Indian Cricketers Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane, who have been named in the Indian team for the three-Test series against New Zealand, beginning on 22 September on friday were given the Arjuna Award by the Sports Minister Vijay Goel at a function held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Friday. 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 other sports as well. He said the recent success of the country’s athletes at the Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro has made every Indian proud.

The Arjuna Awards, instituted in 1961, are given to sportspersons for consistently outstanding performance for four years preceding the year of award and who have also shown qualities of leadership, sportsmanship and a sense of discipline. The awardees are given a statuette, a certificate, ceremonial dressand award money of Rs.5 lakh. Rahane is currently the vice-captain of the Indian Test side with Virat Kohli at the helm of the affairs. Team India coach Anil Kumble and few other cricketers congratulated them for this honour.