Padma Awards 2026: Vijay Amritraj gets Padma Bhushan; Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur among sportspersons honoured
The 2026 Padma Awards list includes major sporting names, with tennis great Vijay Amritraj receiving the Padma Bhushan and cricketers Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur awarded the Padma Shri.
India’s Padma Awards for 2026 have recognised several sportspersons for their contributions, placing the spotlight on achievements across tennis, cricket and hockey. Tennis icon Vijay Amritraj has been conferred the Padma Bhushan, while Indian cricket captains Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur have been named Padma Shri awardees in the sports category.
Amritraj’s honour stands out as he was reported as the only sportsperson to receive the Padma Bhushan this year, reflecting his long-standing influence as a trailblazer for Indian tennis on the global stage. His recognition also adds to a legacy of prior national honours, reinforcing his stature in Indian sport history.
For cricket, the inclusion of Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur signals acknowledgement of leadership and performance across formats and eras, with both players widely associated with high-profile moments for India in recent years. Their Padma Shri awards also underline the visibility and cultural impact that the sport carries nationally.
Other names cited among the sports honourees include former India pacer Praveen Kumar and Indian women’s hockey goalkeeper Savita Punia, alongside additional contributors recognised for excellence and service in sport. The list reinforces that the Padma Awards are not limited to athletes alone, but also extend to those who have shaped sporting ecosystems.
The Padma Awards are among India’s highest civilian honours and are announced annually, spanning multiple fields. For sport, the honours often serve as a national marker of impact—covering on-field achievement, longevity, leadership, and contribution to India’s broader sporting identity.