Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel and swimmer Missy Franklin on Wednesday won the Laureus World Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year Awards respectively in a ‘starry night’ at the Istana Budaya centre here, which saw a galaxy of luminaries from the world of sports and entertainment descending on a common platform.
At 26, Germany’s Vettel is the youngest four-time Formula One world champion.
American swimming sensation, Missy, at 18, became the youngest ever winner of the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award.
Tennis superstar and multiple Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal of Spain claimed the Comeback of the Year award while the World Breakthrough of the Year Award went to another Spaniard, Marc Marquez, for winning the World MotoGP Championship at just 20 years and 266 days.
Indian cricket legend Kapil Dev, one of the academy members of the Laureus Sport For Good Foundation, was among the host of sporting legends present at the event.
Indian NGO and Laureus Foundation’s strategic partner in the country, Magic Bus Foundation, bagged the Sport for Good Award, which was received by Matthew Spacey.
German football giant Bayern Munich bagged the award in the Team of the Year category.
The Laureus World Sports Awards are the premier honours on the international sporting calendar. The winners are chosen by the Laureus World Sports Academy, the ultimate sports jury, made up of 46 of the greatest living sportsmen and sportswomen.
Proceeds from the awards directly benefit and underpin the work of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. Since its inception, it has raised millions for projects which have improved the lives of millions of young people.
Condolences There was also mention of the MH 370 air mishap and the event paid condolences to the ones who are reported to be no more and their bereaved families.
The Laureus World Sports Academy presented two additional discretionary Awards.
The Laureus Spirit of Sport Award was won by the Afghanistan cricket team, which qualified for the World Cup for the first time in its history, and the Laureus Sport for Good Award was presented to Magic Bus, the sports-based community project in India.
The awards ceremony was hosted by British actor Benedict Cumberbatch. Oscar and Grammy winner Jamie Foxx performed in front of the star-studded audience.
