Star India pacer Mohammed Shami receives Arjuna Award from President Droupadi Murmu

On January 9, 2024, India's fast bowler Mohammed Shami was honoured with the Arjuna Award by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu. The star Indian bowler’s nomination for the award came from the India Cricket Board, recognizing his outstanding performance in the ODI World Cup 2023. Shami concluded the 2023 World Cup as the leading wicket-taker in the tournament, securing 24 wickets from a mere 7 matches.

The Arjuna Award, India's second-highest sporting honour after the Khel Ratna Award, was presented to 26 athletes, including Shami and long jumper M Sreeshankar, during the award ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Tuesday, January 9. The veteran India speedster was sublime in the 2023 year and his World Cup heroics were the major highlight of his performance.  Speaking about receiving the honour, it is like a dream. He also added that Life passes, and many people are unable to achieve this award. The star India pacer also said that he was grateful to be nominated for this honour.

"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," Shami had said ahead of the award ceremony.

Mohammed Shami did not feature in the playing XI for the first four matches of the World Cup 2023. His inclusion came after Hardik Pandya suffered a severe ankle injury against Bangladesh on October 19. Shami made an immediate impact upon his return, taking 5 wickets against New Zealand. From there, he continued to perform exceptionally well, finishing the tournament with 24 wickets, surpassing star India pacer Jasprit Bumrah.

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A proud day for cricket...!!!

Shami is now a Arjuna Awardee. 🫡pic.twitter.com/A8NDBqcjt1

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 9, 2024

India had an outstanding performance in Asian Games 2023

A total of 26 athletes were honoured with the Arjuna Award for their outstanding performances in 2023. The majority of awardees excelled at the Asian Games 2023. In China, India achieved unprecedented success, securing a record total of 107 medals. This remarkable accomplishment surpassed India's previous best of 70 medals, achieved during the Jakarta 2018 Asian Games.

While the Jakarta achievement was notable for its 16 gold medals, the Hangzhou Games in 2023 surpassed it in both quantity and quality. On the final day of the competition, India reached new heights by claiming an astonishing 12 medals, including 6 gold, 4 silver, and 2 bronze. This historic feat marked the first time India's medal tally crossed 100 in the history of the competition.

Full List of Arjuna Award Winners 2023