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.

Crazy scenes around the 18th green as Tiger Woods win the Tour Championship. Crowd chanting 'Tiger, Tiger, Tiger' and 'USA, USA, USA'pic.twitter.com/lFwUg0i2AB

— Francis Keogh (@HonestFrank) September 23, 2018

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.

It's been a remarkable 2018 for @BillyMonger

On Sunday, he was honoured with the BBC Sports Personality of the Year's Helen Rollason Award, for outstanding achievement in the face of adversity. We can't think of a more deserving winner 👏#SPOTY #BillyWhizz pic.twitter.com/rk9xbSUaSp

— Formula 1 (@F1) December 17, 2018

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.

How did @DjokerNole get from No. 22 to No. 1? 📈

See his incredible season unfold 👀 pic.twitter.com/kusT1P3pRv

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) November 5, 2018

BIDDING ADIEU

When Andres Iniesta said goodbye to Barcelona

This photo of @andresiniesta8 was taken at 1.30am - after all the hoopla, post match celebrations and plaudits - after everyone had gone home (and many had gone to bed) Iniesta in his bare feet went out onto the Nou Camp pitch and sat alone to reflect quietly pic.twitter.com/MJJ8zbjig4

— Joe Morrison (@joefooty) May 21, 2018

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

This is an emotional watch...#MerciArsène pic.twitter.com/jXmEP6xcTH

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 8, 2018

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

Fernando Alonso said goodbye to Formula 1

It's goodbye (for now) from Fernando Alonso 👋#GraciasFernando pic.twitter.com/7V7Fm9kW0J

— Formula 1 (@F1) November 25, 2018

Former India kabaddi captain Anup Kumar called time on his career

The day I took to playing Kabaddi professionally,I had one dream, to represent my country and bring back a gold medal,I am one of the few lucky people who had the opportunity to accomplish the most important dream of my life. pic.twitter.com/ddkTZhFJaf

— Anup Kumar (@IamAnupK) December 23, 2018

Indian legend Sardar Singh ended his international hockey career

314 Memorable Performances.
12 Years of Midfield Magic.
1 Legendary Career.#ThankYouSardar pic.twitter.com/JdQk2H7OQl

— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) September 14, 2018

Alastair Cook hung up his bat

Record after record... 🥇#ThankYouChef 👨‍🍳 pic.twitter.com/lfFKTVY3fw

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 12, 2018

South African cricket legend Ab de Villiers stepped aside

I’ve made a big decision today pic.twitter.com/In0jyquPOK

— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) May 23, 2018