Lt Col Neeraj Chopra: India’s Golden Boy Honoured by Indian Army

Neeraj joined the Indian Army as a Naib Subedar in 2016 and has since risen through the ranks, both in athletics and in service. The Ministry of Defence had officially approved his honorary commission earlier this year, with effect from April 16, 2025, as published in The Gazette of India.

Neeraj was born on 24 December 1997 in Khandra village, Panipat district, Haryana.

His journey with the Javelin throw started with his battles with bullying, where he enrolled in a gym in Panipat and saw Javelin throw practice at the Shivaji Stadium, which motivated him to take up the sport.

He created history by winning India's first-ever Olympic gold medal in athletics in the men's javelin throw competition at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. He also won a Silver Medal at the Paris Olympics in 2024 and a gold medal at the World Athletics Championship 2023.

Speaking at the event, Defence Minister Singh praised Neeraj as an “epitome of discipline, perseverance, and patriotism,” highlighting how his achievements inspire not only aspiring athletes but also the nation’s defence personnel.

This honour comes as a testament to Chopra’s historic achievements, including India’s first Olympic gold in athletics at Tokyo 2020 and continued dominance on the world stage. Neeraj is one of the very few sportspersons to receive such a rank while still active in their sporting career.

With this recognition, Lt Col (Hony) Neeraj Chopra becomes a symbol of excellence in both fields: sport and service, embodying the spirit of a modern Indian hero.