SPORTSMANSHIP means not only taking part in sports
and playing the game in conformity with the rules prescribed, but also playing
the game of life in accordance with the spirit imbibed on the playing fields. A
true sportsman observes all those rules in life which he has been taught to
observe games. One who has achieved skill or proficiency in games but has not
learnt to apply the principles of sports to life in general does not deserve to
be called a sportsman. On the country, a man who gives evidence of possessing a
sporting spirit in the wider sphere of life but has not attained excellence in
games is still a sportsman. Usually those who play games develop into true
sportsmen because their character is molded by the training they are given on
the field.
Sportsmanship implies, first, fair play. In games
if any player plays foul, the side to which he belongs is penalized. Similarly
in the bigger game of life one must always be fair in ones dealings with
others. Fairness, honesty, integrity openness of heart of frankness -- these
are the qualities that a sportsman must display in life. One should not
Practice deception should not bluff. Should not cheat others and should indulge
in diplomacy or humility. A sportsman never takes induce advantage of the
weakness of his adversary nor does he is below the belt.
Next, sportsmanship implies obedience to the
leader. In; games the players have to obey. Their captain yield to him on points
on which they are in disagreement with him. They must repose the fullest
confidence in their captain. In life no. a sportsman yields to his superior
even if he does not agree with him. Respect for discipline is an essential part
of sportsmanship.
Team spirit is also an important element of
sportsmanship. In games the various players must cooperate with one another if
they wish to win a match. Without mutual cooperation success is impossible.
Similarly in whatever share of life one may be, one must aid and be aided by
one’s friends if one is a true sportsman. Sportsmanship consists in working in
full harmony with others. In Cooperation indeed is strength. Wherever a common
arm binds number of people together, they must display their sportsmanship by
working harmoniously, without friction or mutual jealousy. Finally, the spirit
of sportsmanship demands cheerfulness even in the face of a defeat. When two
players play a tennis match, the loser does not ‘cherish any grudge against the
winner; in fact the loser ‘congratulates his opponent on his success and shakes
hands with him.
Fair play respect for discipline, recognition of
the need for teamwork and cheerfulness even in the event of defeat are thus the
dominant marks of a sportsman. It is evident that sportsmanship is something
worthy of admiration. It is conducive to human happiness and welfare.