LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday congratulated cricketer Mohammed Shami and athlete Parul Chaudhary for being honoured with the prestigious Arjuna Award.
President Draupadi Murmu conferred the award to Mohd Shami and Parul Chaudhary, both residents of Uttar Pradesh, at a formal ceremony in New Delhi.
Congratulating cricketer Mohd Shami, CM Yogi posted on X and said that your remarkable achievement will inspire young players.
“President Draupadi Murmu Ji, under the ‘National Sports Award-2023’, honoured the famous bowler Mohd. Shami, a resident of Uttar Pradesh who made India proud globally with his outstanding performance in the ‘Cricket World Cup 2023’. Hearty congratulations to Shami on being honoured with the prestigious ‘Arjuna Award 2023! Your remarkable achievement will inspire young players,” he said.
Similarly, in his message to athlete Parul Chaudhary on receiving the award, CM Yogi wrote, “Heartfelt congratulations to Parul Chaudhary for being presented with the ‘Arjuna Award-2023’ by President Draupadi Murmu Ji at the ‘National Sports Awards 2023’ for her excellent performance in athletics, and enhancing the glory of Uttar Pradesh! You are our pride. Best wishes for your bright future.”
Meanwhile, star India bowler Mohammed Shami, archers Ojas Pravin Deotale, Sheetal Devi, and Aditi Gopichand Swami, and wrestler Antim Panghal are among the stars who received the Arjuna Award on Tuesday at Rashtrapati Bhawan by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu.
The Arjuna Award, India’s second-highest athletic 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.
Overall, 17 athletes have received the Arjuna Awards for their performances in 2023, including tar speedster Shami, who ended as the leading wicket-taker in last year’s ICC Cricket World Cup in India with 24 scalps and broke several records.
“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,” Mohammed Shami had told ANI. (ANI)