India, Oct. 22 -- Ace javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel on Wednesday, adding another milestone to his stellar career. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the Olympic gold medalist as the "epitome" of perseverance and a true symbol of national pride.

The Defence Minister presented the honorary rank insignia of Lieutenant Colonel to star javelin thrower Chopra, who serves in the Territorial Army, during a pipping ceremony in New Delhi attended by Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi and several senior military officials.

"This is more than an honour - it is a responsibility towards my country. Thank you Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh ji and the Territorial Army for conferring upon me the honorary r...