Mohammed Shami, the 33-year-old Young ace Indian fast bowler, was conferred with the prestigious Arjuna Award on January 9, 2024, honor by President Droupadi Murmu at the National Sports Awards ceremony in recognition of his exceptional performance in cricket, particularly during the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Shami’s Stellar Bowling Leads India in World Cup
Shami emerged as India’s leading wicket-taker during the 2023 World Cup campaign. He claimed 24 wickets in just 7 matches at a brilliant average of 14, making him the most successful Indian bowler of the tournament. His fiery spells dismantled opposition batting lineups and were instrumental in several of India’s crucial wins.
Over his career, Shami has taken over 180 ODI and 150 Test wickets. His skillful seam bowling and ability to generate swing consistently make him a vital part of India’s bowling attack across formats. His consistency and wicket-taking abilities were key to India’s memorable World Cup campaign.
What is the Arjuna award and who is Eligible for it?
The Arjuna Award is one of the highest sporting honors in India, conferred annually by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. It recognizes outstanding performance and achievement in national sports.
Named after the legendary archer Arjuna from the Mahabharata, the award signifies hard work, dedication, and discipline.
Eligibility is open to athletes with consistent international success and who display leadership, sportsmanship, and discipline.
Nominations come from national sports bodies and recipients are selected by a ministry committee.
The award includes a statuette, certificate, ceremonial dress and cash prize.
No more than one award is given in a sport per year. At least one award is reserved for paralympic sports.
The Arjuna Award honors the best Indian sportspersons for their dedication, consistency, and excellence in their respective fields.
Shami was recommended for the award by BCCI for his exceptional bowling in the World Cup. He joins Kapil Dev and Javagal Srinath as the only Indian fast bowlers to be conferred this honor.
Fans Laud Shami’s Achievement
The news of Shami receiving the Arjuna Award was met with widespread delight by fans and followers of Indian cricket. They expressed joy at his achievement and lauded his performances in the World Cup as truly deserving of this prestigious recognition.
Fans acknowledged Shami’s immense talent, skill, and consistency which have had a significant impact on Indian cricket over the years. They consider him a worthy recipient of the award.
Also Read : Golden Globe Winners and Highlights of the 81st Awards!
Mohammed Shami’s life challenges:
Mohammed Shami has faced immense personal and professional struggles throughout his career. In 2018, he battled suicidal thoughts stemming from relationship issues. Shami also dealt with multiple injuries, undergoing grueling rehab to save his cricket career. He suffered knee issues that nearly ended his playing days.
Off the field, Shami endured family problems like accidents and conflicts. However, his family’s support aided his comeback. In 2018, Shami faced legal woes when his wife Hasin Jahan accused him of domestic abuse and filed a police complaint. Shami denied the charges but was booked briefly before getting bail.
He also faced heavy trolling online after India’s losses to Pakistan in 2018 and 2022. Shami underwent a hair transplant in 2023 to combat hair loss. Media scrutiny of his personal life remained intense.
Mohammed Shami’s issues with his wife Hasin Jahan:
Additionally, his estranged wife Hasin Jahan leveled allegations of adultery, domestic violence, and dowry demands against Shami. Their legal battle has continued since 2018. Despite these myriad challenges, Shami has displayed resilience to excel as a bowler for India. His determination helped him overcome issues and continue performing at the highest level.
Appreciation for Dedication and Perseverance
Cricket enthusiasts celebrated Shami’s award as a proud moment for Indian cricket. They appreciated his dedication to the sport and perseverance to consistently deliver outstanding bowling spells for India.
The Arjuna Award is a befitting honor for Mohammed Shami’s brilliant career so far. It recognizes his longevity, commitment, and invaluable contribution to making India a dominant force in world cricket.