Olympic gold medallist and javelin sensation Neeraj Chopra has been conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army. The Ministry of Defence made the announcement on May 13, 2025, recognising his stellar contribution to Indian sports and military service. The honour comes days before his highly-anticipated return at the Doha Diamond League on Friday — his first competitive appearance since winning silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Chopra, who hails from Khandra village in Haryana’s Panipat district, becomes the latest Indian sportsperson to receive this prestigious honour after cricket legend (2011). His honorary commission is effective , and places him in the rare bracket of athletes who’ve excelled in both .

The rank has been granted by the . The 27-year-old Subedar Major has also been decorated with , making him one of the most decorated sportspersons in India’s military-sporting history.

Chopra is now eyeing a big comeback at the Doha Diamond League, a crucial event as he resumes competition after Paris. With a personal best of 89.94 metres, Neeraj continues his chase for the elusive 90-metre mark — the gold standard in men’s javelin. He is training under three-time Olympic champion Jan Zelenzy, raising expectations of a breakthrough performance this week.

This marks the first time in four years Chopra competes without the “reigning Olympic champion” title, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown in Doha’s star-studded field.

The Territorial Army, which turned 75 in 2024, has been instrumental during national emergencies and wartime support. Chopra’s promotion symbolises a rare duality, a national icon in sport and a soldier at heart.

From earning India’s first Olympic athletics gold to serving in the armed forces, Neeraj Chopra’s journey is the embodiment of service and excellence. With his honorary promotion and Diamond League return lining up in the same week, Chopra is once again at the centre of India’s sporting headlines.