P.R. Sreejesh chosen for Padma Bhushan; Ravichandran Ashwin, Vijayan among 4 in sports to get Padma Shri

Padma Shri honours for legendary athletes I M Vijayan, Harvinder Singh, Satyapal Singh, P. R. Sreejesh, and Ravichandran Ashwin.

Former men's hockey captain P. R. Sreejesh was chosen for the Padma Bhushan, while recently-retired cricket star Ravichandran Ashwin was among the Padma Shri winners as four athletes and a para-athletics coach figured in the list of 139 that was unveiled for the coveted civilian awards on Saturday (January 25, 2025).

Legendary Indian footballer I. M. Vijayan and India's first Paralympic gold medal-winning archer Harvinder Singh too were named for the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian honour.

Full list of Padma Awards 2025

Para athletics coach Satyapal Singh, who mentored Paris Paralympics gold-winning and Khel Ratna-awardee high-jumper Praveen Kumar, would also be bestowed with the Padma Shri.

"It's [award] because of the faith reposed in me by so many people. I have been associated with Praveen Kumar since 2018 and a lot of credit goes to my ward for this award," Satyapal told PTI.

The five were picked for the Padma awards by President Droupadi Murmu on the eve of the 76th Republic Day.

The 36-year-old Sreejesh, who retired after winning a second successive Olympic bronze with the national team in Paris Olympics, is currently the head coach of the junior men's team.