Gautam Gambhir, the former India international, has been honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award on Saturday, 26 January.
Gambhir, a veteran of 58 Tests and 147 one-day internationals for India was part of India's squads for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 and the ICC World Twenty20 2007 – both tournaments were won by India.
The 37-year-old recently announced his retirement from all forms of the game and has now been conferred with this award along with other India sportspersons inclduing Sunil Chhetri, the captain of the Indian football team, and Bajrang Punia, the Indian wrestler.
"It’s an honour I accept with gratitude. But it’s an honour which also comes with responsibility," Gambhir said on Twitter. "I’m living for the day when Gautam Gambhir the human being beats Gautam Gambhir the cricketer. That will be my day, my award to myself."