importance of sports and games

(1) Introduction - Games and sports are an important part of education. They help in the development of the physique and mind of the student. A sound body possesses a sound mind. If we are weak and sick we cannot have a fertile brain. Games keep us active and make us smart.

The importance of health in human life could be very well understood from the following Arabian proverb:

"He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything."

importance of sports and games

(2) Physical and Mental Education - Gandhiji said, "Physical training should have as much place in curriculum as mental training." Mere bookish knowledge would not lead to proper development of a personality. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Mere studies would not suffice. Similarly mere sports won't do.

The two should be blended in a suitable proportion so that the students can have the best of them. They should not only develop the mind but also the body. Both are essential for a wholesome personality.

(3) Other Benefits - Games and sports do not merely keep us healthy and physically fit, they also inculcate in young people the duty of loyalty. These qualities can be summed up in a word 'sportsmanship'. The first and the foremost thing the games teach us is to take victory and defeat alike.

In every game, there are two parties. One wins and the other loses. The winners need not be over-zealous and the loser ones should not get asperated. Both the parties should greet each other heartily after the game is over. Secondly, games and sports teach us discipline.

Every player must obey his or her captain. He has to play obeying all the rules of the games. He has also to abide by the decision of the referee or umpire. Thirdly, games broaden our outlook. The players need have no bias. They should treat other players alike.

The players ought not to differentiate between one another on the basis of nationality, caste, creed or colour. The games promote international brotherhood and affection amongst the people of the world. Thus, they promote world peace too. The Reliance Cup, 1987 organised jointly by Pakistan and India is an example.

(4) International Appeal - Games are beneficial not only to players, they are equally beneficial to the public at large. When a match is being played, spectators also enjoy it. They become one with the game and in a way take active part in it. 

Besides enjoying the game, they learn many things from them. Radio and TV have increased the number of people taking interest in games. Now-a-days, people in any part of the world can enjoy listening to running commentaries of matches on radio or watching them on the television.

(5) Value in Student's Life - Games and sports have great value in student's life. The foundation for a virtuous life is laid in school. If at an early age a student develops the taste for studies and sports in a proper way, he can become an ideal citizen in his later life.

The sport arena teaches many things to the students. It makes them disciplined. It develops their sportsman spirit, mental outlook, cheerful nature, sense of humour and strong physique-all these are important trails of a successful life. If a student studies seriously and diligently and still takes part in sports and games he would make an ideal personality.