Vijay Amritraj was conferred the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honour, by Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on June 23, 2026. The prestigious recognition acknowledges his exceptional contributions to Indian sport, public service, and international diplomacy.

One of India’s most celebrated sporting icons, Vijay Amritraj emerged as a global ambassador for Indian tennis during a career that spanned more than two decades. Born to Robert and Maggie Amritraj and raised alongside his brothers Anand and Ashok, he rose to become one of the country's finest tennis players, achieving a career-high ATP singles ranking of World No. 18 in 1980.

A three-time National Singles Champion, Amritraj represented India with distinction on the international stage and played a pivotal role in guiding the nation to the Davis Cup Finals in 1974 and 1987. His achievements helped elevate the profile of Indian tennis globally and inspired generations of players to pursue the sport professionally.

Beyond his playing career, Amritraj has made significant contributions as a commentator, administrator, philanthropist, and advocate for sport. Through the Britannia Amritraj Tennis (BAT) programme, he helped nurture future champions, including Leander Paes and Somdev Devvarman. He also served as President of the ATP Council and was appointed a United Nations Messenger of Peace, reflecting his influence beyond the tennis court.

His achievements have been recognised through numerous honours over the years, including the Arjuna Award in 1974 and the Padma Shri in 1983. In 2024, he was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, becoming one of the few Indians to receive the distinction.

Currently serving as President of the Tamil Nadu Tennis Association, Amritraj continues to play an active role in the development of Indian tennis. Under his leadership, the association successfully revived the WTA 250 Chennai Open and launched The Next Level, a high-performance programme aimed at identifying and developing emerging tennis talent in India.

The Padma Bhushan adds another significant milestone to Vijay Amritraj’s remarkable journey, recognising a lifetime dedicated to sporting excellence, leadership, and service to the nation