One of the legends of limited overs cricket –MS Dhoni has been conferred with India’s third-highest civilian award –Padma Bhushan at a ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi on Tuesday (20 March). The honorable President Ram Nath Kovind presented the prestigious Padma awards to the winners, which were announced on the eve of the 69th Republic Day, at the majestic Durbar Hall.
The award ceremony was attended by Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Home Minister Rajnath Singh –who were among other household names.
Beside former Indian skipper -Dhoni, billiards and snooker player Pankaj Advani was also conferred with the country’s third-highest civilian award.
On the other hand, Badminton ace Kidambi Srikanth and former Asian Games gold medallist tennis player Somdev Devvarman received Padma Shri awards at the ceremony.
Previously, Dhoni was honored with the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, in 2009, and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, India's highest honor given for achievement in sports in 2007–08.
He also won many honorary awards in his already illustrious cricketing career, including the ICC ODI Player of the Year award in 2008 and 2009 (the first player to win the award twice).
Dhoni, who is considered as the most successful Indian captain, led India to two World Cup triumphs -- ICC World T20 in 2007 and 2011 ICC ODI World Cup, as well as an ICC Champions Trophy victory.
Currently, Dhoni is busy in spending time with his family before heading to join the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) camp for the upcoming 11th season of the IPL 2018, starting from 7 April in May.
