Gujarat govt announces Eklavya award for Munaf patel and Yusuf Pathan

One is known for his power hitting, capable of dispatching the leather into the stands and the other, for his immaculate length merged with smart variations in pace. Yusuf Pathan and Munaf Patel, who played a significant role in India's World Cup campaign, have now sealed their place in history books as the first World Cup winners from the state.

The duo was part of the 15-man World Cup squad that tamed Sri Lanka by 6 wickets at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai to lift the coveted trophy.

Munaf Patel was largely used as the first change bowler in all but one game. The Ikhar-born Patel, showed improvement with every passing game and his second spell against Pakistan stifled the arch-rivals, handing India a memorable victory.

Baroda basher Yusuf Pathan, after featuring in the six league games, was replaced by Suresh Raina in the knockout stages, beginning at Motera. Though Yusuf was not part of the playing XI against Sri Lanka in the final, he touched hearts by shouldering Indian maestro, Sachin Tendulkar on a spontaneous victory lap around the stadium.

Taking note of their efforts, the Gujarat chief minister, Narendra Modi on Sunday, announced the state's highest sporting honour - Eklavya Award - for the duo.

"Yesterday, Indian team fulfilled the aspirations of the 121 crore Indians," Modi said inaugurating a seminar on human resource development in the city.

"I congratulate all players for the feat. In this team, there are two youth from Gujarat, Yusuf Pathan and Munaf Patel and my special congratulations to them; Gujarat government has decided that both Munaf and Yusuf will be bestowed with the highest sports honour of the state - Eklavya Award." Eklavya Award consists of Rs1 lakh, a memento and a certificate of honour.

Heaping praise on the duo and the Indian team, Gujarat sports and youth affairs minister, Fakir Vaghela told DNA, "The long wait of 28 years is finally over and we are extremely proud of the fact that two cricketers from Gujarat helped India win the World Cup. The CM has announced the Eklavya award and I hope that this will encourage others to bring laurels to the state," he told DNA.

He further added that 30 sportspersons have been conferred upon the highest sporting award of the state. "Cueist Geet Sethi was the last one to receive this prestigious award and we are
pleased to add two more to this list."

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had already announced Rs1 crore award to each member of the victorious Indian team.