Indian tennis star Rohan Bopanna was bestowed with the prestigious Padma Shri award, the fourth-highest civilian award in India, during a ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi on Monday (April 22). President Droupadi Murmu presented him with the award.
Rohan Bopanna Honored with Padma Shri for Tennis
Bopanna was honored with the Padma Shri in recognition of his outstanding performances in tennis, which have illuminated the world of sports. One of his recent notable achievements was clinching the Miami Open men’s doubles title in March, alongside Australia’s Matthew Ebden. This victory highlighted Bopanna’s skill and contribution to the sport on an international level.
Before their triumph at the Miami Open, Rohan Bopanna and his partner Matthew Ebden secured a remarkable victory at the Australian Open earlier this year. In a thrilling final, they defeated Italy’s Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori in straight sets, with a scoreline of 7-6, 7-5. This victory marked Bopanna’s second career Grand Slam title and his first in men’s doubles.
Prior to this win, Bopanna’s previous Grand Slam victory came in mixed doubles alongside Gabriela Dabrowski of Canada at the 2017 French Open.
His success at the Australian Open was particularly significant as it was his 17th appearance at the tournament, where he clinched his maiden Grand Slam title in men’s doubles. This accomplishment further solidified Bopanna’s position as a prominent figure in the world of tennis.
At the age of 43 years and 329 days, Rohan
Bopanna made history by becoming the oldest Grand Slam champion. He joins the esteemed ranks of Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi as the third Indian man in the Open Era to win a major men’s doubles title, showcasing his remarkable talent and longevity in the sport.
Adding to his accolades, Bopanna, along with Rutuja Bhosale, clinched a Gold medal in the Tennis Mixed Doubles event at the Asian Games held in Hangzhou last year. With this victory, he further solidified his position as a top-tier player in the international tennis circuit. Looking ahead, Bopanna is now setting his sights on the Paris Olympics, aiming to continue his success on the global stage.
In addition to Bopanna, para-swimmer Satendra Singh Lohia was also honored with the prestigious Padma Shri award by President Murmu. Lohia’s remarkable achievements in para-swimming have earned him this well-deserved recognition.
Harbinder Singh, a former hockey player for India and an internationally acclaimed coach, was another recipient of the Padma Shri award for his distinguished service to the sport. Singh’s contributions to field hockey are substantial, including a gold medal win with the Indian team at the 1964 Olympics, as well as bronze medals in the 1968 Mexico and 1972 Munich Olympics. His impact on Indian hockey, both as a player and coach, has been profound.
Furthermore, Purnima Mahanto, an esteemed archery coach, was also honored with the Padma Shri award by President Murmu. Mahanto’s expertise and dedication to the sport of archery have garnered widespread acclaim, and this recognition further highlights her significant contributions to the field. With these awards, the sporting community celebrates the outstanding achievements and contributions of these talented individuals.
Who is Rohan Bopanna
Rohan Bopanna is an acclaimed Indian tennis player known for his prowess in doubles matches. Born on March 4, 1980, in Bengaluru, Karnataka, Bopanna’s journey in tennis has been marked by remarkable achievements and contributions to the sport.
Bopanna’s career in tennis began to gain prominence in the mid-2000s when he started competing in various international tournaments. He quickly established himself as a formidable force in doubles play, known for his powerful serves and skilled net play. One of his early successes came in 2007 when he won his first ATP doubles title at the Countrywide Classic in Los Angeles, partnering with Eric Butorac.
However, it was in the following years that Bopanna truly made his mark on the tennis world. In 2010, he reached his first Grand Slam final at the US Open in mixed doubles alongside partner Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi from Pakistan. The duo, famously known as the “Indo-Pak Express,” captured the imagination of fans worldwide with their remarkable journey to the final, where they finished as runners-up.
In 2017, Bopanna achieved a significant milestone in his career when he clinched his maiden Grand Slam title at the French Open. Partnering with Gabriela Dabrowski of Canada, he won the mixed doubles championship, cementing his place among the elite players in the world.
Bopanna’s success continued in the following years, with numerous ATP titles to his name in both men’s and mixed doubles. He became known for his consistency and versatility on the court, adapting his game to different surfaces and playing styles.
One of the highlights of Bopanna’s career came in 2022 when he was honored with the prestigious Padma Shri award, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to tennis. The award further solidified his status as one of India’s most accomplished and celebrated tennis players.
In addition to his achievements in Grand Slam tournaments and ATP events, Bopanna has also been a key player in India’s Davis Cup team. He has represented the country with pride and passion, contributing valuable points in crucial ties.
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Off the court, Bopanna is known for his philanthropic efforts and commitment to social causes. He has been actively involved in various charitable initiatives aimed at promoting sports among underprivileged children and supporting education and healthcare programs.
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Throughout his career, Rohan Bopanna has been an inspiration to aspiring tennis players in India and around the world. His dedication, talent, and sportsmanship have earned him the respect and admiration of fans and fellow athletes alike. As he continues to compete at the highest level of the sport, Bopanna remains a shining example of excellence in Indian tennis.
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