Bhagat was presented with India’s fourth-highest civilian award at a ceremony held on Monday (March 28).

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind gave Bhagat the award at Rashtrapati Bhavan, his official residence.

Bhagat had been confirmed as a Padma Shri recipient on January 26, with honours typically awarded on India’s Republic Day.

The formal ceremonies are usually held in March or April.

The Padma Awards were instituted in 1954 to be awarded to citizens of India in recognition of their distinguished contribution in various spheres.

This includes the arts, education, industry, literature, science, acting, medicine, social service and public affairs.

Bhagat was honoured following his success at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

He earned victory in the men's singles SL3 at Tokyo 2020 when badminton made its Paralympic Games debut.

Bhagat overcame Britain's Daniel Bethell in the final

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 has enjoyed a successful career in the sport, winning five World Championship medals as well at the Paralympic title.

Bhagat had already received India’s top two sporting honours.

He was presented with the Arjuna Award in 2019, before receiving the Khel Ratna Award in 2021.