In a majestic ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, President Droupadi Murmu bestowed the prestigious Arjuna Award upon India’s World Cup hero, Mohammed Shami. The accolade comes as a recognition of Shami’s outstanding performance during the ICC World Cup, where he played a pivotal role in India’s journey to the final.
Former captain Virat Kohli, who led the batting charge for the Men In Blue, showered praise on his teammate, describing Shami’s contributions as indispensable. The veteran fast bowler showcased his prowess by claiming 24 wickets in the ODI World Cup, emerging as India’s highest wicket-taker in the tournament.
Despite India falling short in the final against Australia, Shami’s exceptional performance did not go unnoticed. The Sports Ministry, in December, approved the Arjuna Award for 26 sportspersons, including the ace cricketer. The award ceremony witnessed Shami receiving a warm welcome and applause as he stepped forward to collect the prestigious honor.
Expressing his gratitude on Instagram after the National Sports Awards, Shami shared a heartfelt video thanking his coach, BCCI, teammates, family, staff, and fans. Virat Kohli, along with other cricket stalwarts like Virender Sehwag, Irfan Pathan, and Shikhar Dhawan, extended their congratulations to Shami through social media, acknowledging his remarkable achievement.
In response to the recognition, Shami humbly expressed, “Today I am feeling very proud that I have been honored with the prestigious Arjuna Award by the President. I want to thank all those people who have helped me a lot to reach here and have always supported me in my ups and downs.”
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Shami’s journey to the Arjuna Award was not without challenges. Drafted into Team India’s playing XI following Hardik Pandya’s injury, Shami emerged as the fastest bowler to claim 50 wickets in the history of the ODI World Cup. Unfortunately, an ankle injury ruled him out of the entire South Africa series, and he is not part of the squad for the Afghanistan T20I series as he continues his recovery.
As Mohammed Shami sets his sights on future challenges, his commitment to giving his best for the country remains unwavering. The Arjuna Award stands as a testament to his hard work and dedication, inspiring aspiring cricketers across the nation.