President Droupadi Murmu Honors India’s World Cup 2023 hero Mohammed Shami with prestigious Arjuna Award
In a resplendent ceremony held at the grand Rashtrapati Bhawan, President Droupadi Murmu bestowed the coveted Arjuna Awards upon India’s outstanding athletes on Tuesday. The prestigious event, usually observed on August 29 in commemoration of Major Dhyan Chand’s birth anniversary, was rescheduled this year due to the Hangzhou Asian Games held between September 23 and October 8.
The ceremony, a celebration of unparalleled athletic prowess, showcased the diverse talents and achievements across various sports disciplines. President Droupadi Murmu personally recognized the exemplary performances of 26 athletes and para-athletes, reinforcing India’s commitment to fostering excellence in sports.
Among the recipients was the illustrious cricketer, Mohammed Shami, whose remarkable contributions to India’s success in the 2023 ODI World Cup earned him thunderous applause. Shami, who emerged as the leading wicket-taker in the tournament with 24 scalps, including three five-wicket hauls, became the 58th Indian cricketer, male or female, to receive the prestigious Arjuna Award. His presence at the ceremony, despite recovering from an ankle injury sustained during the World Cup, was met with a heartfelt ovation from the audience.
The Arjuna Award list boasted an array of exceptional talents, including wrestler Antim Panghal, a former junior world champion and senior bronze-winner, and boxer Mohammad Hussamuddin, who clinched a bronze at the world championship. Para archer Sheetal Devi was also recognized for her outstanding achievements in the field.
However, one notable absence from the ceremony was 19-year-old Esha Singh, who secured her spot in the Paris Olympics. Singh, a rising star, was participating in the Asian Olympic Qualifiers in Jakarta, underscoring the commitment and dedication of India’s athletes to their respective sports.
As President Droupadi Murmu honored each recipient, the significance of the Arjuna Awards as a symbol of excellence and dedication in Indian sports was reaffirmed. The awards not only acknowledge individual achievements but also serve as a testament to the collective efforts of athletes who bring pride and glory to the nation.
In an exclusive interaction, Mohammed Shami expressed his gratitude for the recognition, considering the Arjuna Award as the culmination of his hard work and dedication. Shami, who had played a pivotal role in India’s ODI World Cup campaign, shared his perspective on the upcoming challenges, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peak fitness for the upcoming home Test series against England starting on January 25.
The star pacer, currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, spoke about his prime focus on achieving optimum fitness. Shami, who missed the recent South Africa series due to not being cleared by the BCCI Medical team, expressed confidence in his skill and emphasized the crucial role of fitness in sustaining top-notch performance on the field.
Amid the ceremony, Shami also addressed the ongoing Maldives issue, voicing his support for Indian tourism. In response to the ‘anti-India’ remarks made by Maldives ministers and public figures, Shami encouraged fellow citizens to explore the beauty of Indian beaches, endorsing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to propel the country forward.
As the ceremony concluded, the Arjuna Awards 2023 not only celebrated the achievements of individual athletes but also reinforced the nation’s commitment to fostering a culture of excellence in sports. The recognition bestowed upon these athletes serves as inspiration for the aspiring talents and underscores the vital role sports play in uniting the diverse fabric of the nation.