The Indian ODI captain, however, could not attend the function as he was leading the team in the fifth and final match of the ODI series against Sri Lanka, which India has already won.

His father Paan Singh received the award on his behalf.

President Pratibha Patil presented Rs 500,000, a scroll of honour and a medal in recognition to his spectacular and most outstanding performance in sports.

Apart from the 27-year-old Dhoni, it was also a red letter day for 11 other sportspersons, who were bestowed Arjuna Awards at a packed Ashok Hall which reverberated with thunderous applause.

Olympian shooter Avneet Kaur Sidhu, veteran hockey forward Prabhjot Singh, and Beijing Olympic quarter-finalist rower Bajranglal Takhar were among those who were honoured with the Arjuna awards at the magnificent ceremony.

World junior champion in women's chess D Harika, ace golfer Arjun Atwal and powerlifter Ferman Basha could not make it to the award function.

Harika's sister Anusha, Atwal's father Harminder and Basha's wife Andorita received the awards on the behalf of the respective sportspersons.