Neeraj Chopra Honored as Lieutenant Colonel: Here’s How Much Salary the Javelin Star Will Earn in the Indian Army!

Neeraj Chopra: From Olympic Gold to Army Green—The Inspiring Journey of India’s Golden Boy Turned Lieutenant Colonel

New Delhi/Bhopal —
On a warm April morning, the corridors of India’s sporting and military circles buzzed with excitement. News had broken that Neeraj Chopra, the golden boy of Indian athletics, had been bestowed with one of the nation’s highest civilian-military honors: an honorary commission as Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army. For millions who have followed Neeraj’s meteoric rise—from a humble village in Haryana to the top of the Olympic podium—this was more than a ceremonial title. It was a moment that embodied the dreams and aspirations of a new India, where grit, discipline, and patriotism go hand in hand.

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A New Salute for a National Hero

The announcement, published in the Government of India’s Gazette and covered by major news outlets, was official: Neeraj Chopra would now wear the olive green uniform, joining the ranks of other sporting legends like MS Dhoni, who also holds the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army. The news was not just a feather in Neeraj’s cap; it was a salute from the Indian Army to a young man whose javelin throw had united a nation in joy and pride.

The Territorial Army, often referred to as the “citizen-soldier” force, is a unique reserve component of the Indian Army. Its officers and men serve part-time, balancing their civilian professions with military duties during times of need. For Neeraj, this honorary role is both a recognition of his sporting excellence and an invitation to inspire and motivate the youth of India to serve the nation in every way possible.

A Journey Forged in Sweat and Sacrifice

To truly appreciate the significance of this honor, one must look back at Neeraj’s journey. Born in the small village of Khandra in Haryana, Neeraj grew up in a joint family of farmers. As a child, he was chubby and often teased by his peers. His father, Satish Kumar, recalls, “He was a quiet boy, but there was a spark in his eyes. We never imagined he would one day make the whole country proud.”

At the age of 12, Neeraj’s uncle took him to the Panipat Sports Authority stadium to channel his boundless energy. There, he discovered the javelin, and with it, a new purpose. His early days were marked by makeshift training—using old equipment, running on dusty tracks, and practicing late into the evening after schoolwork and chores. “We didn’t have much money, but Neeraj never complained,” his mother Saroj Devi remembers. “He just wanted to throw further and further.”

His raw talent caught the attention of coaches, and soon, Neeraj was representing Haryana at state-level competitions. His rise was swift but never easy. Injuries, lack of resources, and the pressure of expectations followed him at every step. Yet, with every setback, Neeraj only grew stronger.

The Making of a Champion

Neeraj’s breakthrough came in 2016, when he won gold at the World U20 Championships in Poland, setting a new junior world record. His performance caught the eye of the Indian Army, which has a long tradition of supporting athletes. On August 26, 2016, Neeraj was enlisted as a Naib Subedar (Junior Commissioned Officer) in the Rajputana Rifles, one of the oldest and most decorated regiments of the Indian Army.

The Army’s support was transformative. Neeraj now had access to better facilities, medical care, and a structured environment that nurtured discipline and focus. “The Army became my second family,” Neeraj has often said. “They taught me the importance of service, both on and off the field.”

His achievements continued to mount. In 2018, he received the Arjuna Award for outstanding achievement in sports. In 2021, he was honored with the Vishisht Seva Medal, a prestigious military decoration for distinguished service. Promotions followed, and by 2022, Neeraj was made Subedar Major. That same year, he was awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, the highest peacetime military honor for exceptional service.

Tokyo: The Throw That Changed Everything

But it was at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 that Neeraj etched his name in history. On a humid August evening, with millions watching back home, he hurled the javelin to a distance of 87.58 meters—securing India’s first-ever Olympic gold in track and field. The nation erupted in celebration. Streets filled with dancing, families gathered around television sets, and children across the country picked up sticks and pipes, dreaming of one day being like Neeraj.

“I threw for my country,” Neeraj said in a tearful interview after his win. “This medal is for every Indian who believed we could do it.”

His gold was more than a sporting triumph; it was a symbol of hope, unity, and national pride.

From the Podium to the Parade Ground

Neeraj’s Olympic success brought him not just medals and endorsements, but also a deeper sense of responsibility. “After Tokyo, I realized that my journey had just begun,” he reflected. “I want to inspire young people to dream big, to work hard, and to serve their country.”

The Indian Army recognized this spirit. The honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel, effective from April 16, 2025, is both a tribute to his achievements and an invitation to continue his service in a new capacity.

What Does a Lieutenant Colonel Earn?

One of the most talked-about aspects of Neeraj’s new role has been his salary and privileges as a Lieutenant Colonel. In the Indian Army, a Lieutenant Colonel typically earns a monthly salary ranging from ₹1,20,000 to ₹1,50,000 (approximately $1,500 to $1,900 USD), depending on years of service and allowances.

In addition to the basic pay, he is entitled to several allowances:

Military Service Pay: ₹15,500 per month
Field Area Allowance: Ranges from ₹1,500 to ₹25,000 per month, depending on the posting
Special Forces Allowance: Up to ₹25,000 per month, if eligible
Uniform Allowance: ₹20,000 annually
Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Transport Allowance: As per government rules

These benefits are not just monetary. They come with respect, a sense of purpose, and the honor of serving alongside some of the nation’s bravest men and women.

Privileges Beyond Pay

As an honorary Lieutenant Colonel, Neeraj will also enjoy privileges such as access to Army messes and clubs, medical facilities for himself and his family, and the right to participate in ceremonial events. He will be a source of inspiration for soldiers and officers alike, bridging the worlds of sport and service.

But perhaps the greatest privilege is the opportunity to motivate the next generation. “When a soldier sees Neeraj in uniform, it reminds them that excellence in any field is a service to the nation,” says Colonel (Retd.) Rajiv Bhatia. “It’s about discipline, teamwork, and putting the country first.”

A Brotherhood of Legends: Dhoni and Neeraj

Neeraj now joins a select group of Indian sports icons honored by the Army. MS Dhoni, the legendary cricket captain known as “Captain Cool,” was conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 2011. Like Neeraj, Dhoni’s appointment was a recognition of his leadership, humility, and service to the nation.

Both men have spoken about the similarities between sports and soldiering—the relentless pursuit of excellence, the importance of teamwork, and the willingness to sacrifice for a greater cause. “Wearing the uniform is the greatest honor,” Dhoni once said. “It’s a reminder that we play, we serve, for something bigger than ourselves.”

The Territorial Army: Citizen Soldiers

For many, the Territorial Army remains a mystery. Unlike the regular Army, the TA is a reserve force composed of volunteers who serve part-time. Doctors, engineers, lawyers, and sportsmen like Neeraj and Dhoni join the TA while continuing their civilian careers. In times of war, national emergency, or natural disaster, they are called to support the regular Army.

“It’s a unique institution,” explains Major (Retd.) Anil Sharma. “It allows citizens to contribute to national security while pursuing their own professions. It’s about readiness, resilience, and patriotism.”

The TA’s roots go back to colonial times, but in independent India, it has played a crucial role in disaster relief, internal security, and supporting regular troops during conflicts.

A Role Model for a New Generation

Neeraj’s appointment comes at a time when India is looking to its youth for leadership and innovation. His story is one of perseverance, humility, and service—a beacon for millions who aspire to make a difference.

At the Army’s investiture ceremony, Neeraj stood tall in his crisp uniform, the stars of a Lieutenant Colonel gleaming on his shoulders. “This uniform is not just cloth and thread,” he said. “It is a symbol of trust, of sacrifice, of dreams fulfilled and dreams yet to come.”

His message to the youth was clear: “Whatever you do, do it with passion. Serve your country, serve your people, and greatness will follow.”

Looking Ahead: Paris, Doha, and Beyond

Even as he takes on new responsibilities, Neeraj’s athletic journey continues. After his historic gold in Tokyo, he clinched silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics, cementing his status as one of the world’s best javelin throwers. On May 16, he is set to compete in the Diamond League in Doha, his eyes firmly set on breaking new records.

“I want to keep pushing myself,” he says. “Every throw, every competition, is a chance to make my country proud.”

Inspiring a Nation

Back in his village, celebrations erupted when news of his honorary rank spread. Children raced through the fields, imitating Neeraj’s throwing motion. Elders gathered at the local tea shop, discussing his achievements with pride. For them, Neeraj is more than an athlete; he is proof that dreams, no matter how distant, are within reach.

His parents, overwhelmed with emotion, see the honor as a tribute to hard work and humility. “He has always respected the Army,” says his father. “Now, he is a part of it.”

Conclusion: A Legacy in the Making

Neeraj Chopra’s journey—from a small village to the Olympic podium, and now to the ranks of the Indian Army—is a story of hope, courage, and national pride. His honorary commission as Lieutenant Colonel is not just a personal milestone; it is a testament to the power of dreams, the value of service, and the enduring spirit of India.

As Neeraj steps onto the field in Doha, or dons his uniform for a ceremonial parade, he carries with him the hopes of a billion people. His story is a reminder that greatness is not measured only in medals or ranks, but in the lives we touch and the nation we serve.

In the words of Neeraj himself: “The journey never ends. Every day is a new beginning. Jai Hind!”