BARCELONA: Top Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal was named the top Spanish athlete of 2013 at Gran Mundo Deportivo Gala held in Barcelona on Monday, ARY News reports.
Players from around the world had gathered at Palau de Congresos de Catalunya for the occasion.
Rafael Nadal, after winning his award, said that the game has two routes; winning and losing. "Sports has given me a lot which I can never forget", Nadal said.
Barcelona mid fielder Xavi Hernandez was awarded for his outstanding performance in football. He was rewarded for representing the Barcelona team in 700 matches.
South African rugby legend Francois Pienaar paid tribute to the first black president of South Africa Nelson Mandela in the awards ceremony.
