Indian women’s cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur was honored with the Padma Shri by President Droupadi Murmu for her significant contributions to Indian cricket and leadership in guiding the Women in Blue to major international success, including a World Cup win on home soil. This recognition places her among the select sportspersons honored this year, alongside India men’s captain Rohit Sharma, making them the only two cricketers to receive the award in 2026. The award was presented during the first Civil Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where President Murmu conferred Padma awards across various categories.
Harmanpreet, adorned in a cream-colored traditional outfit, attended the ceremony to receive this prestigious civilian honor. Her accolade follows a remarkable international career where she led India through multiple ICC tournaments and captained the team to a historic ODI World Cup victory in 2025, marking a significant milestone in her fifth World Cup appearance. The victory ended years of close calls on the global stage, solidifying her legacy in Indian cricket.
Upon the announcement of the awardees, Harmanpreet expressed her gratitude in a video shared by her Women’s Premier League (WPL) team Mumbai Indians, emphasizing the profound significance of the moment for her family. She also congratulated Rohit Sharma on his inclusion in the honors list, acknowledging his dedication and hard work in a heartfelt message.
