MS Dhoni, Abhinav Bindra conferred rank of Lt Colonel in Territorial Army

Indian Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra were today conferred the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army by Army Chief General VK Singh here.

"Dhoni and Bindra were pipped-in by Gen Singh at South Block today. Dhoni and Bindra have been commissioned as honorary Lt Col," Army spokesperson said in Delhi.

They have been bestowed the honour for their outstanding contribution in the field of sports and their commitment to Army on various occasions.

"Dhoni has set an example by his discipline and supreme dedication. His leading the team from the front, remaining ultra cool in adversities, maintaining excellent physical standards, and giving all credit to his teammates, is very synonymous to the Army way of leadership," he said.

"Bindra is youth icon and his qualities as a valiant fighter, dedication, hardwork, supreme concentration and perseverance are synonymous to an Army leader," the spokesperson said.

Dr Deepak Rao, a trainer for combating terrorism, has been also been conferred the honorary commission in the rank of Major in the Territorial Army.

Rao has been imparting his expertise for 17 years to soldiers from various Indian forces. He has also been Instructor in reflex shooting and Deep Sea Diving.

"For his yeomen service to the nation and specifically providing assistance to training of the armed forces in close quarter battle, Advanced Commando Combat System and Combating Terrorism, Rao has been bestowed with the honour," he said.

By donning the Olive Greens, the three honorary officers have joined the list of 17 other personnel including Kapil Dev, Mihan Lal, and Dr Anil Hibbu who are in the Territorial Army.

As Brand Ambassadors of the Indian Army, they will help strengthen the citizen-soldier bonds.