The award elevates the the stature of the 33-year-old from  Odisha even further after already receiving India’s top two sporting honours – the Arjuna Award in 2019, and the Khel Ratna Award in 2021.

Bhagat won the gold medal in the men's singles SL3 at Tokyo 2020 when badminton made its Paralympic Games debut.

It added to the five World Championship medals he had won during his career.

Bhagat, speaking from his training location in Cartagena, Spain expressed his emotions for the achievement.

"It’s a proud feeling and great experience to be honoured with Padme Shri Award," he said on Twitter.

"This will help me to get more laurels to our country."

He also told Times of India: “This will inspire me to strive harder and put in extra efforts in training and Asian Games and World Championships scheduled for this year."

Padma Awards were instituted in 1954 to be awarded to citizens of India in recognition of their distinguished contribution in various spheres of activity including the arts, education, industry, literature, science, acting, medicine, social service and public affairs.

It is awarded by the Government every year on January 26, India's Republic Day.

At the age of five, Bhagat contracted polio which caused a disability in his left leg.

He took up badminton at the age of 13.

Bhagat made history as the first badminton athlete from India to win a gold medal at the Summer Paralympics in Tokyo last year after defeating Great Britain's Daniel Bethell in the final. 

Bhagat and his fellow team-mate Sukant Kadam are preparing for the 2022 season with two months of training across Europe.

"After the Paralympics, I wanted a personal space for myself where I can chalk out plans for the year 2022 and beyond," Bhagat said.

"I believe this training cum competition programme will help me focus on my goal of winning the major championships including the Asian Para Games, World Championships and Paris 2024 Paralympics."