Guwahati, August 15, 2021: Shri. Shamsher Singh, who was part of the national hockey team that returned with an Olympics bronze medal, was felicitated by the Punjab National Bank. At the felicitation programme held at the bank’s headquarters in Delhi, Shamsher Singh, an employee of PNB, was recognized for his achievement.
Shri CH. S.S. Mallikarjuna Rao, MD and CEO of Punjab National Bank, lauded the Indian hockey team’s brilliant show at the world’s most premier sports event. He said, ” Shamsher Singh is Jewel of PNB and entire country’s citizens are indebted to your contribution. Winning a medal at the Olympics is the pinnacle of achievement, wherein I am sure your spirit and hard work will bring more such laurels in the future. You are a proud member of PNB Parivar and your achievement is one among the seven medals won by the country, which really highlights the importance of your accomplishment.”
Shri Shamsher Singh expressed his gratitude towards PNB for supporting and training many young hockey players in the country, thereby complementing the government’s efforts to promote and strengthen the sports culture in India. “The good performance by both the men’s and women’s teams at the Olympics points to a resurgence of the game in India,” he quoted.
Shri Vijay Dubey, Executive Director of PNB, said, “While PNB has been boarding, training and nurturing talent at its institution, a competent player like Shamsher Singh would further inspire and encourage aspiring youngsters in the sports arena.”
Extending a vote of thanks Shri Swarup Kumar Saha, Executive Director of PNB, said, “Nearly after four decades, it is a proud moment for us to witness a brilliant show by Shri. Samsher Singh and the Indian hockey team at the world’s top sports event.”
The Indian hockey team had defeated Germany 5-4 to lift the bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, the country’s first one in hockey in 41 years.










![New Delhi [India], January 9: Visually impaired cricketer and captain of Indian Men’s Cricket Team for the Blind Illuri Ajay Kumar Reddy on Tuesday was conferred with Prestigious Arjuna Award from the President of India at a specially organized function at Rashtrapati Bhavan. National Sports Awards are given every year to recognize and reward excellence in sports. Arjuna Award for outstanding performance in Sports and Games is given for good performance over a period of the previous three years and for showing qualities of leadership, sportsmanship and a sense of discipline. Illuri Ajay Kumar Reddy (Blind Cricket) is among the 26 sportspersons who were honoured with Arjuna Award for outstanding performance in Sports and Games 2023. The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports last month had announced the National Sports Awards 2023. The nominated stars received their awards from the President of India. “I am overwhelmed with this recognition. I dedicate this award to my Parents and Family members for their support. I also would like to thank Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) and all the players with whom I have played,” Ajay Reddy said in a statement. Congratulating Arjuna awardee Dr Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar, Chairman- Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) said “It is an honour and proud moment for all the blind cricketers across the world. It is the good recognition for the hard work and dedication in taking Cricket for the Blind to the next level through various achievements by the Indian Men’s Cricket Team for the blind under the leadership of Ajay Reddy. CABI is happy that cricket for the blind is getting the recognition with other major sports.” Following the Award ceremony, Illuri Ajay Reddy, the chairman of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) Dr Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar and CABI secretary Shailender Yadav also met Indian pacer Mohammad Shami. Shami is also among the 26 sportspersons who were honoured with Arjuna Award on Tuesday. Illuri Ajay Reddy is currently working in SBI regional office in Bangalore. He is a B2 category player, who is representing India since 2010. He has been part of winning two ODI World Cups, 3 T20 world cups, 1 Asia Cup. Ajay is the captain of the Indian cricket team for the blind since 2016. Under his captaincy Team India has won 1 ODI world cup, 2 T20 world cups, 1 Asia Cup and the Silver Medal in IBSA World Games and many bilateral and triangular Series. Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) acknowledges the great support received from the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports through this award. The continuous support and patronage received from the esteemed ministry has helped CABI to achieve this milestone.](https://thisweekindia.news/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Arjuna-Award-to-Ajay-Kumar-Reddy-Captain-of-Indian-Blind-Cricket-Team-thisweekindia.png)


