As another action-packed year draws to a close, it’s time to refresh our memory of those special moments in the sporting arena that made 2015 memorable.
In a three-part special, Rediff.com takes you back in time through captivating photographs that marked the big moments on the playing field.
From Novak Djokovic’s top performances, to Australia’s ICC World Cup triumph, Sania Mirza’s fabulous run and more scintillating moments are frozen in time in this beautiful photo-feature.
IMAGE: Jamaica's Usain Bolt celebrates with his mother Jennifer Bolt after winning gold in the men's 100 metres final on Day 2 of the 15th IAAF World Athletics Championships at the Beijing National Stadium, in China, on Sunday, August 23. Photograph: Michael Steele/Getty Images
IMAGE: FC Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Xavi Hernandez celebrate with the trophy after winning the UEFA Champions League final against Juventus at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin on June 6. Considered one of the finest midfielders of all-time, Xavi announced in May he would leave after more than two decades with the club he joined at the age of 11 during which he won 25 trophies, including four Champions Leagues and eight La Liga titles. Photograph: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
- I can't ask for any more, to leave this way is perfect: Xavi
IMAGE: Sachin Tendulkar in action during Game 1 of the Cricket All Stars League on November 7. Photograph: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports/Reuters
- All Stars: Sachin's Blasters lose to Warne's Warriors in Game 1
IMAGE: The United States'Serena Williams and Serbia's Novak Djokovic dance on stage at the Wimbledon Champions Dinner, at the Guild Hall, in London, on Sunday, July 12. Photograph: Thomas Lovelock - AELTC Pool/Getty Images
- Champions Djokovic, Serena show off their footwork at Wimbledon ball
IMAGE: Grant Elliott, who scored a six off the penultimate delivery to win the match for New Zealand, helps South Africa pacer Dale Steyn off the ground at the end of their 2015 ICC World Cup semi-final on March 24. Photograph: Hannah Peters/Getty Images
IMAGE: Real Madrid captain and goalkeeper Iker Casillas cries as he read a statement announcing his departure from the Spanish club at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on June 12. Photograph: Andrea Comas/Reuters
IMAGE: A Chelsea fan with a France banner before the Premier League match between Chelsea and Norwich City on November 21. Photograph: Matthew Childs/Reuters
IMAGE: Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates with the trophy after winning the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. He beat Switzerland's Roger Federer in the final at the 02 Arena, in London, on November 22. Photograph: Tony O'Brien Livepic/Action Images via Reuters
IMAGE: Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton during player introductions prior to the NFL game against the Washington Redskins at Bank of America Stadium on November 22. Photograph: Bob Donnan/Reuters
IMAGE: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav (centre) poses with ISL’s Delhi Dynamos' coach Roberto Carlos (3rd from left) and other team officials during unveiling of the new team jersey near the Taj Mahal in Agra on September 19. Photograph: PTI
IMAGE: Pakistan's Ahmed Shehzad (top) collides with Sri Lanka's Kaushal Silva as he tries to make his ground on the third day of their second Test in Colombo on June 27. Photograph: Dinuka Liyanawatte/Reuters
IMAGE: Atletico Madrid's Jose Maria Gimenez is dejected at the end of their Champions League second leg quarter-final against Real Madrid on April 22. Atletico were the finalists in the 2013-14 season. Photograph: Sergio Perez/Reuters