India’s Star Pacer Shami Beams with Pride as He Receives Prestigious Arjuna Award
Ecstatic after receiving the prestigious Arjuna Award, Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami, a crucial cog in India’s recent ODI World Cup triumph, revelled in the recognition from the nation. Currently recovering from an ankle injury, Shami received the award at the National Sports Awards ceremony on Tuesday from President Droupadi Murmu.
A symbol of sporting excellence, the Arjuna Award, India’s second-highest sporting honor, recognizes athletes for their exceptional performances over the preceding four years, alongside their exemplary leadership, sportsmanship, and discipline.
Tuesday’s ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan was a celebration of sporting achievements, with a multitude of awards bestowed upon athletes, coaches, and organizations for their outstanding contributions to Indian sports.
Earlier, the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports had announced the prestigious National Sports Awards 2023, honoring individuals and institutions that have scaled remarkable heights in their respective fields.
A well deserving Arjuna award for Mohammad Shami after his performance at Cricket World Cup
Mohammed Shami’s performance at the 2023 Cricket World Cup was nothing short of phenomenal. Despite missing the first four matches due to an injury, he emerged as India’s bowling spearhead once he got his chance, playing a pivotal role in the team’s journey to the final.
Here’s a rundown of Shami’s heroics:
Top wicket-taker: Shami finished the tournament as the leading wicket-taker with 24 scalps, a remarkable feat considering he only played in seven matches.
Match-winning spells: He had three five-wicket hauls throughout the tournament, including a career-best 7/57 against New Zealand in the semi-final, which is the best ever bowling figure by an Indian bowler in ODIs.
Impeccable accuracy: Shami’s swing bowling was a nightmare for batsmen, consistently finding the edge and troubling even the best in the world.
Big-game performer: He saved his best for the biggest occasions, stepping up under pressure and delivering match-winning spells when it mattered most.
Shami’s World Cup performance earned him widespread acclaim and cemented his position as one of the best fast bowlers in the world. Not so long ago, he wasn’t even first choice pace bowler for India but how terrificaly, he changed things around in India’s favour.
He was not only India’s bowling leader but also a source of inspiration for the entire team. His dedication, passion, and skill were instrumental in India’s run to the final, making him a true hero of the 2023 Cricket World Cup.
