D Gukesh, Paris Olympics medallists nominated for Padma Shri by Sports Ministry: Report

Ravi Ashwin, IM Vijayan and Harvinder Singh were bestowed with the award last year.

The Sports Ministry has reportedly sent its nominations for the prestigious Padma Shri awards, and this time the list features a mix of Paris Olympic medalists along with the name of the chess world champion D Gukesh.

According to a report in Dainik Bhaskar, “Besides the Paris Olympic medallist players, D Gukesh’s name has also been sent.”

Last year, in the sports category, the Padma Shri was awarded to veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, and legendary footballer I.M. Vijayan.

Also Read: Full list of Indian sportspersons to be conferred with Padma Shri award

From para sports, the honour went to Indian para-archer Harvinder Singh, and Satyapal Singh, the para-athletics coach who guided India to a record 29 medals at the Paralympic Games 2025 —7 gold, 9 silver, and 13 bronze.

Meanwhile, India won six medals at the Paris Olympics 2024, including one silver and five bronze medals. Out of the 117-member Indian contingent, the following athletes made it to the podium:

• Neeraj Chopra – Silver in Men’s Javelin Throw
• Manu Bhaker – Bronze in Women’s 10m Air Pistol
• Sarabjot Singh – Bronze with Manu Bhaker in the Mixed Team 10m Air pistol event
• Swapnil Kusale – Bronze in Men’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions Shooting
• Aman Sehrawat – Bronze in Wrestling
• Indian Men’s Hockey Team (led by Harmanpreet Singh) – Bronze

However, not all of their names are given for the nominations of Padma Shri this year. Neeraj Chopra was already awarded the Padma Shri in 2022, while Sreejesh received it in 2017 and the Padma Bhushan in 2025. So, they can’t be given the award again.

This leaves Manu Bhaker, Sarabjot Singh, Swapnil Kusale, and Aman Sehrawat as fresh Olympic medalist nominations. Also, the Indian chess sensation D Gukesh is in the list.

Manu Bhaker, D. Gukesh, Harmanpreet Singh, and para-athlete Praveen Kumar have been felicitated earlier as well by the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award from President Droupadi Murmu in 2024.

The Padma Shri is India’s fourth-highest civilian award, presented with a certificate (Sanad) signed by the President of India, a medallion, and a replica for ceremonial wear. The names of awardees are also published in the Gazette of India on the day of the presentation ceremony.

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