India`s star javelin throw athlete, Neeraj Chopra, on Wednesday was conferred with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described him as "epitome of perseverance" and national pride. 

Singh conferred the insignia of honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel to the star javelin thrower, serving in the Territorial Army, at a pipping ceremony in New Delhi that was also graced by Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi and many other senior officials of the force.