Para-archer Harvinder Singh, known for his resilience and precision, has been awarded the prestigious Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honours. The 33-year-old athlete, who made history by becoming the first Indian to win a Paralympic medal in archery at the Tokyo 2020 Games, called the recognition “a proud and overwhelming moment.”
Harvinder shared that receiving such a significant award so early in his journey feels like a huge encouragement and validation of his hard work. He credited his family and coaches for standing by him and pushing him to overcome challenges, both physical and mental, to reach where he is today.
The para-athlete also emphasized how this honour isn’t just a personal milestone, but a symbol of growing recognition for para-sports in India. “It’s not just my story, it’s the story of every differently-abled athlete who dares to dream,” Harvinder said. He added that the award gives him fresh motivation to train harder and inspire upcoming athletes in the country.
The Padma Awards 2025 list reflects the government’s focus on celebrating excellence across diverse fields. Harvinder Singh’s inclusion highlights India’s evolving sporting culture and the rising importance of para-athletes on national and global platforms.
Singh is now gearing up for future competitions, aiming higher with renewed spirit and a stronger sense of responsibility towards the para-sport community.
