Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur are about to receive the Padma Shri, one of India’s top civilian honors, during the Republic Day celebrations in 2026. Rohit led the Indian men’s cricket team to memorable victories in the T20 World Cup in 2024 and the Champions Trophy in 2025. Harmanpreet made history as the first Indian captain to win the ICC Women’s World Cup in 2025.
The Padma Shri stands fourth in India’s civilian awards hierarchy, following the Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, and Padma Bhushan. This year, the government announced 131 civilian awards, with 113 recipients of the Padma Shri.
Before Rohit and Harmanpreet, 40 Indian cricketers had received the Padma Shri. The first was Vijay Hazare in 1960, while Ravichandran Ashwin was honored last year. Harmanpreet is notably the fourth woman cricketer to receive this award, joining the ranks of Diana Edulji, Jhulan Goswami, and Mithali Raj.
In recent discussions, many cricket fans have taken to social media to express pride in these achievements. A survey showed that 78% of cricket enthusiasts support recognizing players for their contributions to sports, reflecting a broader appreciation for athletes in India.
Experts in sports management highlight the importance of such honors. Dr. Anjali Sharma, a sports psychologist, notes that awards inspire younger generations to follow their dreams. Recognition tends to boost morale not just for individual athletes but for the entire team and their supporters.
Ultimately, these accolades celebrate not just personal success but also the growing stature of Indian cricket on the world stage. As the country continues to embrace its cricket heroes, the achievements of Rohit and Harmanpreet are truly remarkable milestones in sports history.
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