New Delhi: Indian cricket stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur will be conferred with the Padma Shri, while tennis legend Vijay Amritraj has been awarded the Padma Bhushan, as part of the Padma Awards announced by the Union government on Sunday, January 25. The honours recognise outstanding contributions to Indian sport across decades and disciplines, celebrating excellence, leadership and sustained impact at the national and international levels.

The Padma Awards are among India’s highest civilian honours and are announced annually on the eve of Republic Day. While the Padma Bhushan is the country’s third-highest civilian award, the Padma Shri is the fourth-highest. The awards are presented by the President of India at a ceremonial function held later in the year at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Major recognition for Indian cricket icons

Rohit Sharma, former captain of the Indian men’s cricket team, and Harmanpreet Kaur, captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, are among the most recognisable faces of Indian cricket in the modern era. Their selection for the Padma Shri reflects not only their on-field achievements but also their leadership roles and influence on the next generation of cricketers.

Rohit Sharma, who led India to victory in the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, is widely regarded as one of the finest batters of his generation. Known for his elegant stroke play and record-breaking performances, Rohit is the only player to have scored three double centuries in One-Day Internationals. Under his captaincy, India achieved significant success across formats, including consistent performances in ICC tournaments.

Harmanpreet Kaur, meanwhile, has been a trailblazer for women’s cricket in India. She became the first Indian woman to score a century in the Women’s T20 World Cup and has captained the national side in all three formats. Her aggressive style of play and fearless leadership have helped raise the profile of women’s cricket in the country and inspired a new wave of young players.

Vijay Amritraj honoured with Padma Bhushan

Tennis icon Vijay Amritraj has been conferred with the Padma Bhushan, making him the only sportsperson to receive this honour in 2026. A pioneer of Indian tennis on the global stage, Amritraj’s career laid the foundation for India’s presence in international tennis during an era dominated by Western players.

Now 72 years old and currently residing in California, United States, Amritraj enjoyed a distinguished professional career. He reached the quarterfinals of Wimbledon and the US Open in 1973, repeated the feat at the US Open in 1974, and again reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals in 1981. Beyond his singles success, he was also a key member of India’s Davis Cup teams and played a crucial role in India’s run to the Davis Cup final in 1974.

Amritraj was earlier awarded the Padma Shri in 1983. The Padma Bhushan recognises his lifelong contribution to tennis, sports administration, and the global promotion of Indian sport.

Other sportspersons honoured in 2026

In addition to Rohit Sharma, Harmanpreet Kaur and Vijay Amritraj, several other sportspersons and coaches have been selected for Padma honours this year, reflecting the diversity of India’s sporting ecosystem.

Para-athlete Praveen Kumar, a high jump specialist who has brought laurels to the country in international para-athletics events, will receive the Padma Shri. Indian women’s hockey team goalkeeper Savita Punia, a key figure in India’s resurgence in women’s hockey, has also been named for the Padma Shri.

Baldev Singh, a respected coach in women’s hockey, and Bhagwandas Raikwar, known for his contribution to Bundeli war art and training, have also been honoured with the Padma Shri. K Pajanivel, a practitioner and promoter of Silambattam, an ancient Tamil weapon-based martial art, has been recognised for preserving and promoting traditional sports.

Former wrestling coach Vladimer Mestvirishvili, originally from Georgia, has been awarded the Padma Shri posthumously for his contribution to Indian wrestling and coaching.

Sportspersons honoured with Padma Awards 2026

Vijay Amritraj (Tennis) – Padma Bhushan
Rohit Sharma (Cricket) – Padma Shri
Harmanpreet Kaur (Women’s Cricket) – Padma Shri
Praveen Kumar (Para Athletics – High Jump) – Padma Shri
Savita Punia (Women’s Hockey) – Padma Shri
Baldev Singh (Women’s Hockey Coach) – Padma Shri
Bhagwandas Raikwar (Bundeli War Art and Training) – Padma Shri
K Pajanivel (Silambattam) – Padma Shri
Vladimer Mestvirishvili (Wrestling Coach, Posthumous) – Padma Shri

Conclusion

The Padma Awards 2026 underline India’s growing recognition of sporting excellence across disciplines, from mainstream cricket and tennis to para-sports and traditional martial arts. Honouring figures such as Rohit Sharma, Harmanpreet Kaur and Vijay Amritraj reflects the nation’s appreciation of athletes who have not only delivered memorable performances but have also shaped the identity of Indian sport on the world stage.