NEW DELHI: Indian women’s cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressed gratitude after being named a Padma Shri awardee, calling it a “very big moment” in her career.Kaur was among several sportspersons included in the list of Padma Awards 2026, announced on the eve of the 77th Republic Day. The Padma Shri is India’s fourth-highest civilian honour.The honour comes a year after Harmanpreet made history by leading India to their maiden Women’s ODI World Cup title, defeating South Africa in the final.“My dad got a call from President 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, you know, before me, my parents got to know,” Harmanpreet said in a Mumbai Indians video.Alongside Harmanpreet, former India men’s team captain Rohit Sharma will also be conferred with the Padma Shri. Under Rohit’s leadership, India won the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in Barbados and the Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai.Harmanpreet congratulated Rohit Sharma and praised his dedication to the game.“Many, many congratulations to [Rohit] also. We have seen how he has been really working hard, and I think it’s a great moment for him,” she said.Reflecting on her journey, Harmanpreet added, “The moment I started playing cricket, I’ve been dreaming about winning the World Cup and Arjuna Award and then Padma Shri Award, 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 conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions held at Rashtrapati Bhawan. 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
