Harmanpreet Kaur was officially conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri on Monday, months after leading the India women's national cricket team to their historic maiden World Cup triumph on home soil last year.
The Indian women’s team captain became one of only two cricketers to receive the honour this year alongside Rohit Sharma.
The recognition came following Harmanpreet’s exceptional contribution to Indian cricket and her role in guiding India to one of the biggest achievements in the history of women’s cricket.
Also Read: Australia pacer set to retire after World Cup, 'hungry' for revenge vs India, South Africa
Harmanpreet Kaur receives Padma Shri after historic World Cup win
Harmanpreet was presented with the Padma Shri during the official ceremony held on Monday.
The award recognised her leadership, performances, and impact on Indian cricket, especially after India lifted their first-ever Women’s Cricket World Cup title in front of home fans last November.
Under Harmanpreet’s captaincy, the Women in Blue created history by ending India’s long wait for a world title in women’s cricket.
The triumph also marked one of the most celebrated moments in Indian sporting history, with Harmanpreet Kaur playing a key role both as a captain and senior batter throughout the campaign.
With the honour, Harmanpreet added another major milestone to her already illustrious cricket career.
Harmanpreet joins Rohit Sharma among cricket’s Padma Shri awardees this year
Apart from Harmanpreet, the Indian men’s cricket team captain Rohit Sharma was the other cricketer to receive the Padma Shri this year.
The ceremony also recognised contributions from several other Indian sporting personalities.
Vladimir Mestvirishvili, mentor to India’s Olympic medal-winning wrestlers, was awarded the Padma Shri posthumously.
Meanwhile, Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Savita Punia was also among the award recipients.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s latest recognition further highlighted the rapid rise and growing impact of women’s cricket in India following the team’s historic World Cup-winning campaign.