Padma Shri Awards Honor Hockey Coach Baldev Singh and Silambam Expert K. Pajanivel

On Monday, President Droupadi Murmu awarded the Padma Shri to Baldev Singh, a pivotal figure in Indian women's hockey, and K. Pajanivel, a dedicated exponent of the ancient Tamil martial art Silambam. Singh's academy has produced numerous international players, while Pajanivel has worked tirelessly to promote Silambam both nationally and internationally. Their remarkable contributions to sports and martial arts have earned them this prestigious recognition, highlighting their commitment to excellence and community development.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 25, 2026, 20:09 IST

Recognition of Sports Excellence

On Monday, President Droupadi Murmu awarded the Padma Shri to veteran hockey coach Baldev Singh and esteemed Silambam practitioner K. Pajanivel at Rashtrapati Bhawan, acknowledging their significant contributions to sports and traditional martial arts.

Baldev Singh's Impact on Women's Hockey

Baldev Singh is celebrated as a key figure in the advancement of women's hockey in India. He has played a crucial role in transforming Shahabad Markanda in Haryana into a leading hub for nurturing women's hockey talent. Over the last twenty years, his academy has produced over 80 international players, including eight captains of the Indian women's hockey team. Notable alumni include former captain Rani Rampal, drag-flick specialist Sandeep Singh, Didar Singh, Sanjeev Kumar Dang, Harpal Singh, and Navjot Kaur.

In addition to fostering athletic talent, Singh has been instrumental in assisting players from disadvantaged backgrounds to achieve success through hockey. His dedication to coaching and player development earned him the Dronacharya Award in 2009 and the Hockey India Jaman Lal Sharma Award for his invaluable contributions in 2015-16.

K. Pajanivel's Dedication to Silambam

K. Pajanivel, a Silambam expert from Puducherry, received the Padma Shri for his efforts in preserving and promoting the ancient Tamil martial art of Silambam. Born on January 30, 1973, in Pooranankuppam, he began his training under Master Rajaram and has spent decades popularizing this traditional martial art both in India and internationally.

Pajanivel has trained numerous students at no cost and showcased Silambam through various demonstrations and competitions on national and global stages. This weapon-based martial art, believed to be over 5,000 years old, primarily utilizes a bamboo staff and is renowned for its speed, precision, and agile footwork.

In 2023, Pajanivel was honored with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Martial Arts. His accolades also include the Kalaimamani Award from the Puducherry Government in 2012, the Best Youth Award from Nehru Yuva Kendra in 2004, and the Silambam International Award in 2002.