India off-spinner, R Ashwin was presented with the Arjuna Award by Minister of State, Independent Charge, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday.
The Arjuna Award is presented by the Indian Government for outstanding achievement in sports, and Ashwin was one of the recipients in the year 2014. He could not attend the official ceremony where Indian President, Pranab Mukherjee, presented the awards as he was away on national duty in England.
Of the moment when he laid his hands on the prestigious trophy, Ashwin said, āIt was a very proud moment. I had not seen the trophy before and when I actually saw it, I was very pleased.ā
The Arjuna Award comprises a statuette, a certificate, a ceremonial dress and a cash award of Rs. 5 lakhs. The trophy is a sculpture of Arjun, the great archer from Indian mythological tale of the Mahabharata. That made the award all the more special for Ashwin.
āThe trophy has the sculpture of Arjuna on it and I really love the Maharabharata. So, to have something that symbolizes that in form of such a prestigious award, makes me very proud,ā Ashwin told BCCI.TV.
Ashwin was conferred this award for his tremendous contribution to Team Indiaās success in the last three years. He has led Indiaās spin bowling department from the front in the limited overs cricket and also became the fastest bowler to scalp 100 Test wickets since 1931.
Since its establishment in 1961, 47 Indian cricketers have received the Arjuna Award. For Ashwin, to join the elite list is an honour he never dreamt of.
āWhen I started playing cricket, I didnāt even know that the Arjuna Award exists. When I received it, I realized how far I have come from where I started,ā he said. āBut I also understand that achievements like these are the byproducts of my performances on the cricket field.
āI got this award because of my contributions as an Indian cricketer and my passion for the game. I love the game of cricket. I just want to improve every day as a cricketer and serve my country to the best of my abilities. I would like to think of this award as a part of that process,ā he said.
