President Droupadi Murmu of India conferred the esteemed Arjuna Awards on a distinguished group of athletes at Rashtrapati Bhawan. Among the recipients were cricket sensation Mohammed Shami, para-archer Sheetal Devi, and wrestling prodigy Antim Panghal. The Arjuna Award, India’s second-highest athletic accolade, is bestowed in acknowledgment of exceptional performances over the past four years, coupled with qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, and discipline.
Mohammed Shami’s Walk of Pride
Renowned Indian fast bowler, Mohammed Shami, received the Arjuna Award in recognition of his outstanding achievements, particularly during the ICC Cricket World Cup in India last year. Shami concluded the tournament as the leading wicket-taker, claiming 24 scalps and setting multiple records. A day prior to the ceremony, Shami expressed his joy at receiving this prestigious award, emphasizing its significance in the sporting world.
“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. It is like a dream for me to get this award because my whole life I have seen many people receiving this award,” shared Mohammed Shami in an interview with ANI.
Para-archer Sheetal Devi Aditi Swami was another notable recipient of the Arjuna Award. Sheetal showcased exceptional prowess in the Para Asian Games, securing three medals, including a women’s team silver, a mixed team gold, and an individual gold in the women’s singles compound open event. Her victory in the closely contested women’s singles event against Singapore’s Alim Nur Syahidah highlighted her precision and determination.
Impressive Medal Haul in Archery
Indian archers demonstrated remarkable success, accumulating nine medals, including five golds. Ojas Pravin, ranked 9th in the world, clinched two gold medals, triumphing over Abhishek Verma in the men’s compound archery final and securing another gold in the mixed team compound archery event alongside Jyothi Surekha. Antim Panghal, the U20 World Champion wrestler, was recognized with the Arjuna Award for his outstanding contributions to the sport. The award serves as a testament to his prowess and dedication on the wrestling mat.
The Arjuna Awards for the year 2023 celebrate the remarkable achievements of athletes across various disciplines. From cricket’s Mohammed Shami to para-archer Sheetal Devi and wrestling champion Antim Panghal, the honorees stand as inspiring figures in the realm of Indian sports. For Mohammed Shami and his fellow awardees, the ceremony marked a symbolic ‘Walk of Pride’ as they received the Arjuna Awards from President Droupadi Murmu. The recognition not only honors their past performances but also serves as a motivator for future accomplishments in the world of sports.
