New Delhi: Indian sports icons P R Sreejesh, Ravichandran Ashwin, I M Vijayan, Harvinder Singh, and Satyapal Singh have been named among the recipients of the prestigious Padma Awards 2025, announced by the central government on Sunday.
In a significant honour, Sreejesh, former Indian hockey goalkeeper, will receive the Padma Bhushan, the country’s third-highest civilian award.
Meanwhile, cricketer Ashwin, footballer Vijayan, Paralympic archery gold medalist Harvinder, and para-athletics coach Satyapal Singh will be conferred the Padma Shri.
The Padma Bhushan, awarded for distinguished service, is preceded only by the Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan in rank, while the Padma Shri is the fourth-highest civilian distinction in India.
Sreejesh, a stalwart in Indian hockey and now coach of the men’s junior team, becomes only the second hockey player to be conferred the Padma Bhushan, following the legendary Major Dhyan Chand.
With an illustrious career spanning 18 years, Sreejesh represented India in 336 international matches, earning a reputation as a pivotal figure in India’s bronze-medal-winning campaigns at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics.
Ashwin, who retired as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket with 537 wickets from 106 matches, is another major honoree. His contributions to India cricket have been invaluable, with only Anil Kumble surpassing his wicket tally in Test cricket.
Vijayan, one of India’s most celebrated footballers, is also among the Padma Shri recipients. Known for his lethal partnership with Bhaichung Bhutia, Vijayan’s exceptional skills led India’s attack from 1991 to 2003. He remains a towering figure in Indian football.
Harvinder, a trailblazer in Paralympic archery, secured India’s first-ever Paralympic gold medal in archery at the Paris 2024 Games. His victory followed a remarkable journey from overcoming childhood health challenges to becoming an elite athlete on the global stage.
Satyapal, a distinguished coach in para-athletics, has mentored numerous athletes, including Praveen Kumar, whose gold in high-jump at Paris 2024 brought India significant glory.
A total of 139 individuals will be honoured with the Padma Awards this year, including seven Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri recipients. The awards will be presented by the President of India in a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan in March or April.
Padma Awards 2025 Sports Honours:
PR Sreejesh (Hockey)– Padma Bhushan
Ravichandran Ashwin (Cricket) – Padma Shri
IM Vijayan (Football) – Padma Shri
Harvinder Singh (Para-Archery) – Padma Shri
Satyapal Singh (Athletics) – Padma Shri
Source: UNI
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