Serbian tennis star and World No 1, Novak Djokovic, won the Sportsman of the Year at the Laureus Sports Awards 2012 in London on Monday.

Djokovic beat the likes of Dirk Nowitzki, Lionel Messi, Usain Bolt, Sebastian Vettel and Cadel Evans to clinch the award on what was a star-studded night at the event.

Djokovic said, "It's a spectacular feeling and difficult to describe with words. I have to stay optimistic, believe in what I can do, believe in my abilities and believe that I can win on all surfaces.

"I have proven on numerous occasions that I can really be one of the candidates to win every Grand Slam on every surface. I need to keep that up. Roland Garros is the one to win this year," he added, talking about his aim to win the French Open this year.

Kenyan distance runner Vivian Cheruiyot, who performed exceptionally, winning the 5,000- and 10,000-meter titles at the world championships last year, deservedly took home the Sportswoman of the Year award.

Spanish football giants, Barcelona, were named the best team after a stellar 2011 in which Pep Guardiola's players won the double -- a Spanish La Liga title and the Champions League.

Twenty-two-year-old Rory McIlroy won the breakthrough of the year award for his win at the US Open at Congressional, becoming the second-youngest player to win a major since 1934.

"It was a great year to win my first major and to get into the top three in the world rankings," McIlroy said. "I think 2012 is going to be a really exciting year. I'd love to back up my US Open win with another major this year, and hopefully try and get to No. 1."

It was also a moment of pride for Irish golfer Darren Clarke, who was honored with the comeback of the year award. The 43-year-old won his first golf major by capturing the British Open at Royal St. George's last year.

England and Manchester United great Sir Bobby Charlton received the lifetime achievement award. The award came 54 years to the day after surviving the Munich air disaster that killed eight members of his Manchester United team

Charlton couldn't attend the awards ceremony due to a minor surgery he underwent before the function. Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson accepted the award on Charlton's behalf.

Double amputee Oscar Pistorius won the disability award.

The winners were chosen by 47 sports stars who make up the Laureus sports academy. The members of the Academy include Jack Nicklaus, Michael Johnson, Monica Seles, Steve Waugh and Franz Beckenbauer.

Here UK Prime Minister David Cameron is seen with (back row left to right) Sean Fitzpatrick, Gary Player, Nadia Comaneci, Novak Djokovic, Boris Becker, Oscar Pistorius, Steve Regrave, Mark Spitz (front row left-right) Dame Kelly Holmes, Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, David Cameron, Edwin Moses and Martina Navratilova.

Also present at the event were some former sporting greats including former Arsenal captain Patrick Viera with wife Cheryl and tennis hall of famer Monica Seles.

Laureus Academy member Boris Becker, who presented Djokovic the best Sportsman award, came for the event with his wife Harley Kersenberg.

Another winner of the nighr was former Brazilian footballer Rai, who won the Sport For Good Award for his campaigning for social justice.