NEW DELHI: Padma Awards 2025 recognizes sports icons like P. R. Sreejesh, Ashwin, and others, acknowledging their immense contributions to Indian sports and their inspiring journeys to excellence.
The Indian government announced the prestigious Padma Awards 2025, with several sports personalities receiving recognition for their exemplary achievements. Among the prominent awardees were hockey legend P. R. Sreejesh, cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin, para-archer Harvinder Singh, football star I. M. Vijayan, and para-athlete Satyapal Singh, who were honored with the Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri respectively.
โI owe this recognition to every teammate, coach, and fan who believed in me,โ said an emotional P. R. Sreejesh, after receiving the Padma Bhushan. The legendary goalkeeper, a pivotal figure in Indiaโs Olympic success, is only the second hockey player after Major Dhyan Chand to receive such an honor. โThis is not just a personal achievement, but a tribute to the sport of hockey and its growing legacy in India.โ
โThis is a dream come true. A moment I had hoped for since my early days in cricket. To be recognized at this level is humbling,โ said Ravichandran Ashwin upon being awarded the Padma Shri. Ashwin, who has claimed over 500 wickets in Test cricket, is widely regarded as one of the finest spinners in the history of Indian cricket. His achievements also include being part of Indiaโs World Cup-winning teams in 2011 and 2013. โItโs a culmination of years of hard work, and I dedicate this to my family, teammates, and the Indian cricket fans,โ he added.
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The Padma Shri awardees also included Harvinder Singh, who made history at the Paris 2024 Paralympics by becoming Indiaโs first-ever Paralympic gold medalist in archery. Singh has been an inspiration to millions, breaking down barriers for differently-abled athletes in India.
โWhen I won gold at the Paralympics, I didnโt just win for myself but for every differently-abled athlete in India who dreams of making it big. This Padma Shri is a testament to how far we have come in our journey,โ Harvinder said.
Similarly, I. M. Vijayan, one of Indiaโs most iconic footballers, also received the Padma Shri. His contributions to Indian football over decades have helped elevate the sportโs popularity in the country. He was instrumental in leading the Indian national football team and Kerala Blasters to glory during the late 90s and early 2000s.
โFootball has been my life, and I am deeply honored to receive this recognition. This Padma Shri belongs to every footballer who has played for India and helped build the sport,โ said Vijayan.
Para-athlete Satyapal Singh, known for his exceptional performance in national and international para-athletics competitions, also received the Padma Shri. Singh, who specializes in the javelin throw, has represented India in several international para-athletics championships and brought home numerous medals.
โThis recognition pushes me to keep raising the bar and work even harder. Itโs not just for me but for every para-athlete in India who is striving for greatness,โ Satyapal Singh remarked after receiving the honor.
A Landmark Year for Indian Sports
The Padma Awards 2025 represent a historic moment for Indian sports, with a wide range of athletes, both mainstream and para-sports, being honored for their dedication and achievements. The selection underscores the growing recognition of sports as a vital part of Indiaโs national identity and the governmentโs commitment to celebrating sporting excellence.
โThis yearโs Padma Awardees reflect the diversity and strength of Indiaโs sports ecosystem. These athletes have not only brought glory to the country but have inspired millions of young Indians to take up sports and chase their dreams,โ said an official from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
As India continues to make strides on the international sports stage, these awardees represent the dedication, passion, and resilience of athletes across all disciplines. Their achievements not only bring pride to the nation but also inspire the next generation to push boundaries and achieve greatness in the world of sports.
The Padma Awards 2025 have firmly placed a spotlight on the incredible contributions of Indian athletes, acknowledging their hard work, perseverance, and the transformative impact they have had on the nationโs sporting culture.
