Padma Awards 2026: Rohit Sharma, Harmanpreet Kaur, Vijay Amritraj and Savita Punia win awards

Prestigious Padma Awards 2026 Unveiled

The Padma Awards for 2026 were announced today, coinciding with the eve of Republic Day celebrations, honoring individuals for their exceptional contributions across various fields.

These civilian honors, one of India's highest, include the Padma Vibhushan for exceptional service, Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of high order, and Padma Shri for notable work in any domain.

President Droupadi Murmu has approved 131 awards this year, comprising five Padma Vibhushan, thirteen Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri, with nineteen women among the recipients and several posthumous recognitions.

The list highlights unsung heroes from grassroots levels, including those from tribal, marginalized, and remote communities, emphasizing service to Divyangjan, women, children, Dalits, and efforts in education, healthcare, and sustainability.

Sports Icons Shine in the Honors List

In a proud moment for Indian sports, cricketers Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur have been awarded the Padma Shri for their outstanding achievements on the field.

Rohit Sharma, the former captain who led India to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy, has been a pillar of consistency in white-ball cricket, amassing thousands of runs and inspiring a generation of players with his elegant strokeplay and leadership.

Harmanpreet Kaur, captain of the Indian women's team, earned recognition for her aggressive batting and trailblazing role in women's cricket, guiding the side to multiple triumphs in international tournaments and breaking barriers for female athletes.

Tennis legend Vijay Amritraj receives the Padma Bhushan for his illustrious career, including Davis Cup heroics and contributions to the sport as a player, commentator, and administrator, promoting tennis globally from his base in the United States.

Hockey goalkeeper Savita Punia, known as the "Saviour of Indian Hockey," bags the Padma Shri for her stellar performances, including leading the team to Olympic qualifications and Asian Games medals, showcasing resilience and skill under pressure.

Home Minister Amit Shah said in a social media post congratulating the awardees.

These awards bear the signature of PM Shri Narendra Modi's vision to turn People's Padma into a medium to strengthen the spirit of nation building by inspiring millions to follow the path of making social change for the better,

Diverse Achievers Across Fields Celebrated

Beyond sports, the awards recognize luminaries like veteran actor Dharmendra, honored posthumously with the Padma Vibhushan for his decades-long impact on Indian cinema.

Malayalam superstar Mammootty and singer Alka Yagnik receive Padma Bhushan for their artistic excellence, while business leader Uday Kotak is acknowledged for contributions to trade and industry.

Public figures such as former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren (posthumous) and Kerala leader Vellappally Natesan earn Padma Bhushan for public affairs.

The Padma Shri list features a wide array, from artists like Shatavadhani R Ganesh to social workers like K M Maelanandhan, scientists, educators, and community leaders from remote areas, reflecting India's rich tapestry of talent and dedication.

Special mention goes to duos like Gayatri and Ranjani Balasubramanian for their musical prowess, and innovators in medicine and agriculture, underscoring the awards' reach into everyday heroes driving social progress.

In summary, the Padma Awards 2026 celebrate a remarkable array of contributors, with sports stars like Rohit Sharma, Harmanpreet Kaur, Vijay Amritraj, and Savita Punia standing out alongside artists, leaders, and grassroots workers, embodying national pride and service.