New Delhi: Former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja has been declared the next Jam Saheb of Nawanagar, also known as Jamnagar, a princely state in Gujarat. Maharaja Jam Saheb of Nawanagar confirmed the announcement in a statement.
In a letter shared by news agency ANI, Shatrusalyasinhji Digvijaysinhji Jadeja stated that Ajay has agreed to become his heir. Shatrusalyasinhji, Jam Saheb of Nawanagar, is the cousin brother of Ajay’s father.
Ajay Jadeja, born into the erstwhile Nawanagar royal family, has a rich cricketing pedigree. His relatives, K Ranjitsinhji and KS Duleepsinhji, are honoured through the prestigious Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy, respectively.
The announcement comes after a recent visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who paid his respects at the Jam Saheb Nawanagar Memorial in Warsaw, Poland, in August.
“I saw a direct and living example of our deep people-to-people ties yesterday. I had the privilege of paying tribute at the memorial of Maharaja of Kolhapur. I am happy that even today the people of Poland respect his philanthropy and generosity. To immortalize his memory, we are going to start the Jam Saheb Nawanagar Youth Action Program between India and Poland. Every year, 20 young people from Poland will be taken on a visit to India,” PM Modi said after the visit.
The memorial honours the legacy of Jam Saheb Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji, the former Maharaja known for his humanitarian efforts during World War II, where he was affectionately dubbed the ‘Good Maharaja.’
Ajay Jadeja’s cricket career spanned from 1992 to 2000, during which he played 15 Test matches and 196 One Day Internationals for India. He was renowned for his fielding skills.
