Rising archer Aditi Swami, who was
listed for the Arjuna Award alongside other athletes, expressed her happiness
stating that it was her dream to win laurels for the country.
The 17-year-old became Bharat’s first-ever
senior world champion in her debut season. She is the reigning women’s compound
archery world champion and enjoyed a dream debut season this year.
Expressing her delight, she thanked
everyone for the support she has received so far in her young career.
“I am really happy. It was my dream to
win the Arjuna award since I was 8 years old. When I came to know that I was
listed for the award, I could scarcely believe it. It would be an honour and a
privilege to receive the award from the President. It is going to be a big
moment in my career,” expressed Aditi.
“I want to thank everyone who supported
me. They include my parents, my coach and all those who gave me their blessings
and supported me during my matches. Going forward, I also want to bag a medal
in the Olympics,” she added.
The 17-year-old archer became the
Under-18 women’s world champion and broke the world record for qualifying in
the juniors. She also became the youngest senior world champion.
Aditi was also a part of Bharat’s record-breaking
campaign in the Asian Games. She won the individual bronze and gold in the team
event.
She was selected for the award alongside
16 other players including Mohammed Shami, who ended as the leading
wicket-taker in the recently-concluded ICC Cricket World Cup in India with 24
scalps and broke several records. Steeplechaser Parul Chaudhary, shooter
Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar and U20 World Champion wrestler Antim Panghal.
Arjuna Award: Mohammed Shami (cricket),
Ajay Reddy (blind cricket) Ojas Pravin Deotale (archery), Aditi Gopichand Swami
(archery), Sheetal Devi (para archery), Parul Chaudhary and Murali Sreeshankar
(athletics), Mohd Hussamuddin (boxing), R Vaishali (chess), Divyakriti Singh
and Anush Agarwalla (equestrian), Diksha Dagar (golf), Krishan Bahadur Pathak
(hockey), Sushila Chanu (hockey), Pinky (lawn ball), Aishwary Pratap Singh
Tomar (shooting), Antim Panghal (wrestling), Ayhika Mukherjee (table tennis).
ANI
