THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
NEW DELHI, JUNE 23, 2026
Tennis legend Vijay Amritraj, one of India’s most celebrated
sporting ambassadors, was conferred the prestigious Padma Bhushan, while
veteran women’s hockey goalkeeper Savita Punia and former India cricket captain
Rohit Sharma received the Padma Shri at the second Civil Investiture Ceremony
held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday.
Vijay Amritraj, a former world No. 18 in singles and among
the most distinguished names in Indian tennis, was honoured with the Padma
Bhushan, the country’s third-highest civilian award. Over a stellar
international career spanning more than two decades, Amritraj captured 15
singles and 13 doubles titles and played a pivotal role in elevating India’s
profile in world tennis.
Savita Punia was recognised with the Padma Shri for her
outstanding contribution to Indian hockey. One of the finest goalkeepers
produced by the country, Savita became only the second Indian goalkeeper after
PR Sreejesh to complete 300 international appearances. She played a crucial
role in India’s historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games
and was instrumental in helping the women’s team qualify for the Rio Olympics,
ending a 36-year wait.
Former India cricket captain Rohit Sharma was also conferred
the Padma Shri in recognition of his remarkable achievements in the sport.
Rohit guided India to triumph in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and the ICC
Champions Trophy 2025, further cementing his legacy as one of the country’s
most successful captains and batsmen.
Among other recipients, the late Bhagwandas Raikwar was
posthumously awarded the Padma Shri for his efforts in preserving and promoting
Bundelkhand’s traditional akhada-based martial arts. His son, Rajkumar Raikwar,
received the honour on his behalf. The late Vladimir Mestvirishvili was also
posthumously conferred the Padma Shri for his distinguished contribution as a
coach, becoming the first foreign coach to receive a Padma award.
President Droupadi Murmu presented a total of 65
Padma Awards during the ceremony, including two Padma Vibhushan, seven Padma
Bhushan and 56 Padma Shri awards.
