New Delhi, June 23 -- Veteran Hockey player Savita Punia and late Bhagwandas Raikwar have been conferred with the Padma Shri in recognition of their outstanding contribution to Indian sports.

Raikwar was honoured posthumously with the Padma Shri for bringing international recognition to 'Akhada' (traditional wrestling/martial arts), the most ancient weapon-based art form of Bundelkhand.

His son Rajkumar Raikwar received the award from President Droupadi Murmu at the function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday evening.

Tennis legend Vijay Amritraj received the Padma Bhushan, while Vladimir Mestvirishvili was honoured with the Padma Shri posthumously, for his contribution in the field of Sports as a coach, becoming the first foreign c...