M.S. Dhoni, Pankaj Advani receive Padma Bhushan

New Delhi: M.S. Dhoni received country’s third highest civilian award, Padma Bhushan, from President Ram Nath Kovind yesterday. The former India captain, who holds the rank of Honorary Lieutenant Colonel, wore his official uniform of the Territorial Army for the ceremony. Apart from Dhoni, multiple billiards world champion Pankaj Advani also received the award for his extra ordinary achievements. Advani, 32, has ruled world billiards for several years. The Bengaluru-based cueist has won 18 world titles. Ace cueist Pankaj had claimed the IBSF World Snooker Championship title in November last year. It was a happy coincidence for Dhoni as he was conferred with the prestigious civilian honour on the seventh anniversary of their famous World Cup triumph. Earlier this year, on March 20, President Kovind had awarded the first batch of Padma Awards. Tennis player Somdev Devvarman, Indian badminton star Kidambi Srikanth, and 1972 Paralympics gold medallist swimmer Murlikant Petkar were among the attendees in the ceremony then. Dhoni and Advani were awarded Padma Bhushan, but both the players were a no show. Weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu who was awarded Padma Shri was also not present.