The Value of Games

Games and sports are a necessary part of our life. They are to the body what education is to the mind. But, no, they are an integral part of education itself. Those who have not played any games in life should consider their education incomplete. Gandhiji greatly lamented for not having given proper attention to games during his formative years.

Games provide the best physical exercise to a child. They improve our digestive system and make us strong and smart. In the modern world which is full of struggle, it is very necessary to have a strong body. One who is physically weak, is prone to many diseases
Games make our body elastic. They provide us relaxation and entertainment. They instill into our minds the spirit of healthy competition, discipline, sportsmanship and team-spirit. They teach us to play for the sake of play and not to feel depressed in the event of defeat.

After a day's hard work at school or college, a student can get rid of boredom on the play-ground. Work alone is not enough. That is why it is said: "All work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy". Moreover, games make our minds fresh and strong. It is said: "A sound mind lives only in a sound body". One can concentrate much better on books after having had played for some time. A book-worm who pores over his books day and night, gets his mental faculties blunted. He may show a bit better results in the examination, but at best he just ends up as a crammer, devoid of all sense of novelty and originality.

It must, however, be admitted that remaining busy in games all the time at the cost of studies is by no means something wise. The wisest thing is to keep a healthy balance between the games and the studies. They should be complementary to each other. In any case, games are indispensable for all round development of one's personality.