New Delhi: PR Sreejesh, a two-time Olympic bronze medallist, has been awarded the Padma Bhushan, which is the third-highest civilian honor in India. Alongside him, R Ashwin, former football legend IM Vijayan, para archer Harvinder Singh, and para athletics coach Satyapal Singh will receive the Padma Shri, as announced on Saturday.

These five individuals are part of a group of 139 selected for these prestigious civilian awards, revealed just before the 76th Republic Day celebrations. The Padma awards recognize exceptional contributions across various fields. This year's list includes seven Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awardees.

At 36, Sreejesh was a key player as the goalkeeper for the men’s hockey team that clinched bronze at the Paris Games, following his crucial role in ending a 41-year Olympic medal drought for India in hockey at the Tokyo Games. He currently serves as the head coach for the junior men’s team. Over his 18-year career, Sreejesh has represented India in 336 matches and has also bagged double gold medals at the Asian Games.

Regarded as one of the top goalkeepers of his time, Sreejesh has already earned the Khel Ratna, India’s highest sports honor, in 2021, in addition to the Padma Shri, which he received in 2017.

This year's Padma Shri awards for sports figures are led by R Ashwin, who stepped back during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia, which India ended up losing 1-3.

With 537 Test wickets under his belt, Ashwin ranks as India's second all-time leading wicket-taker in Tests, just behind leg-spinner Anil Kumble, who has 619. Ashwin is set to keep playing in the IPL and other local tournaments. He was part of India's 2011 ODI World Cup-winning team and the 2013 Champions Trophy champions. His inclusion in the ICC's Test team of the Decade for 2011-2020 showcases his vital contribution to India's ongoing success at home.

Also receiving the Padma Shri are former Indian forward IM Vijayan and Harvinder Singh, the first Indian archer to win a gold medal at the Paralympics. Additionally, para athletics coach Satyapal Singh, who trained gold medalist and Khel Ratna awardee high-jumper Praveen Kumar, was honored as well.

Satyapal expressed that the award reflects the trust placed in him by many. He’s been working with Praveen Kumar since 2018, and he credits a lot of this recognition to his ward, as reported by PTI.

Harvinder, 33, faced challenges early in life when he lost the use of his legs due to side effects from dengue treatment injections as a child. Last year, he achieved gold in the individual recurve open category at the Paris Paralympics. Coming from a farming family in Ajit Nagar, Haryana, he also secured a bronze medal at the Tokyo Games in 2021.

Vijayan, 55, who captained India from 2000 to 2004, created a powerful strike partnership with Bhaichung Bhutia. He had notable club experiences with Kerala Police, Mohun Bagan, the now-defunct FC Cochin, and JCT Mills. The Kerala native received the Arjuna award in 2003 and was named Indian Player of the Year in 1993, 1997, and 1999.

He was also part of the Indian squad that clinched the SAFF Championships in 1993, 1997, and 1999.

Read Also: Sabalenka smashes racquet in on-court meltdown after Australian Open final defeat, walks off before closing ceremony

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!