Harpal Singh Bedi / New Delhi
In a rare gesture Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday wrote a heartwarming two-page letter to former wicketkeeper captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni in which he lavished praise on the retired cricketer saying ” Looking at you as just a sportsperson would be Injustice’ .
Overwhelmed by the Prime Minister’s unprecedented gesture , Dhoni posted the image of the letter he received from PM Modi ,tweeting “An Artist, soldier and sportsperson: what they crave for is appreciation, that their hard work and sacrifice is getting noticed and appreciated by everyone,”
Seldom a Prime Minister in recent memory has written such a glowing letter to a retiring sportsperson as Modi heaped praise on Dhoni who led the country to three limited-overs ICC tournament triumphs.
Modi congratulated Dhoni for a terrific and trophy-laden career while thanking him for his incredible contribution to the country.
He recalled some of the most iconic moments of Dhoni’s career, especially the 2011 World Cup final and 2007 World T20 while lauding him for inspiring many to work towards their dreams.
Finally, PM Modi wished Dhoni the very best his future endeavours. The Ranchi based cricketer Dhoni is the only captain to have won all the ICC trophies on offer and also the mace for making India No 1 Test team in the world .
The 39-year-old, who had quit test cricket in 2014 retired from international cricket on Independence Day with a post on Instagram, more than a year after he last played for India – the lost World Cup semifinal against New Zealand.
He will lead Chennai Super Kings when the Indian Premier League season starts in the UAE on September 19.
Following is the full text of the Prime Minister’s letter to Dhoni
Dear Mahendra,
On 15th August, in your trademark unassuming style you shared a short video that was enough to become a long and passionate discussion point for the entire nation. 130 crore Indians were disappointed but also eternally grateful for all that you have done for Indian cricket in the last decade-and-a-half.
One way to look at your cricketing career is through the prism of statistics. You have been one of the most successful captains, instrumental in taking India to the top of the world charts. Your name will go down in history as being one of the world’s batting greats, among the greatest cricketing captains and certainly one of the best wicketkeepers the game has seen.
Your dependability in tough situations and your style of finishing matches, particularly the 2011 World Cup Final, will forever be etched in the public memory for generations.
But, the name Mahendra Singh Dhoni will not be remembered merely for his career statistics or specific match-winning roles. Looking at you as just a sportsperson would be injustice. The correct way to assess your impact is as a phenomenon!
Rising from humble beginnings in a small town, you burst onto the national scene, made a name for yourself and most importantly made India proud. Your rise and conduct thereafter gives strength and inspiration to crores of youngsters who like you have not been to cushy schools or colleges, neither do they belong to illustrious families but they have the talent to distinguish themselves at the highest levels. You have been one of the important illustrations of the spirit of New India, where family name does not make young people’s destiny but they make their own names and their own destinies.
Where we come from does not matter as long as we know where we are headed — this is the spirit that you have exuded and inspired many youngsters with.
Many of your memorable on-field moments exemplify a particular generation of Indians. This generation of Indians does not hesitate to take risks and back each other’s abilities in even the toughest situations — seen in the way you took risks many a time in backing little known youngsters to deliver in high pressure situations. The 2007 T-20 World Cup Finals is a perfect example of this spirit.
This generation of Indians does not lose their nerve in decisive situations; we saw that in many of your innings and games.
Our youth does not lose heart in the face of adversity and, most importantly, are fearless, just like the team you led.
No matter what hairstyle you sported, your calm head remained the same in victory or defeat, which is a very important lesson for every youth.
I would like to also mention your special association towards India’s armed forces. You were most happy being among our army personnel. Your concern towards their welfare has always been remarkable.
I hope Sakshi and Ziva get to spend more time with you. I convey my good wishes to them as well, because without their sacrifices and support nothing would have been possible. Our youth could also learn from you how to balance professional and personal priorities; I remember seeing a picture of you playing with your cute daughter even as everyone around you was celebrating a victory in a particular tournament! That was vintage MS Dhoni.
Wishing you the very best for your future endeavours.
Yours,
Narendra Modi
