MS Dhoni felicitated with resolution in his honour in New Jersey

New York: Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, currently on a private visit to the US, has been honoured with a resolution in New Jersey for his on-field achievements and for being an inspiration, particularly to children around the world with his "outstanding character".

The Edison Council of the Township of Edison felicitated Dhoni with the Resolution at a private ceremony in New Jersey's Toms River city.

Edison Cricket Club President Atul Huckoo presented the resolution to Dhoni that honoured him for being "one of the greatest finishers in limited overs cricket."

The resolution noted Dhoni's accomplishments in cricket, beginning from his debut in 2004 to leading the country to spectacular wins in crucial tournaments like the 2007 ICC World Twenty, the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.

"By virtue of his leadership skills, outstanding conduct and character, humility and aversion to seeking publicity off the field, Dhoni has become an inspiration to children of all ages around the world, including South Asian children in New Jersey?," the resolution said.

"The Municipal Council of the Township of Edison recognises, commends and congratulates Mahendra Singh Dhoni for his overall athletic excellence in the field of limited-overs cricket and for his inspiration and outstanding character both on and off the field," the resolution added.

It also noted that Edison has become Dhoni's "hide-away" and "home away from home" during the off season.

It said South Asian parents in Edison are "delighted" to see Dhoni's "leadership attributes and humility" reflected in their own children, "making them better citizens of the world."

Earlier on Sunday, Dhoni had made a rare public appearance in the US, attending puja at the Siddhivinayak Temple in Toms Rover.

Dhoni, accompanied by his wife Sakshi and former Deputy Chief Minister of Jharkhand Sudesh Kumar Mahto, performed puja at the temple, which is under construction and will open to the public later this year.

Dressed casually in jeans and t-shirt, Dhoni interacted briefly with the about 150 gathering of local residents who cheered their cricket hero and jostled to take selfies with him.

Interacting with the Indian diaspora, Dhoni called on them to keep supporting the team, which he said is going through a lot of changes and is a "good team".

"Keep supporting us. We have a good side, we have a good team. We are in a phase where we are going through a lot of changes but with all due support of yours we will keep doing well," Dhoni had said.