Indian cricket fraternity lauds Mohammed Shami following Arjuna Award honour
Jan 09, 2024
New Delhi [India], January 9 : Several members of the Indian cricket fraternity congratulated pacer Mohammed Shami after he received Arjuna Award from President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony here.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the governing body of cricket in India, took to X and said it is "memorable moment" for the pacer.
"A memorable moment for #TeamIndia pacer Mohd. Shami who is conferred with the prestigious Arjuna Award by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu at the National Sports Awards #NationalSportsAwards | @rashtrapatibhvn| @MdShami11," it said.
https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1744638099110633746
Star India batter Virat Kohli congratulated Shami by commenting on his Instagram post.
https://www.instagram.com/p/C134ZJ8CTVu/?hl=en
"Mubarak ho lala," Virat said.
Former Indian batter and captain Mithali Raj congratulated Shami and other athletes who received the Arjuna Award, calling it a "testament to their soaring achievements for India".
"Heartiest congratulations to @MdShami11 and the other 25 athletes who have received the Arjuna Award for their sporting excellence in 2023! This award is a testament to their soaring achievements for India. #ArjunaAward," she said.
https://twitter.com/M_Raj03/status/1744656228243107980
India's former World Cup-winning all-rounder Yuvraj Singh posted an Instagram story to laud Shami and said it was "result of his hard work". 
Indian spin veteran Yuzvendra Chahal expressed his happiness at Shami being honoured.
"Congratulations @MdShami11 bhai for receiving the prestigious, Arjuna Award You deserved it," said Chahal.
https://twitter.com/yuzi_chahal/status/1744655571649765508
Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan lauded Shami's accomplishment, saying that his "skill, hard work and passion for cricket truly shine".
Former Indian middle-order batter VVS Laxman said it is a fabulous achievement. "Many congratulations @MdShami11 on this fabulous achievement. Truly deserve this great honour."
The Arjuna Award, India's second-highest sports honour, is given for good performance over a period of the previous four years and for showing qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, and a sense of discipline.
Shami ended as the leading wicket-taker in last year's ICC Cricket World Cup in India with 24 scalps and broke several records. He was crucial in helping India reach the finals. He was also part of the team which finished as runners-up in the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23.
