Former India cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri was among 11 sporting legends honoured with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by the Sports Journalists Association of Mumbai (SJAM). The ceremony took place at the Bombay Gymkhana, celebrating the remarkable careers of these athletes across various sports.
Shastri, known for his flamboyant style and sharp cricketing mind, was notably absent from the event. However, his mother Lakshmi Shastri stole the spotlight by sharing some unforgettable memories from his playing days. One particular moment stood out: the time Ravi emulated West Indies great Gary Sobers by smashing six sixes in an over during a Ranji Trophy match against Baroda in the 1984-85 season.
“There are many treasured memories which Ravi has given us,” Lakshmi said. “But the one which stands out is when he scored six sixes in an over. I was blissfully unaware of it until my bhelpuri wala told me.” She reminisced how Ravi, ever the understated legend, casually asked her to listen to the 7:00 PM news on All India Radio to find out what he had done.
The other recipients of the award included some of India’s finest athletes. Former India women’s cricketer Shubhangi Kulkarni, three-time Amateur World Champion in English billiards Michael Ferreira, and table tennis star Niraj Bajaj were among the honourees. Chess grandmaster Pravin Thipsay, shooters Anjali Bhagwat, Suma Shirur, and Deepali Deshpande, as well as hockey Olympians Mervyn Fernandes and Joaquim Carvalho, also received the accolade. Sanjay Sharma, a former national badminton champion and captain, rounded out the list.
Lakshmi Shastri went on to highlight 1985 as a golden year for her son. After the six-sixes feat, Ravi went on to win the Benson & Hedges World Championship of Cricket, earning the title of ‘Champion of Champions’ and a prized Audi car. “I didn’t even know how to pronounce the name of that car,” she laughed, recalling how the entire team took a victory lap around the Melbourne Ground.
The event was a heartfelt tribute to these sporting icons, whose contributions have left an indelible mark on Indian sports. From cricket to billiards, table tennis to hockey, each honouree represented excellence and dedication in their respective fields. For Ravi Shastri, the award was another feather in a cap already brimming with achievements, a testament to a career that has inspired millions.
As the audience listened to Lakshmi’s anecdotes, it was clear that these moments were more than just statistics or records. They were memories etched into the hearts of those who witnessed them, stories that would be told for generations. The SJAM’s recognition of these legends was not just about celebrating their past but also about honouring the legacy they continue to build.