On the occasion of India’s 77th Republic Day, the Union government announced the Padma Awards for 2026, recognising distinguished contributions across sports, cinema, education and public service. Among the prominent names are Indian cricket’s World Cup–winning captains Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur, who have been selected for the Padma Shri. Rohit Sharma, fondly known as the “Hitman” of the men’s team, and Harmanpreet Kaur, the fearless leader of the women’s side, have been honoured for their extraordinary achievements and leadership that have strengthened India’s global standing in international cricket.
The awards list also celebrates excellence in sports beyond cricket. Para-athlete Praveen Kumar has been recognised for his inspiring performances and resilience on the global stage, while Indian tennis legend Vijay Amritraj has been conferred the Padma Bhushan for his enduring contribution to the sport and his role in popularising tennis in the country. Amritraj’s achievements as a player, administrator and ambassador of Indian sports have left a lasting impact. These honours underline the government’s focus on acknowledging athletes who have brought pride to the nation through dedication and consistent excellence.
In the field of arts and public service, popular actor R. Madhavan has been selected for the Padma Shri for his versatile body of work and unique contribution to Indian cinema. Bengali film industry icon Prosenjit Chatterjee has also been included for his decades-long influence on regional cinema. Additionally, former UGC chairman Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar and former Prasar Bharati CEO Shashi Shekhar Vempati have been honoured for their significant administrative and educational contributions. The announcements have sparked widespread appreciation across sports, arts and academic circles nationwide.