Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur to Receive Padma Shri Award; Historic Honour for World Cup–Winning Captains

New Delhi |On the eve of Republic Day, the Central Government of India announced the prestigious Padma Awards for the year 2026. A total of 131 distinguished personalities from various fields have been selected this year, including nine eminent sportspersons who have brought glory to the nation.

Indian cricket captains Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur have been conferred the Padma Shri, one of the country’s highest civilian honours, for their exceptional contributions to Indian cricket. The announcement marks a historic moment as both captains led India to major ICC titles on the global stage.

Former Indian men’s team captain Rohit Sharma scripted history by leading India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Under his leadership, Team India achieved unprecedented success, strengthening its dominance in world cricket.

Meanwhile, Indian women’s team captain Harmanpreet Kaur etched her name in history by guiding India to triumph in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, becoming the first Indian woman captain to win an ICC World Cup title. Her achievement is being hailed as a landmark moment for women’s cricket in India.

Apart from Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur, former Indian fast bowler Praveen Kumar has also been selected for the Padma Shri Award in recognition of his contribution to Indian cricket.

In tennis, former Indian star Vijay Amritraj has been honoured with the Padma Bhushan, acknowledging his outstanding service to Indian sports and his role in popularising tennis globally.

Other sportspersons selected for the Padma Shri include Savita Punia (Hockey), Baldev Singh, K. Pazhanivel, Bhagwandas Raikwar, and Georgian wrestler Vladimir Mestvirishvili, who has significantly contributed to Indian wrestling.

According to the official announcement, the Padma Awards 2026 list includes 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awardees. Among the recipients are 19 women, 6 foreign nationals or NRIs, and 16 individuals honoured posthumously.