(Cricket News) Mohammed Shami, India’s primary pace bowler, was among the athletes honored with the prestigious Arjuna Award, an annual recognition bestowed for exceptional accomplishments in sports.
Shami played a pivotal role in the Indian team’s runner-up performances in both the World Test Championship and the ODI World Cup. The 33-year-old also stood out as the highest wicket-taker in the World Cup held in India, securing an impressive tally of 24 wickets from just seven matches.
Sharing a video of the award ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Shami expressed his pride on social media, stating, “Today, I feel an immense sense of pride to receive the prestigious Arjuna Award from the President. I extend my gratitude to all those who have supported me throughout my journey and stood by me through thick and thin. Thanks to my coach, BCCI, teammates, my family, staff, and a big thanks to my fans. Appreciate the recognition of my hard work. I will always strive to give my best to make my country proud.”
Other notable recipients of the award included wrestler Antim Panghal, a former junior world champion and bronze medalist at the senior event last year, boxer Mohammad Hussamuddin (bronze medalist at last year’s world championship), and athlete Parul Chaudhary. Additionally, shuttlers Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty were honored with the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award for their outstanding achievements in 2023, which included winning India’s first-ever badminton gold at the Asian Games, as well as securing the Asian Championships title and the Indonesia Open Super 1000 title.
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