The Rio Olympics, Portugal winning the Euro Championships, the passing of the great Mohammad Ali, Russian track & field athletes being banned for the Olympics -- what an eventful year 2016 has been!
As we prepare to cruise into the New Year, Rediff.com gives you a glance back, through photos, into all the sporting moments that made the last 12 months memorable.
Mess'i'ing It Up
IMAGE: Argentina's Lionel Messi reacts after missing his penalty kick during the Copa America Centenario final against Chile on June 26. Photograph: Mike Stobe/Getty Images
Dangal Queen
IMAGE: IMAGE: India’s Sakshi Malik celebrates with a team member after defeating Aisuluu Tynybekova of Kyrgyzstan in the 58kg freestyle bronze medal play-off at the Rio Olympics on August 18. Photograph: Toru Hanai/Reuters
She Said Yes!
IMAGE: Rugby player Isadora Cerullo of Brazil kisses Marjorie, a volunteer, after receiving her wedding proposal on the sidelines of the women's rugby medal ceremony at the Rio Olympics on August 9. Photograph: Alessandro Bianchi/Reuters
Cup Of Life
IMAGE: Portugal players celebrate with the Euro Championship trophy after their win over France in the final on June 10. Photograph: Christian Hartmann/Reuters
Unbound Joy
IMAGE: Carlos Brathwaite celebrates with his West Indies team mates after winning the World T20 final on April 4. Photograph: Gareth Copley/Getty Images
Flying Swiss
IMAGE: Xherdan Shaqiri of Switzerland scores his team's first goal against Poland in their Euro quarter-final on June 25. Photograph: Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Let Your Hair Down
IMAGE: Venezuela’s Maryoly Gamez battles for the ball against Uruguay’s Victoria Rios during the International Womens Rugby Sevens - Aquece Rio Test Event for the Rio 2016 Olympics at Deodoro Olympic Park in Rio de Janeiro, on March 6. Photograph: Buda Mendes/Getty Images
In A Parallel Space
IMAGE: France’s Gael Monfils dives for a forehand in his fourth round match against Russia’s Andrey Kuznestov during day eight of the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 25. Photograph: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Head Turner
IMAGE: Korea’s Yeon Jae Son competes during the Women's Individual All-Around Rhythmic Gymnastics Final on Day 15 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Rio Olympic Arena in Rio de Janeiro on August 20. Photograph: Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Bubble Wrap
IMAGE: Great Britain’s Zak Logue competes in the Men's 400 Individual Medley heats on day three of the British Swimming Championships at Tollcross International Swimming Centre in Glasgow, Scotland, on April 14. Photograph: Clive Rose/Getty Images
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