The Value of Games and Sports

Games and sports keep one physically and mentally fit. They keep one away from diseases relating to heart, obesity, mental stress an sleeplessness. They instill in the player a spirit of self-confidence, self-reliance, discipline, justice, fair play and patriotism. games provide us with recreation and enjoyment.

Games are very essential for students but they are neglected in schools. Even parents do not have high opinion about games and they want their children to devote more time to studies. India lacks funds, and proper training facilities are not provided to the players. Sports bring rich dividends to sportsmen. The government has formulated a New National Sports Policy. Effective measures should be taken to popularize, and encourage participation in games and sports.

We all are familiar with the maxim ‘Health is wealth’. According to the World Health Organization, ‘Health is a state of complete physical, the absence of disease.’ Academics serve the purpose of nourishing the mind. But a healthy mind resides in a healthy body. One can develop and maintain a healthy body by actively participating in games and sports.

Games keep our body alert, active, youthful and energetic. They instill in us a spirit of adventure. Games increase the circulation of blood, boost metabolism, burn calories and improve the respiration and digestive system. A healthy person can work hard cheerfully for a long period of time, and can face dangers boldly. Games also instill in the players the spirit of self-reliance, self-confidence, justice, and fair play. They enable him to follow other virtues like discipline, honesty, integrity, loyalty and patriotism.

While playing games various exercises are performed automatically and one need not join a gymnasium to exercise. Brisk walking, running, cycling, skipping, swimming and yoga are common activities to keep fit. They also tone up the body of both the young and the old. Mild exercise are beneficial for patients recovering from heart attacks and those who suffer from obesity, diabetes, blood pressure etc. Exercise invigorates the mind and the body and helps to keep fit.

Games provides us with recreation and enjoyment. Soccer, cricket, lawn tennis or wrestling are watched by millions of fans all over the world. When we watch and play games, we forget all our worries and anxieties. They enable us to divert our mind fro the nasty thinking.

A player develops team spirit, he learns to adjust with other person’s shortcomings. A player respects and follows the rules of the game he plays. He, thus, becomes a man of principles. Sportspersons display punctuality, diplomacy and self-discipline. Sports help us to face the challenges in life bravely. One would not be deterred by failures as they are the stepping stones to success. Such an approach would help one reorganize one’s skills and work harder with renewed vigor, to achieve one’s goal.

Games generate a feeling of sportsmanship and broaden one’s outlook. They are very essential for the students. In our schools, however, games and sports are not given much importance. A period of half an hour or forty five minutes is dedicated to games everyday in schools. Some schools dedicate this timing for games only once a week. Children find it difficult to pursue a game in the specified period. Some schools cannot afford funds for sports equipments while most schools do not have a playground. Many schools do not employ any physical instructor to guide the children in various games. Even parents want their children to complete their home assignments after school hours rather than play games. They fail to realize that games make children strong both mentally and physically. Many school children become obese due to lack of participation in games. Obesity puts them in the high risk category of contracting diseases like diabetes, heart ailments etc. The education system needs to be reformed, and equal importance needs to be given to sports and games.

Lack of concern of the general public and authorities is evident from out country’s poor performance in international sports events. In Beijing Olympics, India’s best-ever performance by winning one gold and two bronze medals is a ‘historic break through’ for the country. It is very disappointing that our players win few medals at the Olympic Games. Even players from small countries like South Korea, Romania etc. are able to win a large number of medals. We are far behind other countries in a number of games. Moreover, in the absence of funds and facilities, the players are unable to use their talent and energy in an organized way. For example, hockey is mostly played on grass courts in India. There is also a lack of training of international standards. The players lack motivation. They are unaware of the diet they should follow to keep it. Cricket is the only game which is given some importance. But accusations of match-fixing and faulty selection procedures have harmed the image of cricket in India.

Sports bring rich dividends to sportsmen. Whether it is the matter of getting admission in institutions or getting jobs, sportsmen receive preference everywhere. Sports also bring fame and reputation.

No doubt sports have plenty of advantages but they also have drawbacks. Some sportsmen lose their limbs, fracture their legs or get permanently disabled while playing games. Many students take more interest in games and ignore their studies.

The government has formulated a New national Sports Policy. It promotes a liking for sports among public at large. It aims at development of infrastructure and provision of better coaching facilities.

Seventy percent of our population lives in villages. To popularize games and tap hidden talent in rural areas, Rural Sports Programme was launched in 1970-71. The scheme has been revised recently. Grants to sports has been increased. Sports scholarships are given to talented boys and girls.

Effective measures should be taken to ensure people’s active participation in games. The government should evolve a long-term national sports policy. Children should be informed about the advantages of games. They should be made to play games regularly. Training facilities for various games should be introduced. The existing training facilities should be upgraded and expanded. Selection of players for national and international games should be fair. Participation in sports and games will improve the overall health of the nation and its citizens.