SPORTS
Share your thoughts about this diversity in sports across geographical boundaries. Also
comment on how the underlying principle of true sportsmanship is still common in all.
Answers
(Since no particular sport or event is mentioned, I will answer on the basis of cricket, with focus on IPL. The same logic can also be applied to other sports too.)
With globalisation and greater ease of travel, sports and sportsmen are not confined to their home countries. There are numerous examples of players from different countries playing in a particular league in a country in a different continent altogether. For example, the Indian Premier League, which is a cricket tournament hosted in India, witnesses many foreign players joining the teams each year. Evidently, such leagues add to the diversity of the sport since each team has both domestic and foreign players. Also, the domestic players come from different states, while foreign players come from various countries. So, eventually, one sporting event becomes a melting pot of diversity.
Additionally, this diversity also adds to the competitiveness. When these players play against each other as national teams (like India versus Australia), the players know the strengths and weaknesses of players of the other team, because they have played together in leagues. This familiarity with players from different cultures encourages sportsmanship. There is lesser sledging and more friendly banter on the field. Also, the traditional ‘enm!ty’ between nations gets reduced and accomplishments are celebrated. A good catch is acknowledged by the batting team too, because the focus is now on sportsmanship, and not on national divisions.
The breaking down of geographical boundaries has led to greater sportsmanship and development of sports.