Undoubtedly, this year has seen the remarkable rise of female athletes, from PV Sindhu to Hima Das. And the Sports Ministry of India is doing its due in giving recognition to these women for their achievements.
In a landmark move, 9 athletes have been recommended by the Sports Ministry of India for the Padma Awards this year – all of whom are women.
According to sources, this is the first time in history that only women athletes have been recommended for being awarded the country’s second-highest civilian award – the Padma Vibhushan.
In the list of names recommended for the Padma Vibhushan are boxing sensation Mary Kom, badminton champ PV Sindhu, Indian cricketer Harmanpreet Kaur, wrestler Vinesh Phogat, hockey captain Rani Rampal, shooter Suma Shirur, table tennis player Manika Batra, and twins Tashi Malik and Nungshi Malik who are making massive strides in mountaineering.
Previously, Mary Kom was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2006 and Padma Bhushan in 2013. Even PV Sindhu was awarded with the Padma Shri in 2015.
Netizens are celebrating the historic decision made by the Sports Ministry and are expressing joy over Indian women athletes breaking boundaries and getting their deserved recognition.
Wow.. Good and Happy news..All women sports personalities for padma awards.. https://t.co/O5tNstT0cQ
— Neha keshri (@nehakeshri) September 12, 2019
women athletes deserve this 🏆https://t.co/oZU5DsL88F
— Amrit Singh (@AmritSi4405) September 12, 2019
Bravo. Sports ministry sends 9 names for Padma awards – all women. MC Mary Kom for Padma Vibhushan, PV Sindhu for Padma Bhushan, for Padma Shri Manika Batra,Vinesh Phogat,Harmanpreet Kaur,Rani Rampal,Suma Shirur,Twins Tashi Nungshi Malik. Men sportsperson left high & dry. #India
— Act India – One India (@actindia) September 12, 2019
Never in recent memory has Sports ministry been so pro-active in proposing names for Padma awards! All 9 women fully deserve it! Only time will tell how many make the cut but certainly a shout out to Kiren Rijiju & his team! Next up: clean up SAI mess!
— Ravi Kant Singh (@singhrk61) September 12, 2019
The Real Feminists!! 😍😍 https://t.co/ycgGHKGCet
— AssistKing (@AritraRoy6) September 12, 2019
Hearty congratulations @MangteC on being the first women athlete to be recommend for Padma Vibhushan. You're an inspiration and there is no one better suited for this honor. #MaryKom #PadmaAwards https://t.co/L6vlVe9u5K
— Yashodhara Raje Scindia (@yashodhararaje) September 12, 2019
Congratulations to all women in the list!