Sports is, however, not just breaking records. It cuts across caste, community, national and political barriers. It inspires the participants, enthralls the spectators, thus establishing a strong, invisible link between them. A Lord's Test match, Centre Court final at Wimbledon, the Olympics - these are the rich traditions which have survived the stress and strain of modern life.

Few of us can be great athletes, but all of us can be physically fit. And this is what drives us to play some game, indulge in some sport, do some exercise. Of course, the thrill of playing exciting matches and confronting intriguing challenges are the other reasons to involve oneself in some sport or the other.

Both outdoor and indoor games have their advantages. Circumstances, weather, interests have been the influencing factors towards either choice.

Constraints of space, availability of persons, erratic weather conditions, increasing pollution, an introverted personality, all have a solution in indoor sports. Serving to be an all- year-round activity, an indoor game remains undisturbed by seasonal changes. Besides, indoor sports help consume less space. For several over-protective parents and old grandparents, having their children in view while playing an indoor game, is surely relieving to the former and reliving good-old-days to the latter. For those caught up in hectic life schedules, a dark evening is hardly an attraction to go and play in the open. For such circumstances, an indoor sport is ideal to unwind and keep fit simultaneously.

All said and done, undoubtedly the worth of outdoor sports can never be underestimated. The feel of the sun, fresh air and open, unconfined surroundings while indulging in an outdoor sport are natural ways of toning up. Unfettered by boundary limits of an enclosed space - area, stale air and a cocooned environment - outdoor games are surely refreshing and vitally defensive against the ravages of infections.

After spending hours in class rooms and offices, children and elders equally, crave for outdoor activity that will supply fresh oxygen to their skin and muscles. Involving larger numbers, surely an outdoor game develops qualities of co-operation, tolerance, team-spirit and leadership.

Endlessly fascinating, vitalising and relieving are sports, outdoor or indoor, each being an option open as per taste, interest, convenience, circumstances, capacity, necessity or compulsion thus offering ways to keep fit, unwind, tone up and avoid the ills of over-weight.