The Olympic Gold medal winner Neeraj Chopra was honoured with the Prama Vishisht Seva Medal. Neeraj Chopra brought fame to India by winning the country’s first athletic gold medal. In Tokyo Olympics, Chopra won the medal throwing javelin to 87.58 metres. Along with Neeraj Chopra, 18 other are being honoured with the award.

Achievements of Chopra

Chopra was honoured with the Arjuna award in 2018. In 2020, he was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal. In 2016, Chopra was enrolled in Rajputana Rifles as Naib Subedar. He was a part of the Mission Olympics Wing that operated at the Army Sports Institute located in Pune. The Mission Olympics Wing was an initiative of the Indian Army. Under the initiative, the army identified qualified sports person from the army and trained them in different disciplines. They participated in national and international competitions.

Naib Subedar

It Is a rank in the Indian army. The Naib Subedars are Junior Commissioned officers. Their ranks are lower than lieutenants and higher than havidars.

Param Vishisht Seva Medal

The award was constituted in 1960. It is awarded to peace time services. The award shall be presented posthumously. The lawfully constituted armed forces, Territorial Army, reserve forces; auxiliary and nursing officers are eligible for the award.   It is equivalent to Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal. It is lower to Padma Bhushan and higher to Maha Vir Chakra.

About the Medal

The medal is round in shape. It is 35 mm in diameter. It is made of gold gilt. A five pointed star is embossed over the medal. On the other side, the medal has Indian state emblem. It is a military award.

Military Awards in India

• Peacetime: Param Vishisht Seva medal, Ati Vishishi Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal
• Wartime: Yudh Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal
• Wartime or Peacetime service awards: Vayu Sena Medal (Air Force), Sena Medal (Army) and Nau Sena Medal (Navy)