Who are Rohit Sharma, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Praveen Kumar to Receive Padma Shri?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Rohit Sharma, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Praveen Kumar to be awarded the Padma Shri.
- The awards highlight contributions to Indian sports.
- Vijay Amritraj receives the Padma Bhushan.
- The Padma Awards celebrate excellence in various fields.
- Growing influence of Indian sports globally.
New Delhi, Jan 25 (NationPress) Former Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma, captain of the women's cricket team Harmanpreet Kaur, and Para-athlete Praveen Kumar are poised to receive the prestigious Padma Shri award as the Padma Awards 2026 were unveiled on Sunday.
This accolade highlights their remarkable contributions to Indian sports spanning diverse formats and eras.
While the Padma Shri awards celebrated both current and past luminaries, renowned tennis player Vijay Amritraj received the Padma Bhushan, which is India's third-highest civilian honor, making him the only sportsperson to achieve this accolade this year.
Amritraj's honor complements a distinguished career that has spanned decades, both on the court and in sports administration.
He had previously been conferred the Padma Shri in 1983 and the Arjuna Award in 1974, underscoring his enduring impact on Indian tennis.
Rohit Sharma, as the former captain of the Indian men's cricket team, plays a pivotal role in contemporary Indian cricket, celebrated for his leadership and impressive scoring abilities. He guided India to their second T20 World Cup title in 2024.
Harmanpreet Kaur, leading the women’s team, steered India to a groundbreaking women's ICC title after the nation secured the Women’s ODI World Cup in 2025, inspiring many young cricketers with her dynamic batting and leadership.
Among the recognized sports figures is Savita Punia, the goalkeeper for the Indian women’s hockey team, whose steady performance and leadership have been vital in reinstating India’s status on the global stage.
Others awarded the Padma Shri for their sporting achievements include Baldev Singh, Bhagwandas Raikwar, and K Pajanivel.
The Padma Awards are regarded as among India’s highest civilian honors, acknowledging excellence and dedication across various domains. This year’s awards, featuring honorees from cricket, tennis, and hockey, reflect the expanding prowess and influence of Indian sports internationally.