Value of Games

Games and Sports are a part and parcel of education. The aim of education is physical, mental and moral development of a student. A sound body contains a sound mind. If the boy is weak, the mind cannot be strong. A healthy mind cannot be found in a sick body. Games are as necessary for education as books for studies. Books develop the mind and the soul while games develop body.

Importance of Games and Nation:

“The battle of Waterloo was won on the play fields of Eton” is a famous statement. Napoleon was a world conqueror but England defeated Napoleon at the battle of Waterloo. The leaders and the soldiers for the battle of Waterloo came from among the boys who had played games in their school days at Eton. Their early training in the play field stood them instead at the battle field as well. The games teach the students leadership, team spirit and sportsmanship. These qualities among the young students will make them the best citizens of tomorrow. Free India needs still young men to defend her freedom. India cannot afford to maintain a large standing army sufficient to meet all her defence needs. Our students must build strong physiques so that they can serve as soldiers in reserve in time of wars

Health is Wealth:

“Health is Wealth” is an old saying which is very true even today. The students can build their healthand body by playing game which provides a healthy exercise in the open and fresh air. All work and no play make jack a dull boy. India does not need bookworms with sunken cheeks and sunken eyes. A good student must take due care of all things. He must devote time to his studies but he should not neglect game and other activities. He should follow the maxim “work while work, play while play, that is the way to be happy and gay”

What games teach us?

Games teach us discipline and sportsmanship. A sportsman is unmoved in victory and defeat. He plays the game. Games provide a good training for playing the game of life unmindful of joys and sorrows. We learn to laugh in the face of failures and do not feel elated at success. Games are the best education in the art of living and the battle of life is won by study heroes and sportsmen. The spirit of sportsmanship helps in the formation of character. Games also teach us the art of leadership also. The captain wins the heart of his team mates through love, sympathy and fair play. The players have also to form the habit of obeying the leader. In this way, games produce the best citizens of tomorrow. Games provide a welcome excitement in the life of a student. We cam make the best leisure by playing games. They also let off the surplus energy of the young men. If this extra energy is not given a healthy outlet the result would be mischief and indiscipline. An idle brain is the devil’s workshop. Students must be kept busy when they are not studying.

Conclusion:

Most of the schools in big cities have no proper arrangement of games. The authorities should devote more funds to games. Games should be made compulsory for every student in every school. Education without games is incomplete. In order to make a full man of a student, schools should give due importance to games and sports.