Dr Thamsing D Lamkang
According to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) statistic, report says that 87 percent of the world population played one or the other sports in their lifetime. Then, almost all individuals or groups on this planet are involved directly or indirectly in various sports activities. The definition of sports is universally a comprehensive/inclusive term that identifies a continuum of activities with varying degrees of competition, gender inclusive, Ability-inclusive, Intensive-varied, and Activity-varied. So let our society’s benefits sports events positively, as a time to build friendship relationship
In the Western countries sports profession is their first target, as sports earning become the highest revenue. There is money in sports, even for popularity, fame, travels, physical fitness, for recreational, peace of mind and many more. It is a common platform globally. Sports offer excitements and enjoyment to both the athletes and the sports enthusiast. But usually many North Easterners especially the parents says that sports are waste of time, a cause for quarrelling, a distraction to studies and sometimes or mostly a cause of lifelong injury. They are never wrong, because they didn’t see much outcome to depend for future career. All these ideas and experiences are valid.
India is one of the fastest developing countries in the world, and economically there is much more to expect in future. The union government performs less in providing sports infrastructures, while too busy fighting against the insurgencies, poverty, corruption or unemployment issue etc.
So much was spent to tackle those ongoing problems that effected the growth of sports in India. But we know that, it will not be the same again; as Indian sports culture are being recognized globally and more investment are being done, 10 years from now sports in India will never be the same.
North Easterners are sports loving people, by nature the people are well gifted with any sports compared to other regions in India. Though the government failed to provide enough facilities, the people are very committed and earned glory in national and international discipline. In sports, winning is the hope for every participant. In the world today, it seems that society has placed too much value on success or defeat. Since the genuine “spirit of sports” should resemble the Olympic Declaration of 1896; “In the Olympic Games, the most important thing is participating and not winning”. So the target is to compete and complete well with your best, that you will not be disappointed or discouraged. A serious sportsman should not always dream of only the medals or trophy but to win the spirit, I advice sports professionals to keep in mind, “Play not to win the price, but to win the spirit.”
The FIFA World Cup 2002 played an important role that brought many nations together, that a political and religious leader failed to do this task directly but sports could easily do. Instance, International Football Federation announced that two neighboring nations should get the opportunity to host the Football World Cup ‘02, and to host these worlds biggest event is the dream of every nation around the world. There was an immediate response from two nations, Korea and Japan. Immediately, the result of that thousand years old wall of enmity between them started to crumble down because of sports.
The rivalry of Irish and Germany boycotted to play against each other since World War 11, but the Irish team had decided to put down all conflicts and play against Germany for the first time after the World War. This step has been a display of peace, friendship and good- will. What about India and Pakistan? Though both the nation tried all means for peace but their stands never change. Many world bodies involve directly or indirectly to bring fat relationship but that too hardly works. The only tool to bring India and Pakistan together is maybe only through cricket. Even sports sometimes become more complicated.
A sport simply is a game, whether it is team or an individual game, small or big game, and whether women’s or a men’s game. But the most important thing to remember is that, each player is an “Ambassador of Peace.”
For every ambassador of peace it is not essential to consider its color, race, nation, religion and sect. But let all men be the light of peace, not only in every heart and family but worldwide. “We must tear down the walls of enmity and envy.” If these walls are not pulled down now, they might become a mountain, which would be a disaster for the coming generation.
2005 years ago the Prince of Peace entered the world with this same message of peace. He lived here for about 33 years; He never caused pain to anybody but taught us practically, “To love your neighbors, your enemies as you loved ourselves.” He also taught us not to take revenge, but with forgiveness. No doubt, it is clearly written in the Bible.
You remember a 7 times World Heavy Weight Boxing champion Evander Hollyfield. One day journalist asked him “What was in your mind when Mike Tyson bit your ear? Not only that, you were bleeding profusely?” He replied, ‘the first thing on my mind was hate, anger and retaliation.
After first aid we begin another round; I was very close to his ear, opportunity to bite him back. But in the midst of game, God spoke to me, Evander! “Forgive him and love him, demonstrate your Christian love, “I commanded you to love your neighbors and your enemies. Your opponent is your neighbor, so I did. In the next round I became happier instead of angry. I said in my heart, Tyson, every single punch I gave is Christian punch, not because I hate you, but we’re playing the game.” Can you forgive and be like Holy Field and become the real life champion in Jesus?
Hansie Cronje, the famous South African cricket star died in a plane crash at the age of 33, though he was accused in match fixing he set a good example for us by confessing his mistake. By not accepting our wrong doings we come into greater trouble. Whether you spend your life in Joy or in despair, LIVE it in a way you will be remembered.
Let the purpose of these sports festivals be a time to built good friendship and relationship. Give your best in all the discipline and your winning credits to the glory of God. Another purpose for serious sports personals must be to spread the message of LOVE, UNITY and PEACE through the universal language of sports. It is not only to the players, but to all the people, areas, states and countries should become the house of peace. Friends, let this ‘NE sports Fest’ be a time to pull down the walls of enmity within us and around us, to fall forever and ever.
Want to know more about the real life stars from Brazilian team World-Cup Champions? They are Paulo Silas, Roberto Carlos and Lucio. (They wore “Jesus Love you” t-shirts in World Cup ‘02 & in Confederation Cup ‘05)
