Sports and Games

Sports and games are given much encouragement all over the world. This has been so from ancient times. The Greeks attached great importance to athletics. The Olympic Games of today had their origins in ancient Greece. Today, based on the pattern of the Olympics, we have regional athletic meets, such as the Asian Games, held annually or biennially in different parts of the world.

These games are intended for young men and women because sports and games keep men and women physically fit and healthy. Why? A nation that is full of weaklings, of both genders, will be ruined. So, every nation encourages sports and games from the very beginning of a child's education.

Apart from toning muscles and developing a good physique, sports and games also help build up a person's stamina and endurance. Coordination of the limbs and reflexes are developed and sharpened. The defense of a country depends largely on the physical and mental fitness of its defense personnel. That is why all defense-related branches of a country attach a lot of significance to sports and games and encourages its members to participate in sports and games.

There are psychological benefits, too. They promote the development of spirit, courage and determination, to fight and struggle for success against all odds. And, they inculcate a sense of fair play and discipline, obedience and a sense of duty, team-spirit and cooperation, and above all sportsmanship.

Sportsmanship means many things: a mental attitude to behave in a gentlemanly manner on all occasions; a scrupulous observance of rules and regulations; a proper regard for and understanding of the concept of leadership; and the spirit to accept success and failure with an equal measure of cheerfulness.

It was the Duke of Wellington who remarked: 'The Battle of Waterloo was won on the fields of Eton." This statement emphasizes the importance of the qualities that sports and games inculcate in us. No doubt sports and games entertain and thrill us, but more valuable are the qualities that we develop because of our participation in sports. Our future attitudes and outlook on life, our ability to face the vicissitudes of life, all depend on these qualities.