New Delhi, January 25: Several of India’s most accomplished sportspersons will be honoured with the prestigious Padma Awards in 2026, as announced on the eve of the country’s 77th Republic Day. Indian cricket captains Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur are set to receive the Padma Shri, while former tennis star Vijay Amritraj has been named for the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian honours.
Rohit Sharma’s recognition comes after a remarkable phase for Indian men’s cricket under his leadership. India lifted the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in Barbados and followed it up with a triumphant Champions Trophy victory in 2025 in Dubai, cementing his legacy as one of the country’s most successful captains.
Harmanpreet Kaur, meanwhile, has been instrumental in shaping a new era for Indian women’s cricket. In 2025, the Indian women’s team created history by winning their first-ever ICC women’s title, clinching the ODI World Cup on home soil under her captaincy.
The sports category also includes notable names such as para high jumper Praveen Kumar and Indian women’s hockey goalkeeper Savita Punia, both of whom will be conferred with the Padma Shri for their contributions to Indian sport.
For 2026, the President of India has approved a total of 131 Padma Awards, including:
- 5 Padma Vibhushan
- 13 Padma Bhushan
- 113 Padma Shri
Among the awardees are 19 women, 16 individuals honoured posthumously, and six recipients from the categories of foreign nationals, NRIs, PIOs, and OCIs, reflecting the diverse contributions recognised this year.
The Padma Awards, which include Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, are among India’s highest civilian honours. They recognise exceptional service across fields such as sports, art, public affairs, science, medicine, literature, education, social work, and civil service. The awards are traditionally presented by the President of India at ceremonial functions held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, usually during March or April.
Padma Awards 2026 – Sports Category (Selected List)
- Padma Bhushan: Vijay Amritraj
- Padma Shri: Rohit Sharma, Harmanpreet Kaur, Praveen Kumar, Savita Punia, Baldev Singh, Bhagwandas Raikwar, K Pajanivel, Vladimer Mestvirishvili
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