Mohammed Shami's emotional post after receiving Arjuna Award, thanks ‘best parents’

Ace India pacer Mohammed Shami was conferred with the prestigious Arjuna Award earlier this week. This award recognized his outstanding performance for Team India over the years, especially at the 2023 ODI World Cup. Shami, who emerged as the highest wicket-taker of the ODI World Cup last year with 24 scalps from seven matches, played a crucial role in India’s journey to the final.

Expressing his gratitude after receiving this award, Shami penned a heartfelt note on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter. In his emotional post, the 33-year-old acknowledged the support of his family throughout his cricketing journey. In the World Cup, he became India’s all-time leading wicket-taker in the history of the competition.

Writing on X, Shami thanked his family for providing him with one of the best childhoods and also thanked friends and fans for their sacrifices, support, love and care.

“Thank you so much for this award. It means so much to me and I am truly grateful. This award inspires me to continue to pursue my passion with even greater enthusiasm. I am honored to have received this award. I take great pride in having one of the best childhoods since the best parents raised me in the entire universe. I want to thank you all my family members and friends & fans for all the sacrifices, support, love, care. Keep supporting & loving me,” Shami wrote.

Thank you so much for this award. It means so much to me and I am truly grateful This award inspires me to continue to pursue my passion with even greater enthusiasm. I am honored to have received this award .
I take great pride in having one of the best childhoods since the best… pic.twitter.com/HVQeb3LVxv

— (@MdShami11) January 10, 2024

Shami joined the esteemed list of Arjuna Award recipients, becoming the 58th Indian cricketer to achieve this recognition, following in the footsteps of players like Sachin Tendulkar. Big names like Virat Kohli and Team India captain Rohit Sharma have also been the previous recipients.

Out of the 26 athletes honored with the Arjuna Award for their exceptional performances in 2023, Shami was the only cricketer. The athletes who represented India in the Asian Games 2023 were predominantly on the list.

Shami did not take part in the Test series against South Africa due to an injury. As per multiple media reports, he is now working to regain his full fitness and join the side ahead of the five-match Test series against England on home soil.