Outstanding Awardees of 2025

Among the notable names in the list is Harvinder Singh, the para-archer from Kaithal, Haryana, who made history by winning India’s first gold medal at the 2024 Paralympic Games. He has been awarded the Padma Shri for his remarkable achievement. Also being honored is Arijit Singh, the soulful singer known for his melodic voice, who receives the Padma Shri for his contribution to Indian music.

Other significant figures include Sadhvi Ritambhara, a prominent social worker, and Osamu Suzuki, the former CEO of Suzuki Motors, who are both recipients of the Padma Bhushan. In the Padma Vibhushan category, we see the posthumous awards of Sharda Sinha, a legendary folk singer, and Osamu Suzuki, recognizing their monumental contributions to their respective fields.

The list also features individuals who have excelled in diverse areas such as economist Bibek Debroy, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Manohar Joshi, and the celebrated Indian hockey player PR Sreejesh. Shekhar Kapur, the renowned film director, and Pankaj Udhas, a prominent playback singer, are among the distinguished recipients of the Padma Bhushan.

Posthumous Honors and Diverse Contributions

Among the 113 Padma Shri awardees, we find recognition for individuals who have made lasting impacts in their fields. Ricky Kej, a Grammy-winning musician, and Stephen Knapp, an American author and researcher on Vedic culture, are among those honored for their global contributions.

Additionally, Neerja Bhatla, a specialist in cervical cancer, and Shaikha AJ Al Sabah, a Kuwaiti yoga practitioner, are notable names in the Padma Shri list. The awards also pay tribute to Kishore Kunal, President of the Bihar Religious Board and Secretary of Mahavir Mandir Trust, posthumously.

Recognizing Women and Global Influence

The 2025 Padma Awards also shine a spotlight on women achievers, with 23 women making it to the list. This includes Neerja Bhatla, a leading figure in medicine, and Shobana Chandrakumar, an acclaimed classical dancer, among others. Moreover, the list acknowledges contributions from across the globe, with awardees from countries like the United States, Japan, and Brazil, further emphasizing India’s growing influence on the international stage.

Categories of Recognition

The Padma Awards are given in three categories:

• Padma Vibhushan: For exceptional and distinguished service.
• Padma Bhushan: For distinguished service of a high order.
• Padma Shri: For distinguished service in any field.

The 2025 Padma Awards honor individuals whose dedication and excellence have enriched various aspects of Indian society and beyond. These awards will be conferred by President Droupadi Murmu in a ceremonial function at Rashtrapati Bhawan, usually held in March or April.

With this year’s Padma Awards, India once again celebrates the unsung heroes and legendary figures whose work has paved the way for progress and excellence, both within the country and internationally.

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“I am so happy to win the game. The Indian crowd was amazing and they cheered and supported me. I enjoyed my match. I really focused on my speed and it is my strength,” An Se-young expressed after the win. Her victory added to her impressive record, marking her 25th Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour title.

An’s performance in the final was near flawless, as she extended her head-to-head advantage over Chochuwong to 10-0. After racing to an 11-4 lead in the first game, she went on to close it out with ease, saving game points in the second game and controlling the match from start to finish.

This win comes on the heels of her triumph at the Malaysia Open just the week before, as she remains undefeated in 2025. An has not dropped a single game in her 10 matches this year, underscoring her growing dominance in women’s badminton.

In the men’s singles final, Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen claimed his third India Open title, overcoming Hong Kong’s Lee Cheuk Yiu 21-16, 21-8. Despite a slow start in the opening game, Axelsen found his rhythm and dominated the second game, sealing the win in 39 minutes.

Axelsen, who has faced injury struggles since the Tokyo Olympics, shared his relief after the win, saying, “After this week, I feel my motivation is coming back. Since the Olympics, I had been struggling with injuries… This week has been very inconsistent for me mentally and game-wise but I am happy that I fought hard to win the title.”

In the doubles events, there were several thrilling encounters. Japan’s unseeded duo, Arisa Igarashi and Ayaka Sakuramoto, completed a stunning run to win the women’s doubles title with a 21-15, 21-13 win over South Korea’s Kim Hye Jang and Kong Hee Young. It was the third tournament together for the Japanese pair, with Igarashi making a successful transition from mixed doubles.

In mixed doubles, China’s second seeds Jiang Zhen Bang and Wei Ya Xin triumphed over France’s Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue with a 21-18, 21-17 win. Meanwhile, in the men’s doubles, Malaysia’s Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin battled past South Korea’s Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae, clinching the title with a 21-15, 13-21, 21-16 victory.

The India Open 2025 once again showcased the brilliance of the sport’s top talents, with An Se-young and Viktor Axelsen leading the charge in their respective singles categories.

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Right from the beginning, India asserted their dominance on the court. The match started with a brilliant combination of attacking runs and exceptional defensive strategies. Chaithra B, Meeru, and captain Priyanka Ingle were instrumental in setting the tone, leading the charge with consecutive dream runs. These runs helped India establish an early lead, neutralizing South Korea’s modest tally of 10 touchpoints in the first Turn.

Seizing the momentum, India launched a relentless attack in the subsequent phases of the game. Within a mere 90 seconds, the dynamic trio of Nasreen Shaikh, Priyanka Ingle, and Reshma Rathod notched up three all-out victories, significantly widening the gap. With each victory, the Indian team’s confidence grew, and within just 18 seconds, they struck a fourth all-out, extending their lead by an additional 22 points. At this stage, South Korea found themselves completely overwhelmed by India’s relentless assault.

Reshma Rathod stood out with a stellar performance, recording six touchpoints, while Meenu added an impressive 12 points through Other Dives, further solidifying the Indian team’s commanding position. By the end of Turn 2, India had eliminated a total of 16 South Korean batches, bringing the score to 94-10.

The Indian team’s momentum showed no signs of slowing down as the game progressed. In Turn 3, India continued to pile on the pressure, adding another three points through a dream run. South Korea managed just eight points in their second innings of Turn 3, further highlighting India’s defensive superiority and tactical brilliance.

In the final Turn, India remained in complete control, denying South Korea any opportunity to regain momentum or find their rhythm. With flawless execution on both ends, India maintained their dominance until the final whistle, concluding the match with a staggering 175-18 victory.

This remarkable win not only gives India a commanding start in the tournament but also sends a strong message to their upcoming group rivals. The Indian women’s Kho Kho team, with their skillful plays and unrelenting defense, looks poised to make a deep run in the Kho Kho World Cup 2025. As the tournament enters its decisive stages, India’s resounding victory over South Korea sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting and competitive campaign ahead.

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The Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela will be the host venue for the men’s competition, which will run until the final on February 1. During this period, eight men’s teams will battle it out. Meanwhile, the women’s league will take place in Ranchi from January 12 to 26, where four teams will compete.

The men’s HIL will kick off in Rourkela, with Phase 1 scheduled from December 28 to January 18. During this phase, all eight teams will play against each other once. Phase 2, starting January 19, will see the teams split into two pools.

Men’s Pool A will feature Delhi SG Pipers, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, Soorma Hockey Club, and Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, while Pool B consists of Gonasika, Hyderabad Toofans, Tamil Nadu Dragons, and UP Rudras. Each team will compete within their respective pools, with the top four advancing to the semi-finals on January 31.

Delhi SG Pipers’ captain, Shamsher Singh, shared his excitement ahead of the opening match, stating, “All our players are excited to play against Gonasika and are looking forward to starting the league. We have prepared well over the last two weeks, including some bonding sessions as a team. There is pressure, but our squad is well-trained and understands the demands at this level. We aim to execute our strategies, taking it one game at a time. Every match is important, but it’s crucial to start strong tomorrow.”

The women’s HIL will also see intense action, with four teams – Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, Delhi SG Pipers, Soorma Hockey Club, and Odisha Warriors – competing in Ranchi. Matches will begin on January 12 at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Stadium. Each team will face the others twice, and after the pool stage, the top two teams will advance to the final on January 26. Additionally, both men’s and women’s teams will play one match at an alternate venue to bring the excitement of HIL to fans across both cities.

Gonasika’s captain, Manpreet Singh, reflected on his team’s preparation, saying, “HIL is returning after seven years, and everyone in the team is excited for the match against Delhi. We have a great team dynamic, with a balanced mix of young talent, senior Indian players, and foreign professionals. We will focus on implementing our strategies and playing our game while minimizing Delhi’s goal-scoring opportunities.”

With high expectations and the thrill of competitive hockey ahead, the return of the Hockey India League is set to captivate fans across the country. The action begins this Saturday with the clash between Delhi SG Pipers and Gonasika, marking the start of a highly anticipated season.

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The Origins of Boxing Day

The roots of Boxing Day can be traced to the 19th century in the United Kingdom. The name “Boxing Day” is believed to derive from the practice of giving “Christmas boxes,” which were special boxes filled with money or gifts. These boxes were often given to the less fortunate or to those in service positions, such as tradesmen, servants, and postmen, as a way of thanking them for their service throughout the year. It was a time when the rich would show generosity to the working class, ensuring that everyone could share in the festive spirit.

In some places, churches also held a “box” for offerings, which would then be distributed to the poor. The charitable theme of the day became ingrained in the cultural practices, creating a long-lasting tradition of giving on December 26th.

Boxing Day Today: A Day of Celebration and Rest

While the holiday’s charitable origins remain significant in some cultures, Boxing Day has evolved into a major public holiday and a time for various types of festivities.

Shopping Extravaganza: In countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia, Boxing Day has become synonymous with sales and discounts. Much like Black Friday in the United States, retailers offer massive discounts, and many people head to stores or shop online for post-Christmas bargains. The day sees crowds flocking to shopping malls, and online retailers are busier than ever, offering deals that attract bargain hunters from across the globe.

Sports Galore: Boxing Day is also famous for its connection to sports, especially in the UK. It marks a major day for football (soccer), where Premier League matches are played, bringing together fans who are passionate about the sport. In addition to football, other sports such as rugby, cricket, and horse racing often feature prominent events on Boxing Day, drawing crowds and making it a day of sporting fervor.

Family and Relaxation: For many, Boxing Day is a time to relax and enjoy quality family time. After the whirlwind of Christmas festivities, people often unwind by visiting relatives, enjoying leftovers from the Christmas feast, or watching festive television specials. It’s a much-needed break from the busyness of the holiday season, providing a slower pace for everyone to enjoy.

Boxing Day Around the World

United Kingdom: In the UK, Boxing Day is a public holiday, and traditions vary across regions. People may take part in charity events, attend sporting matches, or simply relax at home with family. Many Brits also enjoy a “Boxing Day dip,” where people take a chilly swim in the sea, often for charity.

Canada: Boxing Day is observed as a public holiday in Canada, and it shares similar customs with the UK, including large sales and sporting events. It is also a time when many Canadians choose to spend time with loved ones, enjoying the outdoors or engaging in family games and activities.

Australia and New Zealand: In Australia and New Zealand, Boxing Day falls during the summer, and the holiday is marked by outdoor activities such as beach outings, barbecues, and cricket matches. Boxing Day is also synonymous with the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, one of the most prestigious yacht races in the world.

The Spirit of Giving

Though the traditions of Boxing Day have evolved in different ways, the underlying theme of generosity and goodwill continues to define the holiday. Whether it’s through shopping, sports, or charitable activities, Boxing Day remains a time for people to come together, reflect on the spirit of giving, and enjoy the pleasures of family, community, and shared experiences.

As we move into the final days of the year, Boxing Day serves as a reminder of the importance of kindness and the joy that comes from giving, whether through acts of charity or simply spending time with those we care about.

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The franchise, owned by Shubh Infra, a real estate firm, unveiled its logo last week—a majestic roaring lion symbolizing strength, courage, and resilience. The logo reflects the fighting spirit the Haryana Gladiators aim to bring to the field.

Harish Garg, Director of Shubh Infra, expressed his strong belief in the Gladiators’ ability to perform well in the tournament. “The Haryana Gladiators are more than just a cricket team; they represent the fighting spirit and pride of Haryana. We are confident that the Gladiators will set a benchmark in this exciting new league format,” he said in a release from the Legend 90 League.

Sunny Sehgal, also a Director at Shubh Infra, reinforced this optimism, emphasizing the thoughtful planning behind building a strong squad. “With the roaring lion as our logo, we are sending out a clear message: the Gladiators are here to fight and conquer. Fans can expect nothing less than thrilling cricket from us in the Legend 90 League,” he added.

The Legend 90 League, known for its 90-ball format, is set to change the way fans experience cricket. The league has already attracted significant attention, especially with former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh, who was present at its launch event. Harbhajan, the brand ambassador of the league, expressed his excitement for the new format and its potential to bring fans closer to the game and to their cricketing heroes.

The tournament will feature seven franchises and 90 legendary players, promising a high-octane, entertaining cricketing experience. With the unique format and participation of iconic cricketers, the Legend 90 League is poised to be a spectacular sporting event.

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