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Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has been recommended for the Arjuna Award given by the Indian Government to honour excellence in sports as per reports. Shami was pivotal in the Indian team's undefeated run to the final of the recently concluded ICC ODI World Cup 2023 in India. The West Bengal fast bowler was the highest wicket-taker in the tournament which the Men in Blue lost in the final against Australia.
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Notably, the Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) had issued a request to the Sports Ministry to enter Shami's name for the accolade as he wasn't originally part of the original list. The development was reported by PTI which quoted a ministry source. The Sports Ministry has appointed a 12-member committee to decide on sports awards like Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award and Arjuna Award for 2023.
Retired Supreme Court Justice AM Khanwilkar will lead this 12-member committee. Alongside Justice Khanwilkar six former international athletes are on this committee. Hockey legend Dhanraj Pillay, ex-Table Tennis star Kamlesh Mehta, former boxer Akhil Kumar, women shooter and current national coach Shuma Shirur, former India captain Anjum Chopra, badminton player Tripti Murgunde and powerlifter Farman Pasha are also on the panel.
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After an incredible World Cup, Shami is set to be part of India's upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa. The first Test will kick off on Boxing Day, December 26 in Centurion. Then the second game will be played in Cape Town beginning January 3.
