It's that time of the year again - it's time to recognize and felicitate the sportsmen for their contributions and award-winning performances. And what better way to start the award revelry than Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year award.

To begin with, Olympic bronze medallist Saina Nehwal was conferred the Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year, while her mentor and coach Pullela Gopichand received the Coach of the year award.

The event was initiated and organized by the sports magazine to acknowledge and felicitate the contribution and good performances of the year 2012.

"The 14 categories in which the awards were presented include Young Player of the Year award, won by U-19 world cup winning captain Unmukt Chand, while Athlete of the Year was presented to young India cricketer Virat Kohli. Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman, the Indian batting stalwarts, who retired from international cricket last year were given the Lifetime Achievement Award for their contribution to the sport," reported a leading daily.

"Wrestler Sushil Kumar, who won became the first Indian to win back-to-back individual Olympic medals, was adjudged the ' Gamechanger of the Year' for bagging a silver medal at London Games."

Team of the Year award went to India U-19 Cricket Team for winning ICC Under-19 World Cup in Australia for the third time.

(AW: Suchorita Dutta)