Olympic champion and India’s foremost javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra, has been bestowed with the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army. The official recognition was published in The Gazette of India, dated May 9, with the rank effective from April 16, 2025.

According to the notification issued by Major General GS Choudhry, Joint Secretary, Department of Military Affairs, the appointment was made under Para-31 of the Territorial Army Regulations, 1948. “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 Ex- Sub Maj Neeraj Chopra, PVSM, Padma Shri, VSM, Village & Post Office Khandra, Panipat, Haryana with effect from 16 April, 2025,” the statement read.