Double Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra has been conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army, according to a government notification issued on Tuesday (May 13, 2025) by the ministry of defence's department of military affairs. (More Sports News)
Chopra was a Subedar Major in the Indian Army prior to this and was reportedly slated to retire in 2025. The national javelin throw spearhead, who will kick-start his season at the Doha Diamond League on Friday, had won the gold medal in 2020 Tokyo Olympics and silver at Paris 2024.
"...in exercise of the powers conferred by Para-31 of the Territorial Army Regulations, 1948, the President is pleased to confer Honorary Rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 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 notification stated.
The 27-year-old from Khandra, Haryana is the reigning world champion, having bagged gold in the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary.
Former Indian cricket team captain MS Dhoni was accorded an honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army back in 2011. The Territorial Army (TA), raised on October 9, 1949, completed 75 years last year and has served the nation in times of war, and in humanitarian and environmental protection works through its eventful journey over the decades.
It is fully integrated with the regular Army. In recognition of nation-building efforts and contributions made during war or conflicts, numerous individuals have been honoured with gallantry as well as distinguished service awards in the TA.
(With PTI inputs)
