Padma Awards Celebrate India’s Sporting Icons

NEW DELHI — President Droupadi Murmu honored three of India’s most celebrated sporting figures — cricketer Rohit Sharma, hockey goalkeeper Savita Punia and tennis legend Vijay Amritraj — at the Padma Awards ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Former India cricket captain Rohit Sharma and Indian women’s hockey team goalkeeper Savita Punia received the Padma Shri, while former India Davis Cup player Vijay Amritraj was conferred the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award.

Following the ceremony, Rohit reflected on the significance of June 23, noting that it was also the date on which he made his India debut 19 years ago.

“23rd June bringing all kinds of magic. 19 years ago, it began with an India cap. Today, another proud chapter is added to the story,” Rohit wrote on X.

The honor adds to a distinguished career that has seen Rohit emerge as one of India’s most successful batters and captains. Under his leadership, India won the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

Savita, one of India’s most accomplished goalkeepers, described the Padma Shri as a proud moment for her family and teammates.

“When I started playing hockey, I never thought that my journey would be so long and that I would receive such a big individual honor. It is a big thing for me, my family and my team,” she said.

Savita played a key role in India’s historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics and later captained the team to a bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. In 2025, she became only the second Indian goalkeeper after PR Sreejesh to complete 300 international caps.

Amritraj thanked the Government of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi after receiving the Padma Bhushan and stressed the importance of supporting young athletes.

“I thank the Government of India, I thank the Prime Minister, and the people of this great country who have helped me perform to the best of my ability. It has been a real honor to represent India globally,” Amritraj said.

One of the most influential figures in Indian tennis, Amritraj won 16 singles and 13 doubles titles during his professional career and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2024 alongside Leander Paes. (IANS)