The history of sports traces back to prehistoric times, when human communities engaged in sports for amusement, religious worship and political stability. Now sports have become a subject of subjective philosophical inquiry. Sports have been a key component in developing harmony within the human body and mind. Ancient philosophers like Plato and Aristotle have regarded sports as a means for human flourishing in a broader context. Influenced by Marxism, externalist theories of sport have understood sport as a reflection of larger social phenomena.
The main characteristic of sports is competition, which is always accompanied by rivalry and direct confrontation with the opponent, with both sides having the desire to win. This makes the sport or players more prone to aggression. Aggression is not only about hurting others; it is a complex emotional state with a strong motivational base. Aggression in sport is not perceived as a negative aspect only; when it is an assertive behaviour, such as searching for success, aggression is highly desirable. Having a great desire for victory, but all this without the intention to injure the opponent. Based on catharsis psychology, organised sports provide the players with a way to channelise their aggression into a controlled and positive physical activity. Hence, providing a positive outlet for aggressive impulses.
Everyone agrees that sport itself is like a war. There is a term used, “agon,” which reflects the human nature to compete. Humans, by nature, are driven towards achievement, dominance and recognition. Sports provide such healthy forms of contest where one can show their capabilities and dominance in this structured war.
Sports are goal-directed activities and comprise some elements. One is the “means,” and the second is the “rules.” Every game restricts the methods (means) that game players are allowed to use to win that game or achieve a specific goal. And rules provide a complete account of what means are permitted or not permitted in the game. Let’s take football. One can score a goal by simply throwing the ball by hand, but the rules have set the way a goal should be scored and how football should be played. Rules are not just the documented guidelines, but they are necessary to achieve the outcome (goal) of the game. Rules are mandatory to be followed not only for the sake of fair play but also because rules make sure the games can take place, as, without standardised rules, a game cannot spread.
There is also an “us vs them” mentality in sports. One’s desire for oneself to win and for the opponent to lose may reinforce the belief among sportsmen that their success requires the failure of others. And they may take sports as only a contest and competition rather than a space for mutual cooperation. Excessive competition can normalise hostility and rivalry between the teams. It can also spill into real-life violence, i.e., fan riots like some that have occurred during the India-Pakistan cricket matches.
To sum up, when rooted in mutual respect, fairness and shared humanity, sports help to constructively channel aggression and promote cooperation. But if driven by rivalry, they may reinforce social division.