[1]An honorary rank-holder for the time being, Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni today said he would “definitely” want to serve the Army actively once he bids adieu to the game.
Dhoni, who was inducted as an honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the elite Parachute Regiment last year, is here to visit the forward area of the line of control (LOC) in Jammu region and also take a trip to the base camp of Siachen, the world's highest battlefield.
"Why I got here is because of cricket. I would like to serve actively only after cricket. I don't want my cricket to suffer because that is something I am good at. Once my cricket career is over, I would definitely like to serve in the army," Dhoni told reporters.
The World Cup winning captain will visit the Northern Command headquarters in Udhampur tomorrow before leaving for Srinagar on tour of 15 Corps. From there Dhoni will head for the 14 Corps area in Leh and also the Siachen base camp.
Dhoni will also visit north Kashmir's Baramulla district tomorrow to witness the final of the first phase of Kashmir Premier League (KPL) at the Shaukat Ali Stadium.
"I will try to go to the frontline. It is very exciting because I will get to see the challenges the officers face. I knew the army from a distance. Now I am getting to know the army from close quarters. This is the first time I have come to a forward post," he said.
The 30-year-old will also be interacting with the families of the army officers posted here.
"Families (of the army officers) come here at this time of the year and I will get a chance to interact with them and I am sure the next few days would be exciting," he said.
On the of-repeated issue of Indo-Pak bilateral cricket ties, Dhoni said, "It is important to make a start because sports is something that breaks barriers. The two boards have to decide when they decide to play each other. I have to go out there and play. So we will wait and see
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