The Government of India announced the Padma Awards 2026 on Sunday, recognising outstanding contributions across various fields, with Indian sport once again taking centre stage. A total of eight sportspersons and sports contributors were honoured this year, including star cricketers Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur, both of whom received the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award.
Adding further prestige to the list, Indian tennis icon Vijay Amritraj was conferred with the Padma Bhushan, the country’s third-highest civilian honour. Amritraj’s recognition is a testament to his enduring legacy in Indian sport. The former Davis Cup stalwart was earlier awarded the Padma Shri in 1983 and the Arjuna Award in 1974, underlining decades of service both on and off the court.
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Rohit Sharma’s honour comes after a highly successful phase as India’s leader, having guided the national side to the Champions Trophy title last year. Similarly, Harmanpreet Kaur’s Padma Shri follows a historic moment for Indian women’s cricket, as her team clinched the 2025 Women’s World Cup, defeating South Africa in the final and ending a long title drought.
🚨 PADMA SHRI FOR ROHIT & HARMAN. 🚨
– Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur to be honoured with the Padma Shri Award. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/J2GWvbdSRE
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 25, 2026
The list also features Savita Punia, the dependable goalkeeper of the Indian women’s hockey team, and para high jumper Praveen Kumar, both recognised for their consistent excellence and impact at the highest level.
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The Padma Awards, which include Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, are among India’s most prestigious civilian honours. This year’s list reflects diversity and inclusivity, with 19 women awardees, several international recipients, and honours spanning sports, arts, science, medicine, public service and more—celebrating excellence in its truest sense.
