Mahendra Singh Dhoni para jumps from army aircraft

AGRA/NEW DELHI: Indian ODI cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, a honorary Lieutenant Colonel, today parachuted from an AN-32 transport aircraft from 1,250 feet, successfully completing his first jump as part of his training with the elite Para regiment of the Indian Army.

Dhoni, who has been undergoing training at the Paratroopers Training School (PTS) since August 6, jumped with a canopy static line parachute from the aircraft and touched down at the Malpura dropping zone near Agra, Defence sources said.

He has to undertake four more jumps from 10,000 feet, including one at night, to be a qualified parajumper.

The World Cup-winning Indian captain is undergoing a two-week training for para jumping.

Dhoni and Olympic shooting champion Abhinav Bindra were conferred the honorary Lt Colonel rank in September, 2011.

Sachin Tendulkar is also an honorary Group Captain in the IAF.

Dhoni was conferred the honour for outstanding contribution in the field of sports and his commitment to the Army on various occasions.