IMPORTANCE OF SPORTS IN EDUCATION

True education should aim at developing an all-round personality of the child. It means that education should result in the mental, moral and physical development of the child.

Unfortunately the present system of education lays too much stress on the mental development, pays only a lip sympathy to moral development and completely neglects physical development.

All Work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. The wisdom of this proverb is long forgotten in schools and colleges which turn out millions of educated youths every year who bear the stamps of degrees but whose personalities remain totally dull and undeveloped.

In fact, for an all-round development of children the curriculum of studies should include sports and games and health education. Sufficient time should be devoted to sports and physical training.

This is absolutely necessary because mental and moral development is just not possible without physical development, for it is wisely observed that there is 'A sound mind in a sound body'. A strong and healthy student will in the long run surpass the pale, sickly scholar who is but a mere bookworm.

Sports are necessary for developing a healthy and strong body. Body is a means and a very essential means of living. If the body is weak and unhealthy it is not possible to live a happy and useful life. Only the person with a healthy and strong body will be able to face the struggles of life successfully.

Besides promoting health and strength, sports strengthen the students' power of endurance and develop in them a spirit of co-operation and brotherhood. They promote discipline, sense of fair play and team spirit. Young men and women are trained to accept defeat with a smile and preserve humility even in victory. Sports are the greatest and the healthiest means of refreshment and recreation. They fill the students with new vigour, vitality and enthusiasm, which will help them to concentrate more on their studies.

In short, sports are not only essential but also indispensable for an all-round development of the youngsters. It is rightly said that "The battle of Waterloo was won on the playgrounds of Eton."