Jan. 25: Star cricketer V.V.S Laxman, ace shooter Gagan Narang and world champion wrestler Sushil Kumar were among seven sportspersons who were on Tuesday honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri Award for their contribution in their respective sports.
Besides Laxman and Sushil, the other five conferred with the civilian award were weightlifter Kunjarani Devi, shooter Gagan Narang, discus thrower Krishna Poonia, para jumper Shital Mahajan and mountaineer Harbhajan Singh. Laxman, 36, who is a veteran of 120 Tests and 86 One-day Internationals and has many times rescued the Indian team from crisis, said he is satisfied that his achievements have been recognised.
“I would take this opportunity to thank my parents and my uncle who first spotted my talent. It was he (uncle) who encouraged me to take up the sport seriously. The support of my wife (Shailaja) and kids has been invaluable,” Laxman said.
He entered into cricketing folklore with his magnificent 281 against Steve Waugh’s Australia in 2001 at Eden Gardens, which helped India script a historic win after following on in the second Test. The wristy batsman, however, maintains that it is playing for India that has given him the biggest high.
“The biggest honour is the opportunity to represent my country for so many years. Awards and laurels are a by-product of what you are trying to do for your team and your country,” he said. In the past one year, the stylish batsman from Hyderabad has been the saviour on many occasions. He won the third Test for India against Sri Lanka with an unbeaten 103 to level the three-match series 1-1 in August last year.
Laxman then battled severe back pain to hit an unbeaten 73 and win the second Test against Australia in Mohali in October last year, before a similar act last month against South Africa in Durban, where he scored 96 to win the second Test and level the series.
It has been a long and a successful journey for Laxman, who donned the India cap for the first time in a Test match against South Africa in 1996. He has scored 16 hundreds and 49 half centuries in Tests, besides aggregating 2,338 runs from 86 One-Day Internationals. Laxman’s father Dr. V. Shantaram said the recognition is a dream come true for him.
“I am delighted and thank God that my son has got the award. It is a dream come true for me, my wife and all family members,” he said.