Harmanpreet Kaur Receives Padma Shri, Turns Heads In Stunning Ethnic Ensemble

India women’s cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur was conferred the prestigious Padma Shri by President Droupadi Murmu during the Civil Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday, May 25.

The honour recognised her immense contribution to Indian cricket and her leadership during India’s memorable Women’s World Cup-winning campaign on home soil last year.

The ceremony saw the President present 2 Padma Vibhushan, 6 Padma Bhushan and 58 Padma Shri awards as part of the first phase of the 2026 Padma Awards. This year, a total of 131 Padma honours were approved, including 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri awards, with the remaining recipients set to be honoured during the second investiture ceremony.

Harmanpreet Kaur drew attention not only for the milestone achievement but also for her elegant appearance at the ceremony. The Indian skipper arrived in a graceful cream-coloured ethnic ensemble, earning praise from fans on social media for her traditional look.

The veteran cricketer was among the biggest sporting names to receive the civilian honour this year. India captain Rohit Sharma was also named a Padma Shri awardee, although he was not present at the ceremony.

For Harmanpreet Kaur, the recognition adds another landmark chapter to a celebrated international career that has helped transform women’s cricket in India and inspired a new generation of players across the country.

Padma Awards 2026: Sportspersons Honoured
Vijay Amritraj – Padma Bhushan
Baldev Singh – Padma Shri
Bhagwandas Raikwar – Padma Shri
Harmanpreet Kaur Bhullar – Padma Shri
K Pajanivel – Padma Shri
Praveen Kumar – Padma Shri
Rohit Sharma – Padma Shri
Savita Punia – Padma Shri

INDIA START PRACTISING IN ENGLAND
While Harmanpreet is still in India for the Padma Awards, her teammates have already set foot in England. Shreyanka Patil, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues and other members of the women’s team are currently in Chelmsford, preparing for the Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to start on June 12. India will begin their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on June 14 at the Edgbaston in Birmingham.

Harmanpreet is set to take part in her 10th Women’s T20 World Cup and her fifth as captain. Last year, she became the first Indian female captain to win an ICC title, and now has a chance to end India Women’s long wait for their maiden T20 World Cup title.

Before the World Cup, India will have their fair share of preparation when they face England in a three-match T20I series. Before the mega event, India will also face West Indies and England in two warm-up matches on June 8 and 10 respectively.

India started the year with a 2-1 series win against Australia. But they slumped to a 1-4 defeat in South Africa. Earlier this month, they announced their World Cup squad with fast bowler Nandni Sharma earning her maiden India call-up. Radha Yadav and Yastika Bhatia also returned to the Indian setup.