The Aryavarth Express New Delhi: Indian women’s cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressed gratitude after being named a recipient of the Padma Shri, calling the honour a “very big moment” in her life.
Harmanpreet was among several sportspersons included in the list of Padma Award recipients for 2026, announced on the eve of the 77th Republic Day. The Padma Shri is India’s fourth-highest civilian honour.
Speaking in a video shared by Mumbai Indians, Harmanpreet said she was overwhelmed when her family received the news. “My dad got a call from the President’s House. This year, I’m going to get the Padma Shri Award. I think it’s a very big moment for me, and I’m happy that my parents got to know about it before me,” she said.
Harmanpreet made history last year by leading India to their maiden ODI Women’s World Cup title after defeating South Africa in the final.
Former Indian men’s team captain Rohit Sharma will also be conferred with the Padma Shri. Under his leadership, India clinched the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 title in Barbados and the Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai.
Congratulating Rohit Sharma, Harmanpreet praised his dedication and achievements. “Many, many congratulations to Rohit as well. We have seen how hard he has worked, and I think it’s a great moment for him,” she said.
Reflecting on her journey, Harmanpreet added that the honour fulfilled a long-held dream. “From the moment I started playing cricket, I dreamed of winning the World Cup, the Arjuna Award, and then the Padma Shri. This is a very big achievement for me.”
For 2026, the President of India has approved the conferment of 131 Padma Awards, including two duo cases. The list comprises five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards.
The Padma Awards are among the highest civilian honours in the country and are presented by the President of India at ceremonial functions held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Padma Vibhushan is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service, Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of a high order, and Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field.
Padma Awards 2026 – Sports Category:
Padma Bhushan: Vijay Amritraj
Padma Shri: Baldev Singh, Bhagwandas Raikwar, K Pajanivel, Praveen Kumar, Rohit Sharma, Harmanpreet Kaur, Savita Punia, Vladimer Mestvirishvili
