The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs & Sports, Shri Vijay Goel here on Friday conferred Arjuna Awards to cricketers Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane in a function held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Rohit Sharma was conferred Arjuna Award for the year 2015 and Ajinkya Rahane for the year 2016.
Rahane and Rohit, who have been named in the Indian team for the three-Test series against New Zealand, beginning on September 22, were honoured with the Arjuna Awards at a function held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
Rahane and Rohit could not earlier receive the Arjuna Awards from the President of India, as they were participating in international tournaments.
Speaking on the occasion, Goel said that while there's no doubt that cricket is among the most popular games in India, the current government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to promote indigenous and other sports as well.
The awardees are given a statuette, a certificate, ceremonial dress and prize money of Rs 5 lakh.