The announcement of Padma Awards on Republic Day eve has sparked celebrations across India, with para athlete Praveen Kumar’s Padma Shri standing out as a testament to perseverance. The Home Ministry’s list features an impressive array: 5 Vibhushan, 13 Bhushan, and 113 Shri recipients.

‘I truly feel worthy of this honor after waiting so long,’ Praveen Kumar told reporters. The para high jumper, who has been gunning for this accolade for over two years, described the moment as surreal. ‘Messages of congratulation are flooding in – it’s overwhelming,’ he added.

His Paris Paralympics gold in T64 high jump, clearing an astonishing 2.08m, remains a career highlight. Praveen’s journey includes a Tokyo silver, Asian Para Games gold, and a bronze at the 2023 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi.

Joining him in the spotlight are cricket stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur, both awarded Padma Shri. Vijay Amritraj, the tennis maestro, bags the Padma Bhushan, a nod to decades of global impact. Hockey’s Savita Punia and veterans like Baldev Singh, Bhagwandas Raikwar, and K Pajanivel also receive Padma Shri for their sporting legacies.

These recognitions not only celebrate individual achievements but also highlight the growing stature of Indian sports on the world stage, motivating athletes to push boundaries.