Neeraj Chopra feels 'humbled and honoured' to receive Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Padma Shri awards

On Tuesday, Subedar Neeraj Chopra, who made history by winning India's first Olympic gold medal in athletics last year, was awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal and the fourth highest civilian honour, the Padma Shri (January 25). Chopra, an Indian Army Subedar with the 4 Rajputana Rifles, won the gold medal in the javelin throw finals in Tokyo in August 2021 with a second-round throw of 87.58 metres.

Chopra said he is humbled and honoured to be chosen a recipient of the Padma Shri award and the Param Vishisht Seva Medal in a Twitter post. "I thank you all for your good wishes and blessings and will continue to work hard to do my best for the nation," he noted.

Chopra thanked people for their wishes and support. "Humbled and honoured to know that I have been named as a recipient of the Padma Shri award and the Param Vishisht Seva Medal. I thank you all for your good wishes and blessings and will continue to work hard to do my best for the nation," he said

On the occasion of Republic Day 2022, the Indian Army announced a "list of Army personnel rewarded for their courage and meritorious service." Along with Chopra, the Param Vishisht Seva Medal has been presented to 18 other serving and retired Indian Army members.

The list of people who received the Padma Shri award this year was revealed later in the day by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Chopra has been given the Padma Shri award, according to the MHA.

Chopra received the Arjuna Award in 2018 and the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) in 2020 for his sporting achievements. On May 15, 2016, Chopra joined the 4 Rajputana Rifles as a Naib Subedar.

He was chosen for training at the 'Mission Olympics Wing' and the Army Sports Institute in Pune after joining the Army. The Indian Army's Mission Olympics Wing is a programme that identifies and trains promising athletes in 11 sports for national and international tournaments.