The great advantage of sports is that they combine
exercise with thrill, excitement and sensation. In order that we should readily
take exercise, it should be made interesting and, as everybody knows practically
all kinds of games devised by man possess a certain degree of interest. Hockey,
football, cricket, tennis badminton, rowing, swimming - all these and others
not only give exercise to the limbs but also provide a good deal of excitement
and entertainment. Besides the competitive element in sports is a source of
thrills for the mind. Not only the players, but the spectators fell engrossed
in a game because of its suspense and unexpected turns. It is for these reasons
that sports form a very important part in education. A bookworm who takes no
share in sports is physically weak and all his mental excellence cannot make up
for his physical deficiency.
Sports benefit not only the body but also the mind.
Almost every game requires a certain degree of skill to play. Skill is mental quality.
Vigor alone is not enough in games like golf, cricket and tennis. Certain
dexterity is also needful.
Sports are an excellent means of spending one’s
leisure. All work and no play make Jack a dull boy. Sports are an interesting
and entertaining pastime. Most of the games are quite inexpensive too. There
are several other consideration which entitle sports to an important place in
life. It is usually by taking part in sports that we cultivate what is called
the spirit of sportsmanship. This spirit of sportsmanship is an excellent
quality in a man and consists of fair play, sense of discipline, capacity for
team work, and cooperation, and confidence in oneself that enables one to
accept a defeat cheerfully. A sportsman playing on the field is not expected to
play foul; he must not lose self-confidence but must shake hands with his
adversaries cheerfully. When a sportsman has acquired these qualities on the
playground, he will naturally exhibit them in the wider sphere of life. If he
has truly imbibed the lesson taught to him by sports, he will be very honest
and fair in his dealings with other people; he will never hit his enemies below
the belt; he will always obey his superiors; he will never feel heart-broken on
account of the disappointments. If he shows these qualities in his general
conduct, he has learnt how to live truly. His life is successful and he will be
admired everywhere.
Sports develop and encourage the spirit of healthy competition.
The competitive instinct is natural in man and demands outlets. Sports have
wide scope for the competitive instinct. Matches and tournaments and contests
are held to put to test the skill toughness, stamina and endurance of various
participants. Medals and other awards are an incentive to players to achieve
excellence and a high standard of performance in their respective fields. The healthy
spirit of rivalry and competition constantly leads to improvement in the
performance and previous records are constantly excelled or surpassed.