PTI
 
New Delhi, Sep 25: On Wednesday Kapil Dev was commissioned into the Territorial Army (TA), the part-time citizen's force which functions as a 'vital adjunct' to the regular Army, as an honorary lieutenant colonel.

"I am proud to wear an Army uniform and at this age to serve the country in this uniform is a proud moment for me," Kapil Dev said soon after he was formally commissioned into the Punjab Regiment of the citizen's army.

The honours were done by Army chief General Deepak Kapoor himself at the Defence Ministry headquarters, South Block, and Kapil accepted the commissioning as perfectly as a professional army officer would.

"I was very happy and delighted to play cricket. Now I am equally happy and more proud to wear my country's Army uniform. I hope and am sure I can serve them to the best of my abilities," Kapil said.

The legendary cricketer has inspired thousands of youth in the country to pick up a bat and a ball. Today, as a Lt. Col in the army, Kapil hopes to inspire them to don the Olive Green and to protect the country.

"If Kapil has the vigour to join and serve the Army now, then I am sure there will be several youngsters who will be inspired by him to join the Army. He is TA's Brand Ambassador and we will use his services to get more youngsters to serve in Olive Green," TA Additional Director General Major General KVS Lalorra said.

Dev, 50, has been inducted into 150 TA (Infantry) battalion of the Punjab Regiment. But for this moment, Kapil had to prepare for six months before he could pick up his rank. "It was about a year ago that he decided to join the TA after a lot of discussions and knowing about the service. And he has been practising to be an Army officer for the last six months now," Kapil's wife Romi Dev said.

Even after he arrived at the decision, it took another six months before he could formally be commissioned into TA.

"I thank the President, Prime Minister, Defence Minister, Home Ministry, Delhi Government and the Police for this honour," Kapil said.

Talking about the importance he attached to the Army uniform, the cricketer-turn-colonel said: "I served the country in a different manner earlier. I already have the passion to serve the country. May be that was the first innings and this is the second innings. I would like to serve as best as I can."

Asked whether he would wield a Kalashnikov rifle against the nation's enemies, instead of his potent cricket ball that he used so well against batsmen, Kapil said: "How far will I go, only my commander's directive and direction will dictate. I will try my best to serve my country in whichever and whatever manner I can."