The Government of India has unveiled the prestigious Padma Awards for the year 2026, honoring exceptional individuals across various fields, with sports personalities taking center stage in this year's announcements. The Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed that President Droupadi Murmu has approved the conferment of 131 Padma Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to the nation.
Sports Icons Receive Top Civilian Honors
Among the distinguished awardees, cricket legends Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur have been selected for Padma Shri awards, marking a significant recognition of their achievements in Indian cricket. Rohit Sharma, the former captain of the Indian men's cricket team, continues to be a pivotal figure in the sport, while Harmanpreet Kaur, the current captain of the Indian women's cricket team, recently led her squad to a historic World Cup victory on home soil.
Cricket Stars' Remarkable Achievements
Harmanpreet Kaur's leadership during the women's World Cup tournament showcased her exceptional skills and strategic acumen, bringing glory to the nation. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma remains an integral part of the Indian men's cricket team as they prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup, aiming to secure another championship title for India.
Tennis and Hockey Legends Honored
Tennis icon Vijay Amritraj has been awarded the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian honors, for his distinguished service to sports and his role in popularizing tennis globally. Hockey goalkeeper Savita Punia, known for her remarkable performances in international competitions, will receive the Padma Shri, acknowledging her contributions to Indian hockey.
Complete List of Awardees and Categories
The Padma Awards 2026 list includes several other notable recipients across various disciplines. The awards are distributed among three categories:
- Padma Vibhushan: 5 awardees for exceptional and distinguished service
- Padma Bhushan: 13 awardees for distinguished service of high order
- Padma Shri: 113 awardees for distinguished service in any field
Other Padma Shri recipients include the late Georgian wrestling coach Vladimir Mestvirishvili, who trained renowned Indian wrestlers such as Sushil Kumar, Yogeshwar Dutt, Bajrang Punia, and Ravi Dahiya. Additional awardees Baldev Singh, Bhagwandas Raikwar, K Pajanivel, and Praveen Kumar have also been recognized for their contributions.
Diversity and Inclusion in Awards
The 2026 Padma Awards demonstrate a commitment to diversity, with 19 women among the recipients. The list also includes six individuals from the categories of Foreigners, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), along with 16 posthumous awardees who are being honored for their lasting legacies.
Understanding the Padma Awards
The Padma Awards represent one of India's highest civilian honors, established to recognize exceptional achievements across various fields. These awards are categorized into three distinct levels:
- Padma Vibhushan: Awarded for exceptional and distinguished service to the nation
- Padma Bhushan: Conferred for distinguished service of high order
- Padma Shri: Granted for distinguished service in any field of endeavor
These honors span multiple disciplines including art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, and civil service. The awards are traditionally announced on Republic Day each year, with formal conferment ceremonies conducted by the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan, typically held during March or April.
The recognition of sports personalities in the Padma Awards 2026 highlights the growing importance of athletic achievements in India's national consciousness and celebrates the dedication and excellence demonstrated by these individuals in their respective fields.
