Ten Heart-Breaking Moments in Sports' 2014
While the year 2014 brought a lot of cheer to sports fans around the world, epic defeats, nagging injuries and a few tragic deaths also cast a dark shadow.
The following ten news came as the biggest shock in the world of sports in 2014.
* A nation in tears as Brazil crash out of FIFA World Cup (July 9)
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Brazil's World Cup dream was smashed into oblivion as majestic Germany ran riot to win an extraordinary semi-final 7-1 to send the host nations out of the tournament. (Match report)
* NASCAR Star Tony Stewart fatally hits driver during on-tack confrontation (August 11)
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NASCAR driver Tony Stewart struck and killed another driver while competing in a dirt track sprint car event at Canandaigua Motorsports Park in New York state.
A graphic video posted on YouTube showed Stewart, a three-time Sprint Cup champion in NASCAR, hitting the driver, Kevin Ward Jr., 20, as Ward stood outside his race car on the track.
* Sarita Devi loses controversial Asian Games semifinal boxing bout (September 30)
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India's Sarita Devi lost her Asian Games lightweight (57-60kg) boxing semifinal against South Korea's Jina Park under controversial circumstances. Despite landing heavy blows on the local favourite, the judges chose to declare Park the winner on points, leaving Sarita visibly agitated and standing in the middle of the ring in utter disbelief. (Match report)
She later refused to accept the bronze medal and was subsequently suspended by AIBA for a year.
* F1 racer Jules Bianchi injured in car crash at Suzuka (October 5)
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Wet conditions in the Japanese Grand Prix turned tragic when Frenchman Jules Bianchi rammed his Marussia into a recovery vehicle.
Bianchi was rushed to hospital in an unconscious state and his condition was described as serious. He eventually came out of coma and has been shifted to France for further treatment. (Full report)
* Badminton Star Lee Chong Wei Suspended on doping charges (November 11)
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Malaysia's world number one Lee Chong Wei was provisionally suspended for an "apparent" anti-doping violation.
* Phillip Hughes' tragic death stuns world of cricket (November 27)
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Australian Test cricketer Phillip Hughes died in hospital after he was in coma for three days following a head injury sustained while playing in a Sheffield Shield game.
While fellow Australian players - including national captain Michael Clarke - were shocked at the unfortunate incident, other players and fans at large too joined hands in a show of solidarity for the Hughes family.
* Pele admitted to hospital (November 27)
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Football legend Pele was rushed to the hospital and remained there for a few weeks. He complained of pain in kidney but has since been recovering well. (Read in full here)
* Injury keeps Rafael Nadal out (December 1)
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Wrist and back trouble kept former world No. 1 Rafael Nadal out of action for most parts of the year. Every time it looked as if he would hit the court hard, news emerged of medical experts advising the Spaniard to take his time and take it easy.
* Tiger Woods' horrid comeback after injury layoff (December 5)
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Tiger Woods was a pale shadow of his former self when he came out to play in the Hero World Challenge. The legendary golfer had spent most of the year getting his back treated and the obvious discomfort showed on the greens. (Read in full here)
* Muhammad Ali's health deteriorates (December 21)
Legendary heavyweight boxer had health-related issues through the year. A patient of Parkinson's disease for years, he was under medical supervision for most parts of the year. Rumours of his health steadily deteriorating - largely stemming from his brother's statements - did not bode well for fans either. His doctor and daughter though maintained that there was no cause of concern.
In the first week of December however, Ali was once again admitted to the hospital with a mild case of pneumonia. (Read more here)