Sports figures including Jamaican sprint star Usain Bolt and NBA Most Valuable Player Stephen Curry pepper Time magazine's 2016 "100 Most Influential People" list published Thursday.

US golfer Jordan Spieth, Britain's Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton, UFC great Ronda Rousey and American swimmer Katie Ledecky also made the list.

So did Indian tennis player Sania Mirza, ranked number one in the world in doubles who was praised as an inspiration to a generation of Indians in a tribute written by cricketer Sachin Tendulkar.

Ziggy Marley writes on Bolt, calling him a "unifying force" in Jamaica, while ballerina Misty Copeland writes in appreciation of Golden State Warriors star Curry.

Other names with sporting links to make the list include Caitlyn Jenner -- the former Olympic decathlon champion turned transgender icon.
Source: AFP