With two quadrennial events in the same year, 2008 could hardly be shorn of glam. The ceaseless build-up, the constant advertising and the intertwined stories of the athletes involved made sure that both the Euros (held in Austria-Switzerland) and the Olympics were events to behold, especially the latter.

For the first time. China removed her veil and showcased herself in all her glory to the whole world amidst a sea of gold medals and a rise to the top of the Olympic world (despite the USA's innovative table!).

But while these two events dominated news in the sporting calendar, the underlying theme of the year was one of drama.

From the nail-biting finish in the

2008

greatest tennis match of all time' to the unparalleled excitement of the Formula 1 circuit in Brazil, sport had us on the edge of our seat all year long. Only Usain Boh seemed free of tension coasting home in some style, although even the peerless Michael Phelps had to rely on the last 'minute' heroics of teammate Jason Lezak to keep his dreams alive. Cristiano Ronaldo shanked his penalty kick but still managed to win his coveted European Cup while underdogs Rajasthan Royals rode on the nerveless Shane Warne to win the IPL in the very last over of the cricket's new money-spinner.

In a sector increasingly affected by commercialism, these are the specific events that continue to bring the fans

back by the droves.

The financial crises has left people shorn of money and the willingness to spend on a luxury like sporting events should theoretically go down.

But the beauty of sport Is such that despite these inclement circumstances, despite the pain and suffering, the drama associated with it is what keeps bringing us back.

This year, like many others, sports has offered us an avenue that allows us to escape, if fleetingly, the problems that plague us. It gives us hope and confidence and belief to keep doing the right thing and try as much as you can and then try some more.

It's this intangible aspect that tie us to the games we love for, Cod help us, forever.