Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, has been officially named a recipient of the Padma Shri in the 2026 Republic Day honours list.
The Ministry of Home Affairs announced the list of 131 awardees on 25 January 2026, following a historic year in which Kaur led India to its maiden ICC Women’s ODI World Cup title.
Kaur expressed her gratitude for the recognition, calling it a “very big moment” for her career. The honours list also features fellow cricket stalwart Rohit Sharma, marking a significant celebration of leadership and excellence in Indian cricket across both the men’s and women’s teams.
Legacy of Harmanpreet Kaur
The conferment of the Padma Shri follows a watershed moment for Indian women’s sports. In late 2025, Harmanpreet Kaur cemented her legacy by leading India to a dominant 52-run victory over South Africa at the DY Patil Stadium, clinching the nation’s first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup.
This triumph was the culmination of a career defined by breaking barriers, from being the first Indian to play in the Big Bash League to leading the Mumbai Indians to multiple championships.
Her journey from the small town of Moga in Punjab to the pinnacle of international cricket has redefined the landscape of the sport, inspiring millions of young athletes to pursue professional cricket.
National Recognition
For Kaur, the award represents the fulfilment of a lifelong aspiration. Speaking in a video shared by the Mumbai Indians, the 36-year-old skipper revealed that her father was the first to receive the call from the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
“I think it is a very big moment for me, and I am happy that before me, my parents got to know,” she shared. Reflecting on her evolution, she noted that winning the World Cup, the Arjuna Award, and finally the Padma Shri were her primary dreams since she first picked up a bat.
The 2026 sports honours also recognised other icons including tennis legend Vijay Amritraj (Padma Bhushan) and hockey goalkeeper Savita Punia, alongside veteran coaches like Baldev Singh and Vladimer Mestvirishvili.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe that Harmanpreet Kaur’s Padma Shri is a victory for every young girl in India who has been told that sports are not for her. Her success is a beacon of hope and a powerful reminder that with grit and national support, no boundary is too far.
By celebrating her achievements alongside those of her male counterparts, the nation takes a significant step towards true gender parity in sports. This recognition fosters a sense of unity and national pride, proving that leadership and talent are the only metrics that matter.
