Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has demanded an honorary colonel post for Tokyo Olympics gold medallist Neeraj Chopra in the Indian Army. Chopra became the first Indian athlete in the history of the Olympics to bag a gold medal in athletics as he finished on top of the podium in the men’s javelin throw final with an impressive effort of 87.58m.
Chopra is currently a Subedar in the Indian Army and Hooda believes the central government should elevate him to the post of a colonel post his stellar feat at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. Chopra had enrolled in 4 Rajputana Rifles as direct entry Naib Subedar in 2016 and was first picked for Olympics training at the Army Sports Institute in Pune.
“Neeraj Chopra, who has come home with a gold medal for us. He should be made an honorary colonel in the Indian Army. He is a Subedar in the Indian Army and should be promoted to the colonel’s post. I request the central government to make him a colonel and give DSP posts to other medallists like Ravi Dahiya and Bajrang Punia,” former Haryana CM Hooda told reporters.
Chopra recently met Army chief General MM Naravane in the national capital after landing home from Tokyo. He was accompanied by his family members as General Naravane congratulated him for his historic gold at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. Earlier, the soldiers of the 4 Rajputana Rifles were also seen dancing as they celebrated Chopra’s gold in Tokyo.
“General MM Naravane #COAS interacted with Subedar Neeraj Chopra and complimented him for his unparalleled achievement in winning the Gold Medal in #Javelin at the #OlympicGames, #Tokyo2020,” ADGPI Indian Army said in a tweet.
“General MM Naravane #COAS also congratulated the family members of Subedar Neeraj Chopra on his stupendous performance,” it added.
Chopra was one of the favourites heading into the final after topping his group in the qualification stage. He came up with an 87.58m throw in his second attempt in the final, which proved enough at the end to help him finish on top of the podium and win India’s first-ever gold medal in athletics.
Chopra became only the second Indian after shooter Abhinav Bindra to win a gold medal at the Olympics in an individual event.
