Sportsman Spirit
Sportsman spirit or sportsmanship is a polite and generous behaviour, especially while playing a sport or a game. It not only means taking part in sports and playing game with the set rules, but also leading a life with the same behaviour displayed on the playing fields.
A true sportsman follows all that rules in life, which he has been following in the game. A person who has achieved skills and abilities in games but has not learned to apply the values of sports in his life cannot be called a true sportsman. On the other hand, a person who shows a strong sporting spirit in his life, but has not achieved much in game is still a sportsman. Usually, those who play games develop true sportsman spirit because they cultivate such nature during the training they receive.
Some of the important qualities that a true sportsman displays after defeats are discipline, joyfulness, respect for the opponent and cooperation. Display of sportsman spirit is always appreciated by others. It is helpful for human happiness and well-being. Fair play is an important quality in sportsmanship. A side or a team is penalized if its player is found at fault. Similarly, in life one should always be fair-minded in dealing with other people.
Some of the other important qualities that a true sportsman displays in life include passion, sincerity, honesty, fairness, enthusiasm and truthfulness. A true sportsman never practices unfair tricks, falsehoods and cheating. He never takes advantage of the weakness of his opponent. He always shows respect and obedience to his team captain. He works hard to win the confidence of his team. In life too, a sportsman obeys to his seniors and elders even if he disagrees with them. Thus, respecting others and showing discipline is essential for a true sportsman. However, a competitor who shows poor sportsmanship after losing a game or contest is often called a ‘sore loser’.
In various games, players have to work in cooperation for their team. Only then, they may succeed in winning. A sportsman knows that without mutual understanding, success is not possible. In the same way, in life we must always be by the side of our parents, relatives and friends when they need us the most.
The spirit of sportsmanship requires cheerfulness even in the times of defeats and failures. A person can develop the quality of sportsmanship only when he works with others without jealousy, doubts and fights. Working in harmony with others is the main essence for sportsmanship.
