Virat Kohli on Tuesday congratulated Mohammad Shami on being awarded the prestigious Arjuna Award. The right-arm quick was bestowed with the country’s second-highest sporting honour given by the government after his heroics in the ICC World Cup 2023. Despite missing out on the first four games, Shami ended the tournament as the highest wicket-taker with 24 scalps to his credit in just 7 matches.
On Tuesday, Shami received the award from President Droupadi Murmu at the National Sports Awards held in New Delhi. He then took to Instagram to share the video of him receiving the award from the Indian President.
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“Today I am feeling very proud that I have been honoured with the prestigious Arjuna Award by the President. I want to thank all those people who have helped me a lot to get here and have always supported me in my ups and downs… thanks to my Coach, BCCI, teammates, my family, staff and big thanks to my fans. Thanks to recognise my hard work. I will always try to give my best to make my country proud. Again, thanks to everyone. Congratulations to other Arjuna Award winners,” the caption of the video read.
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Meanwhile, Virat Kohli took out some time to congratulate Shami on his remarkable achievement.
“Mubarak ho lala,” Kohli wrote.
Shami was the only cricketer and one of the 26 sportspersons to receive the honour.
“It’s a dream come true, it’s my life’s biggest achievement, the fruit of my hard work,” Shami was quoted as saying by the PTI.
“No one can change your luck. If anything is decided by destiny, it is bound to happen. One must continue his hard work; it will pay off,” he added.
Recovering from an ankle injury, the fast bowler further said his prime focus is to achieve optimum fitness keeping in mind the upcoming home Test series against England.
“My aim is to keep myself fit as far as possible, as the next two tournaments and series are big. I will focus on fitness. There is no tension about my skill, as I believe if I maintain my fitness, skill will be there on the ground,” Shami said.
(With PTI Inputs)
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