Exactly seven years after lighting up the Mumbai skyline with an unforgettable six, Mahendra Singh Dhoni again became the cynosure of all eyes as the honorary Lieutenant Colonel received the Padma Bhushan Award on Monday.
It was a happy coincidence for Dhoni as he was conferred with the prestigious civilian honour on the seventh anniversary of India’s famous World Cup triumph.
READ: On This Day: Dhoni’s Dashers emulate Kapil’s Devils
The Indian Territorial Army had conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel to Dhoni on November 1, 2011, months after the country lifted its second World Cup under his leadership. The 37-year-old Dhoni is the second Indian cricketer after Kapil Dev to receive this honour.
As his name was announced, Dhoni marched past the dignitaries present at the Rashtrapathi Bhavan before receiving the honour from President Ram Nath Kovind. A lot like his batting in his heydays, Dhoni looked at ease as he walked towards the dais, clad in the army uniform.
Also conferred with the Padma Bhushan was multiple world title holder cueist Pankaj Advani.
Dhoni has been the recipient of many awards, including the ICC ODI Player of the Year award in 2008 and 2009 (the first player to win the award twice), the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award in 2007 and the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian honour in 2009.
Like Dhoni, Advani also has a distinguished career, having won gold twice at the Asian Games in 2006 and 2010.
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