From MS Dhoni to Sachin Tendulkar: Sportspersons who served in the Indian armed forces – In Pics

Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar joined the Indian Air Force with the rank of group captain in 2010. The legendary batter became the first sportsperson to confer honorary and first person without an aviation background to receive this honour. Tendulkar has since become the face of Indian Air Force of youth.

India’s first individual Olympic silver medallist post-independence has attributed his success to the Army. He was a graduate of the National Defence Academy in the early 90’s and served as a member till 2013. He took voluntary retirement from the Army as Colonel, before joining politics.

The 1983 World Cup-winning captain is a famous name in Indian cricket and needs no introduction. Kapil joined the Territorial Army in 2008 and was later awarded the rank of lieutenant colonel by the army.

Dhoni, who had led India to multiple World Cup wins, was awarded the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel with the Indian Territorial Army, in 2011. He also served the army in 2019, as he was posted in Jammu and Kashmir for a couple of weeks.

Iconic Indian shooter Abhinav Bindra scripted history at the 2008 Olympic games when he bagged gold in 10m air rifle shooting event, ending India's excruciating wait for an individual gold medal at the mega sporting event. For all his achievements, Bindra was made an honorary Lieutenant Colonel by the Indian Territorial Army in 2011.