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New Delhi: Machanda Rohan Bopanna, poised to become the oldest athlete to attain the No. 1 tennis ranking for the first time, and squash star Kuttanda Joshna Chinappa, both hailing from Kodagu district, have been shortlisted for the esteemed Padma Shri award in 2024.
The Padma Shri stands as the fourth-highest civilian honor in India, following the Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, and Padma Bhushan.
Mr Bopanna experienced a highly successful season on the circuit last year. The 43-year-old has continued his impressive form into the new year, reaching the final of the 2024 Australian Open men's doubles with partner Matthew Ebden.
In 2017, Mr Bopanna achieved the distinction of being only the fourth Indian to secure a Grand Slam title by winning the mixed doubles alongside Gabriela Dabrowski at the French Open.
Ms. Chinappa, on the other side, has been a prominent figure for squash in the country. The 37-year-old clinched the title of women's doubles world champion in 2022 and also boasts a Commonwealth Games gold, marking India's first medal in the sport at the quadrennial event, achieved in 2014 in Glasgow.
Ms. Chinappa has amassed a remarkable collection of four world championship medals, five Asian Games medals, and two Commonwealth Games medals.
The Padma awards are typically presented in March or April by the President of India. In the current year, a total of 110 individuals will receive the Padma Shri, 17 will be bestowed with the Padma Bhushan, and five will be honored with the Padma Vibhushan.
(The article is edited by Sari Subbaiah)
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