Sat Jan 25 22:12:57 UTC 2025: ## Indian Athletes Honored with Prestigious Padma Awards

**New Delhi, January 26, 2025** – Four athletes and a para-athletics coach were among the 139 recipients of the prestigious Padma Awards, announced on Saturday. The awards, presented by President Droupadi Murmu on the eve of Republic Day, recognize distinguished service to the nation across various fields.

Former men’s hockey captain P.R. Sreejesh received the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award, for his stellar career that included two Olympic bronze medals and two Asian Games gold medals. The 36-year-old, who recently retired after a remarkable 18-year career with 336 games played, is now head coach of the junior men’s hockey team.

Cricket legend Ravichandran Ashwin was awarded the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian honor. Ashwin, 38, recently retired from international cricket after a distinguished career, finishing as India’s second-highest Test wicket-taker. He will continue playing in domestic leagues.

Also receiving the Padma Shri were:

* **I.M. Vijayan:** The legendary footballer, who led the Indian national team from 2000 to 2004, is celebrated for his prolific career and contributions to Indian football.
* **Harvinder Singh:** India’s first Paralympic gold-winning archer, who overcame a childhood disability to achieve international success.
* **Satyapal Singh:** The para-athletics coach who mentored Praveen Kumar, a Paris Paralympics gold medalist. Singh expressed gratitude for the award, crediting his success to the trust and hard work of his athlete.

This year’s Padma awards included seven Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri recipients.

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