Former Indian hockey player P.R. Sreejesh and legendary cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin have been awarded the Padma Awards, one of India's highest civilian honors. President Droupadi Murmu presented Sreejesh with the Padma Bhushan and Ashwin with the Padma Shri award during a grand ceremony on Monday.
Padma Awards: President Droupadi Murmu conferred the prestigious Padma Awards upon three prominent figures from the sports field at a grand ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday. These awards included the Padma Bhushan for Kerala hockey player P.R. Sreejesh and the Padma Shri for Tamil Nadu cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin.
Additionally, Dr. Satyapal Singh, an athletics coach from Uttar Pradesh, was also awarded the Padma Shri for his extraordinary contribution to the field of sports. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Home Minister Amit Shah.
Sreejesh Awarded Padma Bhushan: A Great of Indian Hockey
The Padma Bhushan awarded to P.R. Sreejesh marks a significant day for Indian hockey. Sreejesh, a former goalkeeper for the Indian hockey team and currently a coach for the junior team, received this prestigious award for his unparalleled contributions. He is the only hockey goalkeeper to have won the FIH Goalkeeper of the Year award three times in his 22-year career. Sreejesh played a crucial role in helping India win two Olympic bronze medals through his exceptional goalkeeping.
He won gold at the 2014 Asian Games and bronze at the 2018 Asian Games. Furthermore, he secured a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and a gold medal at the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy. He was also awarded the Khel Ratna Award in 2021. After winning a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, he announced his retirement and currently serves as the coach of the Indian Junior Men's Hockey Team.
Ashwin Awarded Padma Shri: A Cricket Spin Bowling Legend
Ravichandran Ashwin, a renowned spin bowler for the Indian cricket team, received the Padma Shri award. This award recognizes his unique contributions to cricket. Ashwin has set a record by taking 537 wickets in Test cricket, making him the second most successful Indian bowler. Second only to Anil Kumble, who took 619 wickets, Ashwin has carved a distinct identity in the world of cricket.
Ashwin's career is noteworthy, particularly his performance during tours of Australia, where his hard work and exceptional bowling secured several crucial victories for India. He announced his retirement from international cricket in 2022 but continues to play for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.
Ashwin has received numerous accolades, including the Arjuna Award and the ICC Cricketer of the Year. His cricketing career is marked not only by his personal records but also by his strategic contributions to Indian cricket.
Dr. Satyapal Singh Awarded Padma Shri: Notable Contribution to Para-Sports
Dr. Satyapal Singh from Uttar Pradesh, a respected coach and mentor in Indian para-sports, was awarded the Padma Shri for his extraordinary contribution to the field of sports. Dr. Singh not only inspired Indian para-athletes but also guided them to win medals in the Paralympics, World Championships, and Asian Para Games. His contribution to Indian para-sports is invaluable, having prepared numerous athletes for outstanding performances on the international stage.
The Significance of These Athletes' Awards
These awards are a way to honor their contribution and dedication to Indian sports. The awards to Sreejesh, Ashwin, and Dr. Satyapal Singh not only symbolize their individual achievements but also represent the hard work of every person in the Indian sports world who has made sports a part of their lives and brought pride to the nation.
This year's announcement of the Padma Awards makes it clear that India's sports field has a significant place not only for men but also for women and para-athletes. The hard work, struggles, and dedication of these athletes will serve as an inspiration for generations to come.
