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Ramesh Krishnan, Pargat Singh among Padma Shri awardees

Former Indian hockey captain Pargat Singh and ace Asian woman athlete Shiny Wilson are among who have been awarded the Padma Shri.

The others to receive the prestigious decoration for this year are Ramesh Krishnan, hero of many a Davis Cup battle, and Captain Lila Ram, who brought many wrestling medals for the country.

Pargat, who recently launched his magazine on hockey, is the only one to have captained the national side in two Olympics, 1992 and 1996. An Arjuna awardee, the erstwhile defender retired from hockey last year, and was appointed national coach.

Shiny Wilson set the track ablaze for India in the eighties, winning many Asian golds and establishing records. She was one of Asia's finest 400 metres and 800 metres contestants. A veteran of four Olympics, Shiny was declared the best woman athlete at the SAF games in Chennai in 1995.

Touch artist Ramesh Krishnan was the rapier in a sport dominated by bludgeoning, serve and volley artists. Son of the legendary Ramanathan Krishnan, Ramesh helped establish India as a major tennis playing nation.

"The award did not come as a surprise," said Ramesh, reacting to the news. "However, I feel honoured, and accept with humility. Personally, I prefer to concentrate on the game, rather than aspire for awards and honours."