Sports biggest stars retiring in 2017

Usain Bolt, the greatest sprinter of all time (no disputing that!), bid adieu to the sport in August this year. The 30-year-old, winner of eight Olympic gold medals, had to settle for bronze in his last individual race and then limped away in his final track appearance in the 4X100 m relay at the IAAF World Championships in London. <br> For someone we are so used to seeing clinching the the gold medal at every track event he competes, it was a bit of an anticlimactic end.

India’s Ashish Nehra brought the curtains down on his 18-year career in November this year. A fragile frame, injury setbacks and unforgiving conditions in the Indian sub-continent, the Delhi pacer gritted it all out to retire as one of the India's most venerated fast bowlers. <br> His six-wicket haul against England in the World Cup in 2003 will forever remain a highlight of his career and a lasting memory for his fans.

Another athletics legend by the name of Mo Farah hung up his boots this year. The 2012 and 2016 Olympic gold medallist in 5,000m and 10,000m, the most successful British track athlete, announced his retirement from track racing this year. <br> Unlike Bolt, Farah signed off in style with a victory in his final race -- the 5000m run at the Diamond League meeting in Zurich. A knighthood and BBC Sports personality of the year award capped off a wonderful year for the Brit, who will be seen running marathons henceforth.

Williams driver Felipe Massa retired from Formula One this year. Though he announced his retirement last year as well, he had to reconsider after Valtteri Bottas joined Mercedes. This time, however, he insists he has retired for good. <br> The Brazilian made his debut with Sauber in 2002, before moving to Ferrari and winning 11 Grand Prix races with the Italian team. He stood 11th in the final drivers’ standings in his last season as a Formula One driver.

Pakistan’s long serving workhorses Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq called it quits from international cricket at the end of a triumphant West Indies series in May this year. <br> Younis scored 10,099 Test runs in 118 matches, including 34 hundreds and 33 half-centuries while Misbah finished with 5,222 runs in 75 Tests, including 10 centuries and 39 half-centuries.

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Usain Bolt, the greatest sprinter of all time (no disputing that!), bid adieu to the sport in August this year. The 30-year-old, winner of eight Olympic gold medals, had to settle for bronze in his last individual race and then limped away in his final track appearance in the 4X100 m relay at the IAAF World Championships in London. <br> For someone we are so used to seeing clinching the the gold medal at every track event he competes, it was a bit of an anticlimactic end.