Sports are defined as “tasks that encourage a balanced growth of mind and body, preserve and boost health and fitness, gain an awareness of mental success, develop a sense of independence and other mental skills, etc.” Physical activities such as athletics are done either separately or in groups to win the National Sports Awards in India.
Sports are further described as “essential for the individuals of today to maintain a healthy and social existence throughout their lives.” Moreover, it asserts that “Everyone has a right to live a life of happiness and success through sports,” and it defines “the right to sports” in precise terms.
Stated differently, sports cover any physical activity that is done for fun, competition, or to build physical strength. Sports also include activities like walking, radio gymnastics, trekking, running, and weight training that don’t require competitiveness.
The term “sports” encompasses a broad range of activities and is frequently used informally. There are many different kinds of sports, such as those played at the Olympics, those played in daily life, and sports that are taught as part of physical education, a topic taught in schools. We will discuss the history and origins and also about the National Sports Awards in India. The awards are introduced by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India.
1. Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award was introduced in 1991, the name of the award refers to the great Indian hockey player, Major Dhyan Chand. He was one of the best and most stunning players in India in history, he was a pro player in hockey. He was also a star and great leader of the Indian hockey team.
2. Arjuna Award
Arjuna Award was introduced and established in 1961. It was named after the great Arjuna, the important proponent of the Mahabharata (ancient Indian epic). Before the Khel Ratna, this award was the highest sporting pride and honor in India.
The award was given to players after hard work and appreciative performance of 4 or more years. The winners were awarded with the statue of Arjuna, a cash prize, and a certificate.
3. Dronacharya Award
The Dronacharya Award was introduced in 1985 for the coaches of India it is the highest honor sport. The award is given to people who receive medal winners at reputable international competitions and events.
The award is named after the Arjuna’s guru or coach whose name is Drona or Dronacharya in the epic Indian Mahabharata. The deserving one receives the statue of Drona which is made of bronze, cash price, and a certificate.
4. Major Dhyan Chand Award
Major Dhyan Chand Award is the second award which is named after the great Indian hockey player Dhyan Chand. This award represents the highest pride and honor during the lifetime achievements in sports in India.
5. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy (MAKA)
In India, this is the very oldest National Sports Awards, the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy (MAKA) was introduced in 1956. This award is named after the great freedom fighter of India, Shri Abul Kalam Azad. He was also the first education minister of India.
6. Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar
Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar, this award was given to private and public corporations and organizations in the nation. The award was established in 2009, the great Tata Ratan and Tata Steel have achieved this award twice regarding the categories for Nurturing of Budding Talent and Community Sports Identification and also management and establishment of sports academies.
Significance and Impact
Sports are a universal aspect of human culture that enriches and fulfills people’s lives while also satisfying their physical and emotional demands. A thriving, colorful society and the mental and physical well-being of every individual depend on sports, a culture that influences both the physique and the mind. Individuals must learn about sports throughout their lives. It is really important.
Put another way, in addition to satisfying the basic human need to move the body, sports also enhance physical strength and offer mental fulfillment, happiness, and pleasure in the form of exhilaration, a sense of achievement success, and unity with others.
It helps to maintain and improve mental and physical wellness by reducing mental stress and reducing illnesses linked to certain lifestyle choices. Particularly, we enjoy a rich “sports life” that enables us to enjoy games during our lives in a 21st-century lifestyle when possibilities for physical activity are predicted to decline due to the population aging quickly and the conveniences of life.
Athletes who dedicate their lives to competitive sports generate enthusiasm and hope in the nation, and their unwavering focus on pushing the boundaries of human potential adds to the relevance of sports. It also helps to build a dynamic and well-being community.
In addition, sports have several societal implications, making it more crucial than ever for local and national governments to build the necessary infrastructure to support sports. One of my duties is to do this.
History
Sports are thought to have started in ancient when men would run over fields and mountains to seek food and compete in various talents as a kind of recreation. These games then evolved into racing and wrestling or running and fighting.
The “Olympia Scoring Competition” was an ancient Greek religious competition held in the ninth century BC, honoring the gods of Olympus, especially Zeus. This is where the ancient Olympic Games are believed to have started.
From the initial Games (776 BC) to the 13th Games (728 BC), the only competition during the ancient Olympic Games was a racing around a square. Following that, the variety of competitions grew steadily including fighting, boxing, and chariot races, in which a single athlete participated in a race, long jump, discus throw, javelin throw, and boxing. There were artistic competitions along with athletic ones.
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