Indian women’s cricket team captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, expressed her joy at being awarded the Padma Shri, calling it a significant moment in her career. The announcement placed her among nine sportspersons on the 2026 Padma Awards list. Kaur shared that her father was the first to receive the call from the President’s House about the prestigious award, as revealed in a video by Mumbai Indians on social media.
Former Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma was also named a Padma Shri awardee. Known for his leadership and cricketing achievements, Rohit has led India to victories in the T20 World Cup and ICC Champions Trophy. Congratulating Rohit, Kaur praised his hard work and described the award as a great moment for him.
The list of honored sports personalities included Savita Punia, the goalkeeper of the Indian women’s hockey team, recognized for her consistency and leadership. Additionally, Baldev Singh, Bhagwandas Raikwar, and K Pajanivel were also honored with the Padma Shri for their contributions to sports. The Padma Awards, prestigious civilian honors in India, highlight excellence and service across various fields, showcasing the country’s sporting prowess on the global stage with recipients from cricket, tennis, and hockey.
