Ancient Versus Modern Sports
Sports (or sports) refers to any types of generally competitive physical activity that, through organised or casual participation, aims to utilize, improve or sustain specific physical prowess and abilities while also providing fun to participants, and even, sometimes, spectators. Numerous sports can be active, competitive or gentle activities. Sports activities can be individualized according to age, ability level and interest. Some sports can even be performed at a professional level.
Chess is perhaps the oldest known sports. Chess has been known since the 7th century BC, with reference to the game of checkers. The word “chess” comes from the Greek word kerasteros, meaning “to strive or fight in the game of chess”. The first chess matches were held at the St. Petersburg Palace in Russia. Currently, chess tournaments are regularly organized by national and international chess clubs.
Another well-known type of physical activity associated with the game of chess is chess competition. International chess competitions can have as many as 64 players. Chess has consistently been one of the most popular sports as it requires an incredible level of mental preparation and focus. Competitors can practice for up to two months before a grand tournament.
Gymnastics is yet another well-known sport. Similar to many other physical sports, gymnastics involves controlled motions of the body. It includes both controlled push-ups and sit-ups, as well as a range of stretching and balance-based exercises. In gymnastics, it is possible to progress from novice to advanced within a short period of time. Advanced gymnasts often compete at international level.
Lastly, there is the sport of archery. Archers need a great deal of physical skill and strategy. While arrows have evolved dramatically from their early primitive forms, archery is still a widely popular sport. Many modern tournaments are even based on medieval archery events. Archery contests are still popular worldwide.
There are several different types of physical activities that people may choose to participate in. Each sport has its own benefits and drawbacks. In recent years, the popularity of several sports such as luge, rugby and surfing has significantly risen. Some of these sports require extensive training years to master, while others are quite simple. Each of the traditional sports mentioned above can be considered a modern sport, even though some have evolved into more modern sports.
Today’s modern sports are not only as diverse as their historical counterparts. Some of the most spectacular physical displays ever put on were held in the ancient world, including the Olympics. The twentieth century witnessed a significant evolution in the type of sports pursued, and the types of equipment used.
In today’s modern world, however, sports competition exists to improve one’s personal life and physical health. Olympic and world event athletes train for years in preparation for the sporting events they represent. This preparation and mental focus helps them excel at the sports they are competing in. Although the physical challenges and struggles are similar to what athletes went through during the ancient periods, modern sports allow those athletes to be elevated to new levels of physical prowess.