Excitement gripped the nation as the Padma Awards list dropped just before Republic Day, honoring 131 exceptional individuals. Para high jumper Praveen Kumar’s inclusion in the Padma Shri category has been met with widespread acclaim.
In an emotional response, Praveen shared, ‘It was a prolonged anticipation, but the reward of patience is always sweet. After two-and-a-half years of effort, this feels truly deserving.’ The athlete is basking in the influx of congratulatory notes.
Praveen’s meteoric rise peaked with a record-breaking 2.08m jump for gold in the T64 high jump at Paris Paralympics, following Tokyo silver and Asian Para Games gold. His bronze at the New Delhi World Para Athletics Championships further solidified his prowess.
Sports personalities dominate the headlines: Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur earn Padma Shri for cricket leadership. Tennis icon Vijay Amritraj’s Padma Bhushan caps a storied career with prior honors. Savita Punia, Baldev Singh, Bhagwandas Raikwar, and K Pajanivel round out the sports honorees with Padma Shri.
As India celebrates these heroes, the awards serve as a powerful reminder of resilience and dedication, fueling dreams for tomorrow’s champions.