R Ashwin Receives Padma Shri Award, PR Sreejesh Gets Padma Bhushan

It's a big day for the sports fraternity as former cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin and former hockey player PR Sreejesh were conferred with prestigious Padma Awards. Both ace sportsmen were honoured by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan for their contribution and achieving milestones in their respective games.

Ashwin was awarded the Padma Shri, while Sreejesh received the Padma Bhushan.

PR Sreejesh's receipt of the Padma Bhushan places him alongside the legendary Major Dhyan Chand as only the second Indian hockey player to achieve this honor. Sreejesh's impact on the field has been profound, with his pivotal role in securing back-to-back bronze medals for India at the Tokyo Olympics and the forthcoming Paris Olympics in 2024. His performances against Germany and Spain in these tournaments have solidified his status as a stalwart of Indian hockey.

Legends of Indian Sport

Ravichandran Ashwin, on the other hand, has made an indelible mark on Indian cricket. His contributions were integral to India's triumphs in the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy. With a career that spans over a significant period, Ashwin has emerged as one of India's premier match-winners. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took to social media to celebrate Ashwin's Padma Shri award, highlighting his "remarkable achievements and an illustrious career with Team India."

Ashwin's achievements in cricket are nothing short of remarkable. He stands as India's second-highest wicket-taker in Tests, boasting 537 wickets in 106 matches. Besides his prowess with the ball, Ashwin has also contributed significantly with the bat, scoring 3503 runs and notching up six centuries in Tests. His impact extends to the shorter formats of the game as well, with 156 wickets in ODIs and 72 in T20Is.

President Murmu presented the Padma Awards during the first Civil Investiture Ceremony, recognizing individuals across various fields for their exceptional and distinguished service. Ashwin and Sreejesh were among the notable recipients this year, earning accolades for their contributions to Indian Cricket and Hockey, respectively.