History, Theory and Philosophy of Sports

- Prof. Subrato Datta

Definition
Sports is defined as a competitive, human physical activity that requires skill and exertion and governed by the Institutional rules. Game is a recreational activity involving one or more players, defined by a goal that the players try to reach, and some set of rules to play it. Games are played primarily for entertainment or enjoyment. Play refers to a range of voluntary, intrinsically motivated activities that are normally associated with pleasure and enjoyment.

History of Olympics
It has started more than 3000 years ago in Greece. In those days, sport was regarded other than the physical excellence preparing several religious purposes. The Greek started the games in honour of their God Zeus. SPORT WAS WORSHIP AND MAN WAS OFFERING THE MOST VALUABLE ACHIEVEMENT, THE EXCELLENCE OF PERFECT FROM TO DEVINITY. In earlier days, there were no religious festival without sport meet.

Ancient Olympics
In the Greek history, it was mentioned that the first Olympic Games were held in Athens in 776 B.C. and the game was founded in honour their god- Zeus.

Myths
There were few myths and legends on the history of Ancient Olympics. THE ALTER OF REHA- THE MOTHER OF GODS WAS SET UP IN OLYMPICS AROUND 1370 B.C. Another Legend faces the origin of the Olympic Games to the Demi god- Heracles (Herculies), son of Zeus. He celebrated his victory by instituting the Olympics Games in honour of Zeus.

Myths (contd)
Third Legend says, Pelops, the founder of a DynastyElis, claimed the Princess by defeating the King in a Chariot race and became the King of Elis. He established Olympic Games in remembrance his victory and dedicated Zeus. Homers epic Iliad provides another story. It describes the funeral games. It was held in honour of dead heroes. The evidence date these games- 1230 B.C. Hence, it is possible the games did start to honor the dead heroes. However, whatever the origin, the games were dedicated to Zeus- the King of Gods.

The Panhellenic Games

The ancient Greece was not a country at that time, it was the collection of city states and which were known as Polis. Two prominent city states were Athens and Sparta. The main event was the foot race known as Stade and there was controversy on the distance of the Stade. But, according to the record, 1 Stade= 192.28 meters.

The Panhellenic Games (contd)

Gradually various other events were included, such as wrestling, long-jump, javelin, discus, and one of the most important event was PANKRATION which was the combination of boxing and wrestling. According to the various records, the number of events were as follows: Year No. of Events 776 BC 1 724 BC 14 to 200 BC 145

The details of Panhellenic Games

Games
Olympic Pythian

Location
Olympia Delphi

God honoured
Zeus Apollo

Prize
Olive Laurel wreath Celery

Frequency
Every 4 years Every 4 years, 3 years after the Olympic Games Every 2 years, 2nd and 4th year of Olympiads

Isthmia n

Corinth

Poseiden

Nemean

Nemea

Zeus

Celery, then pine

Every 2 years, as for Isthmian Games

Ancient Olympics

Small polis were always engaged in war between themselves. But, during the Olympic year, a truce were declared when the athletes, officials, players were allowed to have a safe passage. Prizes During the Panhellenic period, the prizes were not that valuable. It was a garland of wild Olive leaves or Laurel, Pine branches etc. One could earn 100 vases of Olive oil- which were very valuable at that time. outstanding athletes were treated as demi God and these heroes were exempted from tax or honoured him with a horse and supply of food for the rest of the life.

Ancient Olympics

Ancient Games were purely MALEdominated- ladies were not allowed even as a spectator. However, there was a game named as Hera Games for the unmarried girls. During the games, the rules and regulations were strictly followed and anybody found indulging any unfair means, severe punishments were given.

Ancient Olympics

Politics- During those days, there were disruptions during the Olympic Games. In 424 BC, the games were held with armedguards present for protection. The city of Syracuse was banished from the Olympic Games in 480 BC. In 306 BC, Arcadians took over Altis and controlled 140th Olympiad. When Eleans regained control over Olympic, they declared 104th Olympiad invalid. Political rivalry and more violence took place during the Roman rule.

Ancient Olympics

Story of Marathon: In 490 BC, a runner named PHEIDIPPIDES staggered into Athens to announce the defeat of Persians and Athenians were the winners and PHEIDIPPIDES ran a distance of 230 kilometers from Marathon (this distance is a controversial one). After announcing the word- rejoice he collapsed and died. The grateful Athenians founded this event in his memory- as Marathon.

Story of Marathon (contd)

Event Marathon was not a part of the Ancient Olympic Games. It was only introduced in the Modern Olympics of 1896 when Spyridon Loues of Greece won the first Marathon event. He was showered with lot of gifts, like a house, a cart and food from a restaurant for the rest of his life.

Demise of the Ancient Olympics

Romans conquered Greece, but they did not stop Olympic Games. Emperor Nero was a regular man in the Olympic. Although the Ancient Olympics enjoyed a brief revival under some Roman rulers, but could never regain their formal glory. In AD 393, when the emperor Theodosius I abolished all pagan festivals. But the games did not continue beyond AD 426 when the temple of Zeus was destroyed on the orders of Theodosius II. The Romans felt these games were anti- Christians and hence it must be stopped . In the 4th Century AD, earth quakes and floods covered the area. The site remained virtually undisturbed until 1875 when excavations uncovered the site.