Former India skipper MS Dhoni received country's third highest civilian award, Padma Bhushan, from President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday. He became the 11th Indian cricketer to receive this honorary award.
He was not alone, 19-time billiards world champion Pankaj Advani also received the award for his extraordinary achievements. He had claimed the IBSF World Snooker Championship title in November last year.
Dhoni, who holds the rank of Honorary Lieutenant Colonel, wore his official uniform of the Territorial Army for the ceremony. The 36-year-old was congratulated by current/former cricketers on Twitter.
2nd April has turned into a special date for Dhoni, as he had guided India to World Cup win in 2011 on the same date.
Here are the tweets from cricket fraternity:
Congrats @msdhoni on your Padma Bhushan award. Fittingly given on the anniversary of our WC triumph. I am sure more such honors are on the way. #PadmaBhushan #MSDhoni
— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) April 2, 2018
???????????????????? respect https://t.co/C5xqyTzwDW
— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) April 2, 2018
The march past, the salute, the holding of the certificate, everything done so beautifully. Congratulations Lt. Colonel MS Dhoni of 106 Para TA Batallion on the #PadmaBhushan ! pic.twitter.com/sIXRt2GUqj
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) April 3, 2018
Congratulations Mahi. You deserve every bit of this. #Padmabhushan pic.twitter.com/NT5KXFJCwj
— R P Singh (@rpsingh) April 3, 2018
It was absolutely wonderful to see the pride with which @msdhoni wore his Territorial army uniform while receiving the well deserved #PadmaBhushan today, exactly 7 years after we won the 2011 World Cup. Heartiest congratulations ! pic.twitter.com/ROdMdM7aQk
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) April 2, 2018
Congratulations MS Dhoni on receiving Padma Bhushan !???? pic.twitter.com/5XZRcjP5ap
— Amit Mishra (@MishiAmit) April 3, 2018
Proper Legend. It's earned not demanded. God bless, Ravi #PadmaBhushan #MSDhoni pic.twitter.com/TJV0FcgnDc
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) April 2, 2018
Another feather to your cap! Congratulations @msdhoni on receiving the Padma Bhushan. I bet there are more accolades waiting to reach you ???????? #Respect #ProudMoment #PadmaBhushan
— Murali Vijay (@mvj888) April 3, 2018
Congratulations Lieutenant Colonel MS Dhoni on receiving the Padma Bhushan, 7 years to the date since we won the World Cup ! pic.twitter.com/xjgjrHr4Ng
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) April 2, 2018
Congratulations Col @msdhoni on receiving the Padma Bhushan..wish you and family all the happiness #ProudMoment #PadmaBhushan pic.twitter.com/oMY5PSUzKz
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) April 3, 2018
Congratulations Mahi bhai on receiving the #PadmaBhushan. It was wonderful seeing you in Territorial army uniform, marching with dignity to receive the award. Many more such glories coming your way. @msdhoni pic.twitter.com/E5Kcbm7z8t
— Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) April 3, 2018