26 January,2018 11:46 AM IST | New Delhi | ANI
MS Dhoni Pic/PTI
Former Indian cricket team skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and snooker ace player Pankaj Advani have been named for the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award. The Padma awards are conferred to personalities with outstanding achievements in their respective fields. The President of India Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday approved conferment of 85 Padma Awards, which include- three Padma Vibhushan, nine Padma Bhushan and 73 Padma Shri.
Advani, who recently claimed the IBSF World Snooker Championship- his 18th world title, said that he is honoured to be named for the prestigious award. 'I am honoured and humbled to be named for the Padma Bhushan award. This is motivation for me to continue my pursuit of excellence at the world level in billiards and snooker," Advani told ANI. Wicket-keeper-batsman Dhoni was also nominated last year for the award, but could not be among the finalists. Meanwhile, tennis player Somdev Devvarman and shuttler Kidambi Srikanth arechosen for the Padma Shri.
ALSO READ
IPL 2024 | "He is a smart batsman as well": Hussey on Ruturaj Gaikwad
At a glance: Kohli's seven 500-plus run IPL seasons so far
Sanju Samson could be India's first-choice wicketkeeper for World Cup: Sources
Champions Trophy: PCB finalises venues for the mega event
IPL 2024: Focus on KL Rahul to prove himself ahead of World Cup selection
Catch up on all the latest sports news and updates here
Download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get updates on all the latest and trending stories on the go