Ravichandran Ashwin conferred with Padma Shree award, PR Sreejesh honoured with Padma Bhushan; Here's full list of Padma recipients in sports

Ravichandran Ashwin conferred with Padma Shree award, PR Sreejesh honoured with Padma Bhushan; Here's full list of Padma recipients in sports
India's hockey legend PR Sreejesh (R) and legendary spinner R Ashwin in frame

On January 25, India honored several sporting legends with prestigious Padma Awards. Former hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh was conferred with the Padma Bhushan, while India's legendary spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and football legend IM Vijayan received the Padma Shri. Harvinder Singh and Satyapal Singh were also awarded the Padma Shri.

R Ashwin, PR Sreejesh conferred with Padma awards

Sreejesh played a pivotal role in India's historic bronze medal win at the 2024 Olympics. He announced his retirement from professional hockey prior to the event but continued to deliver crucial performances for the team, including a standout performance in the shootout against Great Britain. Following his retirement, Sreejesh assumed the role of head coach for India's junior men's hockey team.

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R Ashwin was honored with the Padma Shri award for his outstanding contributions to Indian cricket. The off-spinner retired from international cricket in 2024 during the middle of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, concluding a remarkable career. Ashwin played 106 Test matches and is India's leading wicket-taker in the format, boasting an impressive tally of 537 scalps.

Another recipient of the Padma Shri award was IM Vijayan, widely regarded as one of India's greatest footballers. The former Kerala forward served as the captain of the Indian national team from 2000 to 2004. Vijayan enjoyed a prolific international career, scoring 29 goals in 72 appearances for India.

Here's full list of Padma award recipients in sports:

PR Sreejesh- Padma Bhushan
R Ashwin - Padma Shri
IM Vijayan - Padma Shri
Satyapal Singh - Padma Shri
Harvinder Singh- Padma Shri

The Padma Awards are among India's most prestigious civilian honors. They are conferred in three categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. These awards recognize exceptional and distinguished service in various fields, including arts, social service, public affairs, science and technology, commerce, medicine, and literature.    The Padma Shri is the fourth-highest civilian award in India, following the Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, and Padma Bhushan in order of precedence.