Privilege to be awarded Padma Shri: Virat Kohli

Team India skipper Virat Kohli is having a dream run in the last year and a half. The batting maestro has been on a record-breaking spree. He has been a prolific run-getter for the team across all the three formats of the game. No wonder why he has emerged as one of the best batsmen at present. Recently, he was named as the full-time skipper of the Indian team in all the three formats of the sport. Kohli managed to win his first ODI series as full-time India captain.

Prior to that, he had extended his captaincy dominion in Tests. India remained unbeaten in Test cricket in the calendar year 2016. If one starts listing out the accolades that he has bagged, the words might fall short for it. It was only a matter of time that he was given the civilian honors by the Government of India.

On the occasion of India’s Republic Day on 26th January this year, Virat Kohli was bestowed with the Padma Shri award. It is the fourth highest civilian award in India after Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, and Padma Bhushan. Padma Awards were instituted in 1954 to be awarded to citizens of India in recognition of their distinguished contribution in various spheres of activity including the Arts, Education, Industry, Literature, Science, Sports, Medicine, Social Service and Public Affairs.

Kohli was given the honor for his contribution to the game of cricket in India. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recorded a video message by Virat Kohli after he received the honor. Kohli thanked the fans for the support and love for receiving the Padma Shri. Being awarded the same on the 68th Republic Day made it more special for him.

Also read- MS Dhoni to be conferred with Padma Award on the eve of Republic Day

Kohli posted a message on his social media handle. The message read, “It’s a privilege to be awarded with Padmashree & to announce it on the 68th Republic Day made it even more special.”

It's a privilege to be awarded with Padmashree & to announce it on the 68th Republic Day made it even more special.https://t.co/n2YQoePEBs

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) January 27, 2017