[Points: Introduction—in ancient Greece and in advanced countries of the present day—neglected so long in our country benefits: (i) physical and mental, (ii) about character, (lii) teaches (a). discipline, (b) sportsman-like spirit, (c) unselfish teamwork, (d) develops other qualities.]
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy"-so runs a proverb. It means that games and sports are absolutely necessary for everybody, even for those who would be scholars. In ancient Greece they formed the principal part of education. In the advanced countries of the present day also they are a regular feature of the school and college curricula.
Unfortunately, however, they were rather neglected in our country so long. No doubt there were football and some small-area games, and occasional drills and exercises in some places; but they did not get the importance they should. It is only recently that greater atten tion is being paid to them by the educational authorities.
Indeed, the importance of games and sports cannot be over emphasised. They are as necessary for the mind as for the body, They keep us physically fit and enable us to enjoy the blessings of good health. As a healthy brain can reside only in a healthy body, games and sports are also necessary for intellectual progress. No doubt there are physical exercises that may be taken alone; but there is a difference between such exercises and those taken in company. The former seem like tasks imposed, while the latter combine the pleasure of company and competition with exercise. So the latter create greater enthusiasm and greater interest than the former,
Games and sports also help the formation of character by teaching the virtue of discipline. They have to be played under some definite rules, and captains and supervisors are appointed to see that these rules are not broken. The decisions of these captains and supervisors have to be carried out without any protest, even when they appear to be wrong. Players are thus taught to play the game-to take even defeat in a sportsmanlike spirit.
Success in games requires the players to cooperate with one another and look to the interest of the team as a whole, and not to their personal glory. This teaches them unselfish teamwork and co operative spirit.
Games and sports also develop some other qualities such as quickness of decision and movement, and firmness of mind, which are so necessary in every walk of life.
