Lt Col Neeraj Chopra's Pipping Ceremony with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

Neeraj Chopra's Honorary Rank

• 🏅 Neeraj Chopra has been officially conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army.
• 🗓️ He was initially inducted into the Indian Army's Rajputana Rifles in 2016 and commissioned as an officer in the Territorial Army in 2025.
• 🎖️ The honorary rank was approved by the President in recognition of his exemplary skills in sports and bringing laurels to the nation and the army.

The Pipping Ceremony Details

• 📍 The official pipping ceremony took place in the South Block.
• 🤝 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the Chief of Army Staff were present to pip the new ranks onto Neeraj Chopra.
• ✨ This event marks a proud moment for Chopra, who is now officially a Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army.

Neeraj Chopra's Military and Sports Role

• 🏋️ The Indian Army provides significant support for Neeraj Chopra's training, both within the army and for external preparations.
• 🇮🇳 He serves the Indian Army as a sports persona, representing the army and the country in various tournaments, including the Olympics.
• 🏆 Chopra previously received the rank of Subedar Major after winning gold in the 2020 Olympics and has also been conferred the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM).

Inspiration and Recognition

• 👏 The Indian Army takes immense pride in Neeraj Chopra's achievements and his role as a serving officer.
• 🌟 His journey is seen as an inspiration for many soldiers to excel in sports and for the youth who idolize him.
• 🤝 Other renowned sportspersons like MS Dhoni, Kapil Dev, and Abhinav Bindra have also been conferred similar honorary ranks in the past.