Novak Djokovic, Genzebe Dibaba the best at Laureus Awards

World No 1 Men’s Tennis player Novak Djokovic and Genzebe Dibaba won the Laureus sportsman and sportswomen of the year earlier today.

Indian legendary player Sachin Tendulkar was also inducted into the Laureus Academy during the ceremony. Kapil Dev and Rahul Dravid are the other Indian cricketers who have received the recognition.

Djokovic left behin Lewis Hamilton (UK), Renaud Lavillenie (France), Rory McIlroy (UK), Marc Marquez (Spain) and Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) for the top honour. He won this honour in 2012 as well.

“This is probably the crown of my 2014 season that has been highlighted with winning Wimbledon, regaining No 1 in the world and becoming a father. It has probably been my best year so far in my life,” said Djokovic, who won the French Open, Wimbledon and Tour Finals last year, in a message.

Genzebe Dibaba, who broke 3 world records in 3 different events of track and field pipped Valerie Adams (NZ), Marit Bjorgen (Norway), Tina Maze (Slovenia), Li Na (China) and Serena Williams (USA) to win the sportswoman of the year award.

Dibaba when asked about how she felt on receiving the award, said, “I am excited for myself, my family and my country. It (award) will give me great encouragement. I will work hard and plan to bring gold to my country.”

Retired Chinese professional basketball player Yao Ming, Kenyan long-distance runner Tegla Loroupe, Chinese gymnast Li Xiaopeng and former Chinese short track speed skater Yang Yang were few other athletes who were inducted into the Laureus Academy.

Former Indian Cricket Sachin Tendulkar said on being inducted into the academy, “It is a huge honour standing here, being a new member of the Laureus Academy. I never thought that guys whom I watched growing up, I will be sharing the stage with them.”