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Padma Shri for VVS Laxman

January 25, 2011 16:32 IST

Cricketer VVS Laxman will be conferred the Padma Shri for his services to the game.

The Hyderabad batsman, who has played significant turns in securing many memorable wins for Team India in Tests, follows teammate Virender Sehwag in the list, the swashbuckling opener having been conferred the honour last year.

The Padma Shri is the fourth highest civilian honour in the country after the Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan.

Laxman joins the long list of cricketers to have been confirred the honour. It includes names like Bishan Singh Bedi, Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Sources said, wrestler Sushil Kumar, shooter Gagan Narang and athlete Krishna Poonia have also been named for  the award following phenomenal achievements last year.

Tendulkar is favourite to win the Bharat Ratna after demands for the same intensified in recent weeks.