World of sport pays tribute to Nelson Mandela

South Africa's greatest son passed away last night, aged 95, but sporting figures from across the globe quickly underlined his contribution and a unique ability to use sport as a beacon of hope.

Muhammad Ali, Pele, Usain Bolt and FIFA president Sepp Blatter all gave their tributes today while England and Australia observed a minute's silence at the Adelaide Oval on day two of the second Ashes Test.

Mandela famously brought a country – riven by hatred, separation and fear – together in 1995 during an iconic Rugby World Cup in South Africa when he presented the Webb Ellis trophy to Francois Pienaar.

He once said of sport: "It has the power to change the world.

"It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It is more powerful than government in breaking down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all kinds of discrimination."

Ali said today: "What I will remember most about Mr Mandela is that he was a man whose heart, soul and spirit could not be contained or restrained by racial and economic injustices, metal bars or the burden of hate and revenge.

"He taught us forgiveness on a grand scale. He inspired others to reach for what appeared to be impossible and moved them to break through the barriers that held them hostage mentally, physically, socially and economically. He made us realise, we are our brother's keeper and that our brothers come in all colours."

Pele called Mandela "one of the most influential people in my life" and "my hero" as he offered his condolences on Twitter. Bolt added his thoughts, tweeting: "One of the greatest human beings ever. May your soul rest in peace. The world's greatest fighter." And as football began to turn its thoughts to tonight's World Cup draw in Rio, Blatter said: "It is in deep mourning that I pay my respects to an extraordinary person, probably one of the greatest humanists of our time and a dear friend of mine: Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.

"He and I shared an unwavering belief in the extraordinary power of football to unite people in peace and friendship, and to teach basic social and educational values as a school of life. He will stay in our hearts forever."

The South African Rugby Union chief executive, Oregan Hoskins, said in a statement: "All of our lives are poorer today at the extinguishing of the great beacon of light and hope that led the way for our country through the transition to democracy.

"His name will rank among that of the greatest liberators and humanitarians for as long as mankind walks the earth. Through his extraordinarily vision, he was able to use the 1995 Rugby World Cup as an instrument to help promote nation building just one year after South Africa's historic first democratic election."