Sachin Tendulkar's World Cup celebration bags Laureus Sporting Moment award

'Carried on the shoulders of a nation' was voted as the best Laureus Sporting Moment of the last 20 years.

Sachin Tendulkar being 'carried on the shoulders of a nation' has been nominated as one of the 20 Laureus Sporting Moment of the last 20 years.Photo: ICC

Sachin Tendulkar's honour-laden celebration after winning the 2011 World Cup has been voted as the top moment from the last two decades as recognised by the Laureus Sporting Moment 2000-2020.

Named 'Carried on the shoulders of a nation' in a poll conducted on the Laureus website, the moment transpired with Sachin Tendulkar won the World Cup in his sixth and final attempt, aptly at his home ground at the Wankhede Stadium, after India sealed the match against Sri Lanka by six wickets and 10 balls to spare.

"This is a reminder of how powerful sport is and what magic it does to all of our lives," he said with the Laureus trophy in his hand. "We experienced the power of sport and that has stayed with me even now when I watch that moment.

"It was obviously the proudest moment of my life... holding that beautiful (World Cup) trophy which I chased for 22 years," he said. "But I never gave up. I never lost hope. I was merely lifting that trophy on behalf of my countrymen, India. And that has given me a lot of satisfaction."

After the victory, Sachin Tendulkar made a lap of honour holding and waving an Indian flag with his team carrying him on their shoulders, which according to Laureus constitutes to have "transcended the field of play and unified and inspired fans worldwide."

All-rounder Yusuf Pathan is largely seen carrying Sachin Tendulkar, who is now also the League Ambassador of the T20 Mumbai league, cycling with other teammates that included the now captain Virat Kohli.

"Sachin Tendulkar has carried the burden of the nation for 21 years, it's time we carried him," Virat Kohli had reasoned then.

It was one of the two moments selected from cricket, along with Andrew Flintoff's consolation handshake with the heartbroken Brett Lee after England won the Ashes in 2005.

"After 28 years of sorrow for his country – and 19 years for Tendulkar personally – Tendulkar led India to their first World Cup title since 1983," the Laureus website had said. "After such dedication to his country, the fans and his team, Tendulkar made a lap of honour in front of raucous cheers, shedding tears of joy after achieving such a momentous victory in his home city."

The voting was open to the public and concluded on 16 February.       

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