The
one-day men’s cricket match between India and South Africa is to be played
today in Ranchi. As per the media reports there has been huge demand for
tickets and sports enthusiasts have waited for hours to buy their tickets. This
shows quite clearly about the growing interest of people, particularly our
youths in sports activities – be it cricket, football, hockey, badminton,
tennis, chess, kabaddi etc., may be in varying degrees. Of late, we received
very good news that the delegates from seventy-four commonwealth member nations
and territories during their Sport General Assembly in Glasgow approved India’s
bid to host the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad. It is equally
nice to know and see how Prime Minister Narendra Modi met and interacted with
the Women’s Blind Cricket Team which won the T20 World Cup by defeating Nepal
in Colombo recently. PM Modi appreciated the team’s passion, resilience,
discipline and team spirit. Undeniably, supporting and appreciating the players
by PM, CMs, ministers and top sports officials go a long way in keeping the
morale of players very high.
It is good that the central government and almost all state governments are now coming forward in a better way to support and promote sports activities in the country. After all, we are the most populous country of the world and a country which proudly claims to have the largest population of youths as well. And there is no dearth of talent in the country either. The enthusiasm of children and youths in respect of not only playing games and participating in sports activities but also watching games and cheering players is the testimony of their inner urge and natural response to be part of such events.
"All
work and no play make Jack a dull boy"- it has been said whenever we start
talking about the importance of sports and games in our life, particularly in
the life of our children and youths. This is an open fact that sports
activities are great learning as well as self-fulfilling experience in itself.
It greatly helps develop many leadership qualities - from time management to
relationship building to discovering one's own latent potential and inherent
strengths and what not, which are the vital prerequisites for all round
upbringing - emotionally, socially, morally, intellectually and physically, of
our children. Renowned American Tennis Player Billie Jean King asserts that
sports teach you character. It teaches you to play by rules. It teaches you to
know what it feels like to win and lose. It teaches you about life. Absolutely
true.
All
psychologists suggest that it is extremely beneficial for all students to
participate actively in sports activities besides their normal study-related
engagements. Presently, this is very necessary in view of the increasing
involvement of students in mobile or computer games for hours for the sake of
entertainment and other negative or non-productive purposes. Several
medical/health studies and surveys have found it harmful for both physical as
well as mental health. Health experts accept that this habit is making students
suffer from many avoidable diseases and hence advise the parents to protect
their child in the best possible ways.
The
sports authorities both in states and at the centre must realise the
importance of sports and take a holistic view as it contributes immensely
towards knowledge & skill development, social cohesion & brotherhood,
national integration, confidence building, teamwork, stress management,
critical thinking etc. As such, it must be treated as one of the most
essential components of educational curriculum both in letter and in spirit and
adequate funds be allocated for encouraging, organising and pursuing sports
activities on priority so as to realise the desired goals in real sense on an
on-going basis. And to make this happen, a sports calendar and matching sports
activities must be ensured in all schools and colleges. All sports lovers
should also encourage and support sports activities in their area in all
possible manner. We know that sports like cricket, football, hockey, tennis,
badminton etc. are played internationally and are promoted commercially by
corporate houses world over. Now it is equally necessary to support and promote
other sports like Kabaddi, cycling, athletics etc. by corporate sponsorship
also in a big way to ensure larger participation of youths from states like
Bihar & Jharkhand.
As always, I'm keen to know what you think on this subject. Hence, I request you to post your comments to share your valuable opinion. (hellomilansinha@gmail.com)
