Padma Awards 2025: India’s sporting legends Abhinav Bindra and Leander Paes have been recommended for the iconic Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second highest civilian award after the Bharat Ratna. While some more athletes have been recommended for several Padma Awards. The names of these athletes were forwarded by Sports Authority of India (SAI) and All India Tennis Association (AITA) for the athlete’s remarkable contribution towards Indian sports.
Legend of Indian Sports
Abhinav Bindra who earned India’s first ever Olympic gold medal in 10m air riffle event back in 2008 Beijing Olympics. He was already honored with Padma Bhushan in 2009, mirroring his exceptional sporting journey. Tennis icon Leander Paes, one of India’s legendary athletes with 18 Grand Slam titles in single and men’s double category.
He has also been in consideration for Padma Vibhushan. Paes was also honoured by Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan back in 2001 and 2014 respectively. For his remarkable feat in winning the bronze medal at 1996 Atlanta Olympics (India’s first individual Olympic medal in 44 years).
Padma Vibhushan (Second Highest Civilian Award):
| Name | Sport | Key Olympic/World Achievement | Previous Padma Awards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abhinav Bindra | Shooting (10m Air Rifle) | India’s First Individual Olympic Gold (2008 Beijing) | Padma Bhushan (2009) |
| Leander Paes | Tennis | Olympic Bronze Medal (1996 Atlanta) & 18 Grand Slam Titles | Padma Shri (2001), Padma Bhushan (2014) |
Neeraj Chopra and Gagan Narang too in line
Next one in the consideration is Neeraj Chopra, India’s Olympic gold medallist and world champion in Javelin throw event. Neeraj’s name has been recommended for Padma Bhushan, he was earlier honored with Padma Shri in 2022.
London Olympics Gold medalist, Gagan Narang has been in line for Padma Bhushan.
Padma Bhushan (Third Highest Civilian Award):
| Name | Sport | Key Olympic/World Achievement | Previous Padma Awards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neeraj Chopra | Javelin Throw | Olympic Gold (2020 Tokyo) & Olympic Silver (2024 Paris), World Champion | Padma Shri (2022) |
| Gagan Narang | Shooting (10m Air Rifle) | Olympic Bronze Medal (2012 London) | Padma Shri (2010) |
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Manu Bhaker and Harmanpreet Singh too recommended
Air Pistol Shooter, Manu Bhaker, who crafted her name in history books by winning two bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She has been in consideration for the Padma Shri. Similarly India’s men’s hockey team captain Harpreet Singh, who led the side to a memorable bronze in Paris with pure class and consistency has also been in recommendation for the same honour.
Padma Shri (Fourth Highest Civilian Award):
| Name | Sport | Key Olympic/World Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Manu Bhaker | Shooting (Air Pistol) | Two Olympic Bronze Medals (2024 Paris) – First Indian to win two medals in a single Olympics. |
| Harmanpreet Singh | Hockey | Captained the Indian Men’s Team to Olympic Bronze (2024 Paris). |
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