Kohli: 'Being on Sportstar's cover like a childhood memory revived'

Virat Kohli received the Sportsman of the Year (cricket) award at the Sportstar Aces Awards, which is supported by Supreme Committee of Delivery and Legacy, in association with MRF.

Published : Feb 15, 2019 18:22 IST , Mumbai

Virat Kohli receives the Sportsman of the Year Award from Shane Warne.
Virat Kohli receives the Sportsman of the Year Award from Shane Warne.
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Virat Kohli receives the Sportsman of the Year Award from Shane Warne.

It’s not everyday that Virat Kohli and Shane Warne come together, but when they do, they make sure to create memories.

Earlier this week, there was one such moment when the Indian cricket captain was presented the  Sportstar Aces Award  Sportsman of the Year (Cricket) by the Australian spin legend, Warne, who was in the city as the brand ambassador of Rajasthan Royals.

As the two met, they had plenty to talk about. From the Australia tour to Test cricket--Kohli and Warne exchanged thoughts on different issues.

“The way he leads the team is very inspiring,” Warne said. “His love for Test cricket is something near to my heart. I love all forms of the game but Test cricket is very important because of its history and tradition. The way Virat inspires people around the world is fantastic and I can’t think anyone else better than (him) as the sportsman of the year,” Warne said.

The Aussie also believes that Kohli ‘stands up for what he believes in and speaks his heart.’ “He has got a lot of in-built skill and talent which is good competition and the will to complete the job. I congratulate him for this award and wish him more success,” he said.

As Warne spoke highly of the Indian captain, Kohli also made it clear that it was a dream come true for him to receive the award from his childhood hero. The India captain was also excited to be featured on the cover pages of the  Sportstar  magazine. “ Sportstar  for me used to be the posters (on the centre spread). I used to buy those magazines and would look forward to the posters,” he said, with a smile.

Read: Pujara wins Chairman's Choice Award

“Getting this award and being on the magazine’s cover now is like a childhood memory revived but the difference being I am on the cover now. To receive it from (Warne), one of my heroes growing up, is a dream come true,” Kohli said.

The India captain, who had a fantastic run last year--both as a batsman and a leader--also took out a centre spread poster of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, published in one of the issues of the magazine. “I am going to take the poster home and hand over to him,” the India captain said, walking down memory lane!

 

On Friday, Warne took to his social media handles to congratulate Kohli. “It was an absolute pleasure to present the  Sportstar  sportsman of the Year award a few days ago to the Indian skipper @virat.kohli. Congratulations buddy, keep up the great work & keep inspiring,” he wrote on Instagram.

Minutes after Warne tweeted, fans across the globe congratulated Kohli on the award on social media.

The Sportstar Aces Awards supported by Supreme Committee of Delivery and Legacy, in association with MRF, are an effort to highlight the untold stories of struggle, fierce dedication and selfless work behind an athlete’s ascension, irrespective of the popularity of the sport.

The awards look to create a medium of knowledge and vision exchange as it brings all stakeholders of Indian sports under one roof.

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