- By Vishal Pushkar
- Mon, 01 Jan 2024 08:25 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
In a remarkable achievement, Indian cricket star Virat Kohli emerged victorious in the Pubity Male Athlete of The Year Award, surpassing Argentine footballing legend Lionel Messi. The announcement was made on December 31, with Kohli receiving widespread acclaim for his stellar performances in 2023.
Kohli had an exceptional year in both Tests and ODIs, breaking multiple records, including becoming the first batter to score 50 ODI centuries. Notably, he set a world record for the most runs in a single edition of the World Cup, amassing 765 runs. The former Indian captain's outstanding contributions on the cricket field earned him a significant fan following and global recognition.
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Competing against the likes of Messi, Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, LeBron James, and Max Verstappen, Kohli secured a commanding 78% of the votes, while Messi received 28%. Despite Messi winning the Times Athlete of the Year, Kohli's dominance in the Pubity Male Athlete of The Year Award highlighted his widespread popularity and achievements in the sporting world.
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While Messi had a relatively average year in 2023, Kohli's exceptional performances, particularly in the World Cup, contributed to his success in the Pubity awards. The 35-year-old Indian batter's consistent excellence and record-breaking feats solidified his status as one of the premier athletes on the global stage.