One-day Indian cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been named for Rajiv Khel Ratna Award for the year 2007. His name has been send for the confirmation by the sports ministry. The awards would be presented by President Pratibha Patil at a function in Rashtrapati Bhawan on August 29, the National Sports Day.

 

Dhoni’s contribution to Indian team in twenty20 world cup win in South Africa  is the leading reason behind vesting the award on him. Sharad Pawar, the President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said that Dhoni has represented the country with distinction, and deserves the honour. He appreciated Dhoni’s exemplary leadership and demeanor.

 

Mahendra Dhoni is second cricketer after Sachin Tendulkar who has won the prestigious award. Rahul Dravid came close to win it in earlier years, but could not win it finally. Sachin Tendulkar had won the award in the year 1997 and after ten years this has been vested on another cricketer. However, whereas Sachin got the award after playing 8 years for India, Dhoni has played just 3 years.