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Mohammed Shami receives Arjuna award from President of India (Source: Twitter)
Senior cricketer Mohammed Shami received the Arjuna Award from President of India Droupadi Murmu for his outstanding contributions to Indian cricket. Shami had a stellar 2023 season with the national team, notably in the ODI World Cup, where he finished as the leading wicket-taker. This prompted the Indian Cricket Board to recommend the right-arm pacer's name for the prestigious award.
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Despite being benched for the first four matches, Shami finished the tournament with 24 wickets from 7 matches. At an average of 10.71, the veteran seamer recorded three five-wicket hauls and was Team India's trump card. Hardik Pandya's injury opened the door for Shami to make it into the Playing XI.
The 33-year-old was overjoyed to be nominated for the award, saying it was his dream. "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.
ANI has released a video of Shami receiving the award from the Indian President. Watch the video here:
#WATCH | Delhi: Mohammed Shami received the Arjuna Award from President Droupadi Murmu at the National Sports Awards. pic.twitter.com/znIqdjf0qS
— ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2024
A total of 26 athletes received the Arjuna Award - second highest sporting honour in India after the Khel Ratna Award - for their sensational performances in the past year. The ceremony was held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Tuesday, January 9. Athletes from the 2023 Asian Games dominated the winners' list, as India scripted history in China by bagging a record 107 medals.
Mohammed Shami expresses support for Indian tourism amid Maldives row
Maldives is facing massive backlash from Indians after three public figures of the island made hateful and 'racist' remarks about Indian beaches. Many renowned cricketers from India have extended their support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian tourism. Shami also spoke on the ongoing Maldives issue and expressed his support for Indian tourism and encouraged fellow citizens to explore the beauty of Indian beaches.
"We should promote our tourism. No matter which way the country moves forward, it is good for everyone. PM is trying to make our country move forward so we should also support it," he said.