The Role of Sports in The Overall Well – Being of an Individual

The Role of Sports in The Overall Well-Being of an Individual

Sports we all know is a powerful and popular medium followed, practiced and enjoyed by people of all ages. I would not want to go into what sport offers as its well known in human circles but I would want to highlight what sport has provided me and what sports can provide to the younger generation.

A brief history of my encounter with playing active sports: – Table Tennis

I started playing Table Tennis when I was 7-8 years old. I joined a club in Chennai to play cricket, but to my luck, there were no cricket pads that could fit me and hence my mom (I still remember) gave the option to play Table Tennis for one year with the option to start playing cricket the next year. Once i started playing TT and got close to the table, it was the case of never looking back. I moved to a better club and in Tamil Nadu, it was Under 11 – state no 1, Under 14 – state no 1, Under 17 – state no. 2 and Seniors – state no 4 and eventually got a chance to represent India once in Seniors. I benefited getting admitted in 2 premier institutions – Loyola College (UG) and PSG Coimbatore (PG), all through sports quota. It sort of gave me an identity and still gives me an identity after all these years.

How can active sports and an active sporting career help the young kids?

Physical Benefits of Sports

1. Manage your body weight
2. Building of (strong) muscles
3. Creation of stronger bones
4. Regular sports improve White Blood Cells level in the body
5. Reduces hypertension
6. Improves coordination, balance and concentration

Mental Benefits of Sports

1. Improves mood
2. Reduces stress on the body and most importantly, the mind
3. Fights depression
4. Improves Sleeping Habits
5. Improves Self Confidence
6. Creation of a strong personality mentally and psychologically

Social Benefits of Sports

1. Teamwork
2. Personal ownership and responsibility
3. Time management
4. Social interaction
5. Leadership
6. Better communication
7. Better self esteem

Physical Sports that kids can actively play and reap benefits.

We break sports that involve physical activity into 2 sections: – Team sports and Individual Sports

Team Sports

1. Cricket
2. Football
3. Hockey
4. Volleyball
5. Basketball

Individual Sports

1. Table Tennis
2. Tennis
3. Badminton
4. Athletics
5. Swimming