India’s fast bowler Mohammed Shami was bestowed with the Arjuna Award on 9 January 2024 by the President of India – Droupadi Murmu. His name has been recommended by the Board of Control for Cricket in India after his sensational outing in the ODI World Cup 2023.
Shami gave one of his best performances and finished the World Cup 2023 as the best bowler in the tournament, picking up 24 wickets from just 7 matches. On receiving the award he said, “This award is a dream, life passes and people are not able to win this award. I am happy that I have been nominated for this award. Always grateful.”
Arjuna Award – Md. Shami won the prestigious title
Mohammed Shami was not included in the list of Indian players during the beginning of the World Cup Cricket tournament, it was only when Hardik Pandya suffered an ankle injury, Md. Shami was brought into the game. Shami had an instant impact in the tournament for the Indian side picking up 5 wickets against New Zealand on his return. Shami finished with 24 wickets in the tournament, ahead of star India pacer Jasprit Bumrah.
Arjuna Awardees of 2023
A total of 26 athletes received the Arjuna Award for their sensational performances in 2023. The list mainly includes the players’ names from the Asian Games 2023. In China, India outperformed themselves in the competition winning a record tally of 107 medals.
Recognized as the second-highest athletic honour in India, the Arjuna Award is bestowed upon individuals who have exhibited leadership, sportsmanship, and discipline, coupled with exceptional performance over the preceding four years.
This award ceremony was usually held on August 29 to commemorate Major Dhyan Chand’s birth anniversary but was postponed due to the Hangzhou Asian Games from September 23 to October 8 last year.
Noteworthy awardees included chess Grandmaster R. Vaishali, pistol shooting sensation Esha Singh (competing in the Asian Olympic Qualifiers), wrestler Antim Panghal, boxer Mohammad Hussamuddin, and para archer Sheetal Devi.
