight of honours: Padma Shri, Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award, and multiple military medals. But perhaps the greatest treasure for Neeraj is the love he receives from millions of Indians who see him as one of their own.
As he steps into his new role wearing the Lieutenant Colonel’s uniform, Neeraj Chopra stands tall as a symbol of what makes India proud – excellence achieved through hard work, humility despite success, and an unwavering commitment to serving the nation.
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