The Karnataka Postal Circle has honored former India captain, MS Dhoni, after his retirement from international cricket, by unveiling a special cover bearing his images and achievements.

They added Dhoni's cover along with the release of covers to honor 11 Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna awardees from 2017 to 2020 on National Sports Day.

The Chief Postmaster General of the Circle, Sharda Sampath released the covers at Meghdoot auditorium of the GPO. In her address, she said, “The entire world is passing through hard times and the world of sports is no exception."

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"The pandemic has taught us the importance of fitness and health and a determination to fight - which are all qualities of sportspersons.” 

An official statement from Karnataka Postal Circle said, “Mahendra Singh Dhoni has the distinction of captaining the Indian cricket team in the maximum number of games in all formats and the unique distinction of leading the team to victory in the World T20 championship in 2007, World Cup in 2011, and ICC Champions Trophy in 2013.” 

This cover was sponsored by the Karnataka State Cricket Association and Karnataka State Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports.

Apart from Dhoni, other sportspersons were also honored with a separate cover. It includes Devendra Jhajharia (paralympic athletics) and Sardara Singh (hockey); 2018: Saikhom Mirabai Chanu (weightlifting) and Virat Kohli (cricket); 2019: Deepa Malik (paralympic athletics) and Bajrang Punia (freestyle wrestling); and 2020: Rohit Sharma (cricket), Mariappan Thangavelu (paralympic Athletics), and Rani Rampal (hockey).

The special covers will be available for sale at Philatelic Bureaus of Bengaluru GPO, Mangaluru HO, Mysuru HO, and Belagavi HO, and at the e-post office (www.indiapost.gov.in). 

(With The New Indian Express Inputs)