By Sr. Rose Mary Lyngdoh (FMA)
The 6th Meghalaya Games concluded on 25 January 2025. It showcased the talent and athleticism of the youth from various districts of the state. This event, and other sporting events organized in the state, speak of the importance of sports in the life of the youth. Sports have always been an essential part of humanity since the beginning. The ancient Greeks were pioneers in inventing various sports and games, and it is from them that we have inherited the Olympics. Today, there are many different types of sports and games, and in fact, sports personalities have become highly popular and successful in life. We can think of individuals like sprinter Jesse Owens or Usain Bolt, football stars like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, tennis legends like Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal, basketball icons like Magic Johnson or Kevin Durant, and cricket champions like Sachin Tendulkar or Virat Kohli, among others.
In the past decades, sports in the state were often viewed as a recreational activity rather than a viable career path. The focus was primarily on academics, leaving little room for extra-curricular development. Youth with potential in sports either gave up their dreams or moved to other states in search of better opportunities. In recent years, our state has witnessed a significant transformation in its approach to sports, shifting from limited engagement to becoming a hub of opportunities for young talent. The government has launched several initiatives to promote sports and youth development in Meghalaya:
1. Infrastructure Development: State-of-the-art sports complexes, stadiums, and training centers provide quality facilities for youth to train and compete at higher levels.
2. Talent Identification and Training: Programs to scout and nurture young athletes with professional coaching and development opportunities.
3. Financial Support: Scholarships, stipends, and sponsorships motivate athletes and offer exposure through competitions and tournaments.
4. Competitions and Events: Organizing sports at the district-level, state-level, and Meghalaya Games plays a crucial role in providing diverse career opportunities for youth. These events not only promote sportsmanship but also create a platform for young talents to showcase their skills and gain recognition.
These efforts aim to inspire youth to pursue athletics seriously and offer pathways to professional sports careers. It is in this context that I would like to bring forth some of the benefits that sports offer, including physical, psychological, economic, and social advantages.
Firstly, sports provide essential physical exercise for youth. The physical fitness of a nation’s citizens contributes to the overall strength and health of the population. Therefore, sports is one of the most effective methods for promoting the physical development of citizens.
Secondly, sports contribute to the psychological development of youth. Sports can truly help shape a person’s character. Billie Jean King stated, “Sports teach you character; it teaches you to play by the rules, it teaches you to know what it feels like to win and lose, and it teaches you about life.” Additionally, sports can ease a person’s mind and relieve the tensions of daily life. The mind becomes refreshed and reinvigorated, making a person more effective in any task. Thirdly, sports have become a viable career choice for young people who possess talent and ability. Many successful individuals today are athletes. Consider figures like Cristiano Ronaldo, who earns around 80 million dollars a year, or our Indian cricketers, who have become financially well-off through sports. Therefore, youth with talent and passion for sports should be encouraged to pursue it as a potential career path.
Fourthly, sports have significant social value because they promote essential social qualities among youth. One key social value fostered in young people is “team spirit”—the ability to work together and cultivate a sense of solidarity. In the words of Kathleen Kennedy, “Sports teach you to understand the meaning of a team. You need to be able to work with everybody; you don’t have to be their best friend. You can experience the fun of competition and strive toward a common goal without needing to bond in a major way with each individual on a project.”
We can enumerate numerous other advantages and values of sports, but these points suffice to highlight their importance in the lives of our youth. In today’s world, an increasing number of young people are drawn to the internet and smartphones. This trend poses a serious risk to the youth of our country, as it may lead to a generation that is physically weak, psychologically imbalanced, and socially ineffective. Drug menace in the state is alarmingly on the rise destroying hundreds of young people and their families. To counter this, young people need to recognize the importance of physical activity and the benefits of real-world engagement.
Of late, the Union Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs has been placing increased emphasis on the importance of sports and youth activities. National programs like Khelo India, Premier Leagues, and National Games are being implemented more seriously. The results of this positive approach are evident in the improved performances of Indian athletes at both the national and international levels. However, there is still considerable room for improvement in this area as our country strives to compete with other nations like the USA, Germany, China, Japan, South Korea, and others that are already far more advanced in this field.
Considering that Meghalaya is a relatively young state, with the youth forming a significant part of the population, there is ample scope for excelling in the area of sports. We have a wealth of untapped talent, and there is an urgent need to harness this potential for the greater good of the state and the nation. The collective efforts of the government, community engagement, and educational institutions, sports can help the youth to build a strong, healthy, and prosperous society.
As both a religious person and a sportsperson, I’ve experienced the transformative power of sports in shaping not just physical and mental health but also character and spiritual growth. Sports have taught me discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and resilience—values that align with life’s greater purpose. I encourage the youth to view sports not only as a potential career but as a lifelong practice that nurtures the body and soul. Through sports, we develop life skills like leadership, respect, and dedication, and build community. It’s a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, offering unique opportunities for spiritual growth. Sports teach humility, gratitude, and the importance of facing challenges with courage. I urge everyone to embrace sports for both personal growth and to foster a culture of joy, resilience, and inspiration for future generations.
(The author is an Athletic Coach / Physical Training Instructor Auxilium Convent Nongthymmai Shillong)