India, Dec 24 : India celebrated the 28th birthday of javelin sensation Neeraj Chopra on Wednesday, honoring a sportsman who has transformed Indian athletics on the global stage.
Chopra first made history at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, winning India’s first-ever Olympic gold in track and field. He followed this with another landmark achievement by claiming gold at the 2023 World Athletics Championships, becoming India’s first-ever world champion in athletics. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, he added a silver medal to his growing list of accolades.
Hailing from Khandra village in Haryana’s Panipat district, Chopra has not only brought immense pride to the nation through his performances but also through his association with the Indian Armed Forces. In 2025, he recorded his personal best throw of 90.23 metres, marking a historic milestone for Indian athletics.
Over the year, Chopra continued his remarkable streak: he began the season with a victory at the Potch Invitational in South Africa, secured second place at the Doha Diamond League with his 90.23m throw, finished as runner-up at the Janusz Kusocinski Memorial in Poland, and later clinched back-to-back titles at the Paris Diamond League and Ostrava Golden Spike.
Off the field, Chopra and his wife, Himani Mor, were hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 23, 2025, discussing sports and India’s future in athletics. Additionally, he was conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in a ceremony attended by top army officials, including Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi.
Chopra’s contributions to Indian sports have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Padma Shri, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award, Param Vishisht Seva Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal.
With a blend of record-breaking performances, international accolades, and national honors, Neeraj Chopra continues to be a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes across India.