In a prestigious ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhawan, Indian squash sensation Joshna Chinappa was conferred the Padma Shri award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field of sports. President Droupadi Murmu bestowed this esteemed honor upon Chinappa, acknowledging her remarkable achievements and significant impact on the world stage of squash.
Chinappa’s illustrious career has been adorned with numerous accolades, solidifying her status as one of India’s finest athletes. Notably, she clinched a bronze medal at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, last year, showcasing her prowess alongside teammates Tanvi Khanna and Anahat Singh in a memorable team event. With an impressive tally of five Asian Games medals to her name, including silver triumphs in the 2014 and 2018 editions, Chinappa has consistently exemplified excellence and sportsmanship.
Furthermore, her stellar performances extend to the Commonwealth Games arena, where she secured two medals, including a gold medal at the 2014 Glasgow edition in the doubles event. Chinappa’s dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment to her sport have earned her widespread admiration and admiration from fans and peers alike.
Joining Chinappa in the distinguished roster of Padma Shri awardees is Uday Vishwanath Deshpande, a venerable figure in the realm of Indian Mallakhamb. Renowned for his instrumental role in popularizing Mallakhamb as a globally recognized sport, Deshpande’s tireless efforts have seen him establish Mallakhamb centers across the country and develop standardized pedagogy and instructions for aspiring athletes. His passion for preserving and promoting this traditional Indian subcontinent sport, characterized by aerial and gymnastics stunts on a vertical pole, has garnered him well-deserved acclaim and appreciation.
Additionally, Gaurav Khanna, a dedicated para-badminton coach, was honored with the Padma Shri award for his invaluable contributions to the sport. Khanna’s remarkable endeavors in promoting badminton among Divyanjan athletes have been instrumental in fostering inclusivity and empowerment within the sporting community. Noteworthy achievements include the establishment of a residential badminton academy exclusively catering to Divyang athletes and the successful training of players such as Pramod Bhagat, Abu Hubaida, and Palak Kohli.
As recipients of the Padma Shri, Joshna Chinappa, Uday Vishwanath Deshpande, and Gaurav Khanna exemplify the pinnacle of excellence in their respective fields, serving as inspiring role models for aspiring athletes across the nation. Their unwavering dedication, passion, and commitment to their craft embody the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie, enriching India’s sporting landscape and inspiring future generations to strive for greatness.
