India’s women’s cricket captain Harmanpreet Kaur has been awarded the Padma Shri, one of the nation’s highest civilian honours, in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to Indian sport, especially in elevating women’s cricket to historic new heights.
Her Padma Shri honour was more than just an award announcement, it was a moment of reflection, gratitude and quiet pride. All of it came together in a heartfelt video shared by Mumbai Indians on their official social media platforms, offering fans a glimpse into what the recognition truly meant to the Indian captain.
The announcement of the honour was a deeply emotional moment for Harmanpreet and her family. “My dad got a call from the President’s house that this year I’m going to get the Padma Shri award,” she said, her voice filled with pride. “I think it’s a really big moment for me, and I’m happy that, before me, my parents got to know about it.” The personal joy of sharing the moment with her parents made the honour even more meaningful.
For Harmanpreet, the Padma Shri is more than just a decoration, it represents the culmination of a lifelong dream. “The moment I started playing cricket, I’ve been dreaming about winning the World Cup, the Arjuna Award, and then the Padma Shri award, this is a really big achievement for me.” she said, reflecting on her journey from a young player with aspirations to one of the most decorated figures in women’s cricket.
Harmanpreet’s legacy was forever cemented in Indian sports history when she captained India to their first ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title in 2025. After years of heartbreak in the previous knockouts, India clinched the championship by defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium.
The victory was historic on multiple levels. Not only was it India’s very first Women’s World Cup win, but it also marked one of the greatest accomplishments in the sport’s history for the country, inspiring young girls across India and redefining what was thought possible in women’s cricket. Throughout the tournament, Harmanpreet’s leadership and performance were instrumental, blending calm tactical awareness with explosive batting when needed.
Harmanpreet also took time to congratulate her fellow Padma Shri recipient and national team stalwart Rohit Sharma. “Many, many congratulations to him,” she said. “We’ve seen how he’s been working hard, and I think it’s a great moment for him.” Her gracious remarks highlighted the mutual respect shared between the men’s and women’s cricketing fraternity.
Her emotional day also featured warm tributes from former teammates and legends. Former Indian cricketer and Mumbai Indians coach Jhulan Goswami, one of the greatest fast bowlers in women’s cricket, extended a heartfelt message, welcoming Harmanpreet into the Padma awards “group” and lauding her achievement.
Harmanpreet’s journey has been about far more than titles. She has been at the forefront of transforming women’s cricket in India, from grassroots inspiration to elite performance. Her fearless batting, tactical leadership and ability to rise to the moment have not only yielded trophies including multiple WPL titles but have also made her a role model for countless young athletes.
Her Padma Shri award is a fitting tribute to a career that has changed the narrative of women’s sport in India. This award doesn’t just honour her past; it energizes a future where every young girl can dare to dream big on the cricket field and beyond.
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