Sports are physical activities that have been part of human society for ages. They are not only for enjoyment but also an expression of national identity. During the twentieth century, sports developed into social activities that were often considered patriotic.
Sports can be defined as physical contests between teams and individuals. Games can be played both indoors and outdoors. In modern times, they have become more globalized, with the creation of national and international organizations.
Sports are an integral part of the cultural, economic, and political life of a nation. They are used by established groups and by outsiders to promote national identity. However, they can be harmful to hegemonic social relationships.
During the Cold War era, sports were used to illustrate the struggle between systems. Soviet Union and the United States competed against each other in various sports. Their victories were seen as signs of their ideological superiority. Those who participated in these activities often felt a sense of pride in their accomplishments.
Sports are a major component of the globalization process. As more identities are expressed in local cultures, the power of Western nations may be diminishing.
Whether a person plays sports or not depends on his or her motivation. Some people are athletes but others become a spectator, or are not involved in athletic competitions at all. The amount of internalization a person experiences depends on the type of sport he or she plays.
Emotions are important components of the experience of playing or watching sports. They can occur before, during, or after a performance. Feelings help to shape the roles of players, coaches, and fans.