Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami, honoured with the Arjuna Award, expressed his joy, calling it a dream fulfilled to receive India’s second-highest athletic accolade. The award recognizes outstanding performance over the previous four years, emphasizing leadership, sportsmanship, and discipline.
Shami, 33, delighted in the recognition, acknowledging the rarity of achieving such an accolade despite years of dedicated effort. The recipients are set to receive their awards from the President of India at a dedicated event on January 9, 2024, at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Having been a standout performer for the Men in Blue throughout the year, Shami capped his stellar run by emerging as the leading wicket-taker in the 2023 Cricket World Cup, securing an impressive 24 wickets from just seven innings. Notably, his remarkable 5/18 bowling performance against Sri Lanka at Wankhede Stadium underscored his impact on crucial matches.
A memorable moment for #TeamIndia pacer Mohd. Shami who is conferred with the prestigious Arjuna Award by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu at the National Sports Awards 👏🏆#NationalSportsAwards | @rashtrapatibhvn | @MdShami11 pic.twitter.com/zYXldurEU1
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 9, 2024
Reflecting on his achievement, Shami shared, “This award is a dream. Life passes, and many are unable to attain it. I’m elated to be nominated and to receive this award, as I’ve witnessed many deserving individuals being honoured throughout my life.”
Despite battling injuries that led to his exclusion from the South Africa Test series, Shami remains resilient, stating, “Injury is part of the game. Fan and public support are crucial. We’re working hard to make a swift comeback, benefiting both our team and ourselves.”
In essence, Shami’s Arjuna Award not only recognizes his exceptional contributions to Indian cricket but also symbolizes the realization of a personal aspiration, making the accolade a significant milestone in his illustrious career.
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