On October 22, 2025, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army to acclaimed javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra during a ceremony in New Delhi. Celebrated as a symbol of perseverance and national pride, Chopra, a two-time Olympic medalist, has made significant contributions to Indian athletics, notably becoming the first Indian to win an Olympic Gold Medal in track and field at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. His ongoing achievements, including a Silver Medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics and a Gold at the 2023 World Championships, highlight the potential of sports to inspire national pride and unity. This honor underscores the Indian Armed Forces’ recognition of excellence beyond military service, fostering a deeper connection between sports and national identity.