On January 9, 2024, India’s fast bowler MohammedShami was honored with the prestigious Arjuna Award by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu. Shami’s outstanding performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he claimed an impressive 24 wickets in just 7 matches, earned him this recognition. The Board of Control for Cricket in India had recommended Shami for the award, a testament to his remarkable contribution to the team’s success.
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Shami’s journey to the starting lineup of the World Cup was not without challenges. Initially excluded from the first four matches, he got his chance following Hardik Pandya’s unfortunate ankle injury against Bangladesh on October 19. Shami seized the opportunity and made an immediate impact by taking five wickets against New Zealand. From that point onward, he continued to shine, eventually surpassing even the renowned pacer Jasprit Bumrah with his 24 wickets in the tournament.
In the larger context of Indian sports, the Arjuna Awards ceremony saw a total of 26 athletes being honored for their extraordinary achievements in 2023. The recipients, predominantly from the 2023 Asian Games, contributed significantly to India’s record-breaking medal tally of 107. Surpassing the previous record of 70 medals set in the 2018 Asian Games, India’s performance in Hangzhou was historic.
On the final day of the competition, India clinched an astounding twelve medals, including six gold, four silver, and two bronze. This remarkable achievement not only set a new benchmark but also propelled India’s overall score to over 100 for the first time in the history of the competition.
The Arjuna Award, being the second-highest sporting honor in India after the Khel Ratna, holds great significance. President Murmu conferred the awards on Tuesday, January 9, at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. Shami, alongside other notable athletes like long jumper M Sreeshankar, received the coveted honor. The majority of awardees were key contributors to India’s success in the 2023 Asian Games, making the ceremony a celebration of their exceptional achievements.
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Shami, expressing his gratitude upon receiving the nomination, acknowledged the dream-like nature of such accolades. He shared his happiness and pride, emphasizing that while some consider it unattainable, he is grateful for the recognition. Shami also reflected on the aspirations of many individuals who, despite being nominated for such prestigious awards, may never see their dreams realized. Overall, the Arjuna Award became a symbol of not just personal achievement but also the collective success of India’s sporting prowess on the international stage.