Winning Arjuna Award a dream achievement, says India pacer Mohammed Shami

Winning the Arjuna Award is like a dream come true, said India pacer Mohammed Shami on Monday days before he is bestowed with the honour by the President of India in New Delhi.

Shami, who finished the highest wicket-taker in the recent ICC World Cup on home soil, is set to receive the Arjuna Award from President Droupadi Murmu in the National Sports Awards that takes place at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in the national capital on Tuesday, 9 January.

“This award is a dream. An entire lifetime passes by and people are not able to win this award. It’s a matter of great joy and I’m feeling proud.

“A lot of individuals remain mere spectators as they watch others win these awards throughout their life. It’s a dream that remains unfulfilled for many,” Shami told ANI on Monday.

Shami hasn’t played since the World Cup final against Australia in Ahmedabad, which India ended up losing by six wickets. The pacer had initially been named for the tour of South Africa, only to be ruled out due to an ankle injury. He is now likely to miss the first two Tests against England that take place in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam respectively.

Read | Shami ‘took injections regularly’ during World Cup to manage pain, claims report

Shami, however, said that injuries are part of life and that he’ll try to return to action as quickly as possible.

“It’s part of the game, being injured or not and taking one’s time to return to action. What matter’s the most however, is appreciating the love that fans shower on players. Will strive to return to the ground as quickly as possible,” added the Gujarat Titans speedster.

On preparations for the marquee series that gets underway on the 25th this month, Shami said that he wasn’t planning anything new for the Englishmen — who will be touring India for the first time since Ben Stokes took over as captain.

“I don’t think of coming up with anything new. I always think that if I’m fit, then results will automatically follow. I try to focus on carrying out the responsibilities assigned to me by the team.

“The biggest advantage that we have against a big team like England is that we’re playing in home conditions. It’s important that we enter the series with the right mindset and the right fitness and remain positive,” Shami added.