Harmanpreet Kaur and Rohit Sharma to Receive Padma Shri Award in 2026
Indian cricket icons Harmanpreet Kaur and Rohit Sharma have been named recipients of the Padma Shri Award, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, for 2026. The announcement was made by the central government on Sunday as part of a list featuring 131 awardees from various fields, including sports, arts, literature, and public service.
Both Harmanpreet and Rohit are being honoured for their outstanding leadership and contributions to Indian cricket, having guided their respective teams to historic World Cup triumphs in recent years.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s Historic World Cup Triumph
Harmanpreet Kaur etched her name in Indian cricket history by leading the national women’s team to their first-ever ICC Women’s ODI World Cup title in 2025, achieved on home soil. At 36, Harmanpreet was playing her fifth ODI World Cup, showcasing resilience and leadership at the highest level.
After suffering three consecutive defeats earlier in the tournament, India staged a remarkable comeback. They defeated Australia in a high-pressure semi-final before overcoming South Africa in the final to lift the trophy in Navi Mumbai.
Reacting to the honour, Harmanpreet described the Padma Shri as a deeply emotional moment, revealing that her parents were the first to hear the news after receiving a call from Rashtrapati Bhavan. She also acknowledged the long journey that began with her international debut in 2009.
Harmanpreet had earlier received the Arjuna Award in 2017, the same year she gained global recognition for her iconic World Cup innings against Australia.
Rohit Sharma’s Golden Leadership Era
Rohit Sharma, one of India’s most successful captains, has enjoyed an exceptional run in international cricket over the last few years. He led India to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title in 2024, followed by the Champions Trophy win in 2025, and also captained the team to the final of the ODI World Cup in 2023.
Now 38, Rohit retired from T20 internationals after the 2024 World Cup victory and stepped away from Test cricket following the 2024–25 Australia tour. However, he remains focused on representing India in ODIs, with the 2027 ODI World Cup still firmly on his radar.
Harmanpreet congratulated Rohit on receiving the honour, praising his hard work, consistency, and leadership across formats.
Padma Awards 2026: Sports Recognition
While Harmanpreet and Rohit were named for the Padma Shri, former Indian tennis star Vijay Amritraj was the only sportsperson to be awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honour, this year.
In total, 113 individuals across multiple disciplines were selected for the Padma Shri in 2026, highlighting contributions that have shaped India’s sporting and cultural legacy.
FAQs
Who will receive the Padma Shri Award in 2026 from Indian cricket?
Harmanpreet Kaur and Rohit Sharma have been selected to receive the Padma Shri Award in 2026.
Why is Harmanpreet Kaur receiving the Padma Shri?
She is being honoured for leading India to their first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup title in 2025 and for her long-standing contribution to Indian women’s cricket.
What are Rohit Sharma’s achievements leading to this honour?
Rohit Sharma captained India to the T20 World Cup in 2024, the Champions Trophy in 2025, and the ODI World Cup final in 2023.
Has Rohit Sharma retired from international cricket?
Rohit has retired from T20Is and Test cricket but continues to play ODIs and is targeting the 2027 ODI World Cup.
What is the Padma Shri Award?
The Padma Shri is India’s fourth-highest civilian award, given for distinguished service in various fields including sports.
Who received the Padma Bhushan in sports this year?
Former tennis player Vijay Amritraj was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2026.
DOWNLOAD:Â STUMPSANDBAILS FANTASY CRICKET APP
DOWNLOAD:Â DRAGOZ SPORTS FANTASY CRICKET APP
