Soon after the Padma Awards list was released, confusion arose on social media regarding Praveen Kumar’s identity. The official list included a Praveen Kumar from Uttar Pradesh, leading many to believe it was the former Indian cricketer, not a para-athlete. Congratulatory messages flooded social platforms, with users mistakenly tagging the cricketer.
Several individuals even called the ex-cricketer to inform him about the award, leaving him surprised as he was unaware of any such recognition. Praveen Kumar responded with confusion to those congratulating him, not understanding the situation. The matter was clarified after it was confirmed that the Padma Award was actually given to a para-athlete named Praveen Kumar for his sports contributions.
Following the clarification, social media users deleted their mistaken posts, recognizing the mix-up. This incident highlighted how quickly assumptions can spread online, emphasizing the importance of verifying information before sharing it. Officials noted that the Padma Awards list clearly specified each awardee’s field and background, ensuring the rightful recognition of the actual recipient.
