2018 in the rearview mirror: From Sardar Singh to Novak Djokovic, notable retirements and comebacks of year

Some of the biggest names in the world of sports — be it former India kabaddi captain Sardar Singh or Indian hockey legend Anup Kumar or Indian luge hero Shiva Keshavan — hung up their boots in 2018.

Elsewhere, long-standing associations ended, like Arsene Wenger walking away from Arsenal or Fernando Alonso quitting Formula 1.

The year also saw some memorable comebacks, from Tiger Woods finally winning a tournament to Novak Djokovic's rise from World No 22 to World No 1.

Here's a handy list of the retirements, the comebacks and the long-standing associations which ended in 2018:

It was perhaps the most surreal moment in golf in 2018. After some near-misses, Tiger Woods finally won a tournament since 2013 even as thousands followed him to the 18th green at the TOUR Championships.

Billy Monger had a horror crash in British Formula 4 last year which led to both his legs being amputated. This year, he made a comeback to motorsport, this time in British Formula 3. The 19-year-old even claimed pole position at Donington Park but could not replicate that during the main race in September.

Having undergone surgery on his elbow after the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic’s ranking slumped to 22 at one point. But he ended the season as World No 1, having won Wimbledon and the US Open in 2018.

BIDDING ADIEU

When Andres Iniesta said goodbye to Barcelona

Arsene Wenger bid adieu to Arsenal, ending a 22-year association with the London club

Luger Shiva Keshavan hung up his sled after having participated in a record six Winter Olympics

Fernando Alonso said goodbye to Formula 1

Former India kabaddi captain Anup Kumar called time on his career

Indian legend Sardar Singh ended his international hockey career

Alastair Cook hung up his bat

South African cricket legend Ab de Villiers stepped aside