Fairplay as Love in Sports

Introduction

Look at the world around you and check what you see; there is chaos and unrest all around. If only we could show some love to one another, the world around us is sure to experience an ultimate transformation into a better place. However, have you ever thought about the act of showing love in the world of sports? Have you ever, one time or another, heard the word "fair play" in sports?

Fair Play as Love in Sports

Every religion in the world has its own holy books, and as far as I have read about these books, they all preach love. In my own world, sports is a religion, so it preaches love too. The only virtue the world needs to stay in order and be chaos-free is love. If only we can ignore tribalism, racism, class and status, religious and political differences, our world will be a better place.

Fair play is simply the act of showing love in the course of the game, on and off the pitch. Fair play is the word used when sportsmen and women show love, tolerance, and respect to one another, even when one party does not deserve it. Fair play is the phrase used when maturity, patience, and perseverance are displayed in sports. Fair play means leaving one's comfort zone to put things right in the game. Fair play is fairness in sports. The examples of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo often come to mind when discussing fair play, as both have shown mutual respect despite their rivalry.

Fair Play in Action

Well, I don't have much to say about this simple word, but I'll buttress my point on fair play with my best fair play scenario as an example. You can continue the trend by sharing your own fair play scene, irrespective of the sport; it's just about love in sports.

One remarkable instance of fair play occurred in 2014 when Dnipro's Jaba Kankava saved Dynamo Kiev captain Oleg Gusev's life by providing swift and fast first aid to his blocked airways. After contesting an aerial ball, Dnipro's goalkeeper unintentionally hit his knee on Gusev's head, leaving him unconscious. Kankava's quick intervention—dipping his hand into his opponent's mouth to prevent his tongue from blocking his throat—saved the player's life. This simple act is regarded as one of the best fair play scenes in the world of football from a player to an opponent. Since Gusev was an opponent, Kankava could have ignored the helpless player, but he did not, even at the detriment of his own hand. May the God of Football be with Jaba Kankava.

Conclusion

Fair play in sports is not just a guideline but a testament to the love and respect that transcends competition. It's a reminder that, at the end of the day, humanity is more important than winning or losing. By embracing fair play, we can make sports a platform for unity and a model for the world to follow.

References:

• FIFA. (2014). Fair Play: The Heart of Sports. Retrieved from https://www.fifa.com
• UEFA. (2014). Dnipro's Kankava Saves Gusev: A Lesson in Fair Play. Retrieved from https://www.uefa.com