Sports: A Universal Language
19 August 2024, I got surprised when I saw Man City and Chelsea, an English Premier League (EPL) team, trending on Google in India. It was ranked at third in the trending list with a surprisingly 200K+ search volume. It shows that we have a huge taste for football despite a dominant cricket-loving population. Likewise there are many other ways, where we can think of India other than Cricket.
In recent times, many unpopular sports are fetching medals for India in various international games and tournaments. First, let us know something about sports in general.
Sports: A human language: Sports are an important aspect of any given society. It has always been present with humans at every point of time, be it the killing of animals in the old traditional society with a spear or throwing a javelin in the modern ground of Olympics. Sports provide an opportunity to refresh an individual physically and mentally. It has been an important part of recreational activity.
It transcends beyond our modern borders and connects people and cultures. It shows our collective aspirations, struggles, and common goals as humans. It brings diverse people on a common platform and develops a sense of shared identity. Cricket diplomacy between India and Pakistan helps the two arch-rivals share a common affiliation.
Sports also act as a microcosm of our society. It reflects its values and struggles. In the early 19th and 20th centuries, sports served as a leisure during the rise of industrialization.
In the modern capitalist world sports reflects the mindset of wealth accumulation. The higher the medal and ranking of a country in any sporting event, the greater the inference that the particular country cares about the physical health of their citizens. Generally, youth participating in sports implies that the youth are not idle.
National Sports Day:- National Sports day is celebrated on 29th of August every year in India on the occasion of legendary hockey player Dhyan Chands birthday anniversary. By celebrating this day we aim to recognize the achievement of Indian athletes which made country proud through their performances. The celebration of this day also aims to inspire individuals across age towards physical activities and promote the sports ethics between them.
Making Sports Culture Habit
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It is a traditional Indian martial art. Here the two competitors try to draw blood from each others heads using knuckledusters. Whoever draw blood on the rival head is considered as winner. |
Hey Readers, Have you ever heard of this fascinating sport called ‘Vajra Mushti Kalaga’?India boasts a rich heritage of sports. Indian diverse communities carry their own indigenous sports. Various forms of games exist in different communities and terrain across Indian villages. Malkhamba, a synthesis of gymnastics and wrestling, is grounded in Maharashtra’s culture. Similarly, Kalaripayattu, a martial art sport from Kerala, showcases training with weaponry mixed with dance steps and focuses on their unique culture. Ludo, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, and chess, having a deep root in the old-age Indian society, are still being played enthusiastically, and modernity has not affected its brilliance.
De-Hyphenation Policy in Sports: Usually cricket is blamed for the negligence of other sports in India. But over a time, various intellectuals have highlighted that the love for cricket is independent of the love for other sports. It means that we can concentrate and improve other sports while maintaining our interest in cricket.
Super Leagues:- Various new leagues have been introduced in the format of the Indian Premier League initially to boost the culture of other sports. Pro Kabaddi League, Indian super League, and Ultimate Kho-Kho are a few of the names.
Olympics:- The greatest sports show
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Do you know how many medals we won at the Paris Olympics in 2024? |
Olympic is the greatest sports show on Earth. It is played once in four years. It reveals a nation’s progress in sports on the global level.
The greatest event of international sports, the “Olympics” just concluded in Paris. Our performance indicates that we are still dependent on a few events but no presence in sports like swimming, gymnastics, boxing, etc. Therefore, the need of the hour is to broaden the base and end the inequality of providing funds for certain sports.
The Union sports ministry can bring revolutionary change by extinguishing nepotism and corruption in the bureaucratic structure. Building infrastructure for various sports at district level can absorb the best talent in various sports.
Khelo India has been launched in 375 districts across 29 states and UT’s. It provides an opportunity for the youngsters to showcase their talents in various formats of sports. Moreover, the government is aiming to create 1000 Khelo centers across all districts in India. All kinds of sports like traditional, winter, and summer are included for the overall engagement of the talented youths.
Robust infrastructure and essential equipment for sports person can enhance the sports culture in districts. A multi-pronged Schemes has to be initiated which address various issues like gender equality, health, nutrition, media, promotion, quality coaching international tournaments etc. to cultivate competitive players. Extracurricular activities in school can enhance the sports culture among the children from the very early age.
| A Healthy Mind Lives in a Healthy Body |
Written by: Aijaz Hussain
