PM Modi Hosts Javelin Star Neeraj Chopra, Wife Himani Mor At His Residence
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday hosted two-time Olympic medallist and former world champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra and his wife, Himani Mor, at his residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg.
Sharing details of the meeting on X, the Prime Minister said the interaction covered a range of issues, including sports.
“Met Neeraj Chopra and his wife, Himani Mor at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg earlier today. We had a great interaction on various issues, including sports, of course!” said PM Modi.
Neeraj Chopra, one of India’s most celebrated athletes, made history by becoming the first Indian to win an Olympic gold medal in track and field at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. He followed it up with a gold medal at the World Athletics Championships in 2023 and a silver medal at the Paris Olympics in 2024, cementing his status as a global athletics icon.
In recognition of his outstanding sporting achievements and service to the nation, Chopra was conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh formally presented the insignia during a pipping ceremony at South Block in October this year. Earlier, President Droupadi Murmu had awarded him the honorary commission on April 16, 2025. Chopra was originally enlisted in the Indian Army as a naib subedar in August 2016 and has served with The Rajputana Rifles.
Chopra has also received several national honours, including the Padma Shri, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award, Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal.
The 27-year-old enjoyed a strong 2025 season despite a rare setback at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo in September, where he finished eighth during his title defence, ending his remarkable run of 26 consecutive events with top-two podium finishes.
Earlier in the season, Chopra scripted history by becoming the first Indian to breach the 90-metre mark in international competition, registering a personal best throw of 90.23 metres at the Doha Diamond League in May. His previous national record stood at 89.94 metres, set at the Stockholm Diamond League in 2022.
He went on to secure podium finishes at several elite meets, including second place at the Doha Diamond League, Janusz Kusocinski Memorial in Poland, and the Diamond League final in Zurich, while clinching titles at the Paris Diamond League, Ostrava Golden Spike and the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic in Bengaluru.
