All-rounder Yusuf Pathan, a member of the World Cup winning cricket team, has finally been presented the Gujarat Government's Eklavya Award, almost 14 months after it was announced.
Published: Jun 06, 2012, 07:59 PM (IST)
Edited: Jun 06, 2012, 07:59 PM (IST)
Yusuf Pathan and Munaf Patel were members of India’s 2011 World Cup winning squad © Getty Images
Vadodara: Jun 6, 2012
All-rounder Yusuf Pathan, a member of the World Cup winning cricket team, has finally been presented the Gujarat Government’s Eklavya Award, almost 14 months after it was announced.
The award was also presented to his teammate and fellow Gujarati, Munaf Patel, at his residence in Bharuch yesterday.
Chief Minister Narendra Modi had announced the awards for Munaf Patel and Yusuf Pathan in April 2011.
“Every Gujarati is proud of the achievement of our cricket team,” Modi had said.
But the actual hand-over did not happen. Narhari Amin, former president of the Gujarat Cricket Association, slammed Modi for this delay two days ago. Modi currently heads the Gujarat Cricket Association.
Yesterday, the awards were presented to the two players.
Eklavya Award is the highest sports award set up by the Gujarat government.
The officials of Youth, Cultural Activities and Sports Ministry visited Pathan’s house here and the award was presented in the presence of Mehbubkhan, his father. A cheque of Rs one lakh was also presented to him.
Pathan said, “As a Gujarati I am delighted to get this award and feel proud.” (PTI)
