Why is Harmanpreet Kaur Calling Her Padma Shri Honor a Big Moment?
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New Delhi, Jan 26 (NationPress) Indian women's cricket captain Harmanpreet Kaur referred to her Padma Shri award as a significant milestone in her professional journey.
Kaur was named among the Padma Shri recipients on Sunday, joining eight other esteemed athletes on the 2026 Padma Awards roster.
She disclosed that her father was the first to receive a call from the President's House regarding the prestigious recognition, as shared in a video by Mumbai Indians on social media.
“My dad received a call from the President’s House that I am to be honored with the Padma Shri Award this year. I consider it a major moment for me, and I’m delighted that my parents learned about it before me,” Kaur stated in a video posted on Instagram by Mumbai Indians.
Former Indian captain Rohit Sharma was also included in the list of Padma Shri recipients.
Sharma, recognized for his leadership and outstanding performance, has excelled at the highest levels and guided India to its second T20 World Cup victory in 2024, alongside winning the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.
In congratulating him, Kaur remarked, “Many congratulations to him as well — we have witnessed his hard work, and I believe this is a wonderful moment for him. Ever since I began playing cricket, I have aspired to win the World Cup, the Arjuna Award, and now the Padma Shri. This is a remarkable achievement for me.”
The honored sports personalities also featured Savita Punia, the goalkeeper for the Indian women's hockey team, whose consistent performance and leadership have played a pivotal role in reinstating India’s reputation on the global platform.
Additionally, Baldev Singh, Bhagwandas Raikwar, and K Pajanivel were also awarded the Padma Shri for their contributions to sports.
The Padma Awards represent some of India's most esteemed civilian accolades, recognizing excellence and service across various fields. This year's 2026 awards highlighted the growing strength and influence of Indian sports globally, featuring honorees from cricket, tennis, and hockey.