Sania, Deepika delighted with Padma honour

The spectacular performance of Saina Nehwal and Sania Mirza last year fetched them Padma Bhushan, while archer Deepika Kumari was named for Padma Shri on Monday.

The three women expectedly dominated the Padma awards for sports following their conquest in international sphere. Saina became the first Indian to become World No 1 shuttler, clinching silver medals at the All England and World Badminton Championship last year and title wins at India Open Super Series and Syed Modi Grand Prix Gold.

Sania became World No 1 in women’s doubles in a phenomenal 2015 where she won nine titles, including two Grand Slams, with Swiss great Martina Hingis. The 29-year-old in the past has been conferred with Arjuna award (2004), Padma Shri (2006) and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (2015).

“It’s a truly humbling experience to be honoured with the Padma Bhushan award and will serve to inspire me to earn more laurels for my country,” Sania tweeted from Melbourne.

Deepika, 21, won silver at the Archery World Cup Final besides claiming bronze medals at the World Cup Stage II and the Asian Team Championships. She also won the team silver along with Laxmirani Majhi and Rimil Buriuly in the World Championships.