Lord Krishna: The Unabated Hero of Sportsmanship

The Nation celebrates yet another National Sports Day commemorating the birth anniversary of the Hockey Wizard – Major Dhyan Chand on August 29, 2021. Sports always give us a lesson in one way or the other. Sports teach us to win over all the odds, fighting against the obstacles to triumph over them and turn the table around. Winning, though may not be the only facet of sports. It’s the spirit of participation that completes the picture. Striving to win is equally a victory. The winners of a game are not the only conquistadors, but instead, the opponents who have strived equally hard are the ones who inspire the winner to reach the level he/she does reach. Sportsmanship targets this spirit of participation which aims to fight against the odds doesn’t matter whether one comes up with flying colours or not. It is all about preserving and enduring the spirit to sustain.  

Several philosophers, researchers, educators and spiritual speakers have propagated different aspects of sportsmanship focussing on several heroes exhibiting the spirit of sportsmanship. Many of those icons are either living or the legends whom we get inspired by. One such personality who has been the epitome of sportsmanship is Lord Krishna. He has been an abated hero, a strategist, a ruler and above all a sportsman. His ‘Leelas’ as depicted in our scriptures are fascinating and mesmerising for all. There’s a lot to learn from his character especially when one gets stuck at the crossroads of life. The art of sportsmanship that he carried out was incredible and inspiring. Let’s have a look at some of the postulates which are of immense value.

The State of Pure Intellect in Sportsmanship

The state of being ‘Sthitpragya’ where one immerses themself in God follows with the sportspersons also. When they immerse themselves in the sports and are not distracted with the things around them they achieve the state of ‘Pure Intellect’. They take delight in their ‘Sports’ and disport in the Sport enjoying various dimensions of life. 

When the sportspeople reach this state they do not get affected with loss or win. They construe the true meaning of sports and delve into the greatness of the game. Under any situation, they ‘move’, ‘learn’ and ‘discover’ to live a high-spirited life.

The state of Self-control in Sportsmanship

As per the Bhagavad-gita, a true warrior should be ‘vijuta-aatma’ to be adored by all. This state of mind gives you self-control. When one achieves this state he/she will respect their opponents and the opponents will reciprocate the gesture. Sports values ‘respect’ a lot. For a true sportsperson respecting his/her teammates is one of the most essential parameters to reciprocate it. To follow the norms of sports one should never demean the authority, potential and actions of other teammates. Therefore, the sportsperson should be without any pre-conceived notions, prejudices or selfishness. In short, these virtues go into making a good human being and are the same which contribute to being a high-spirited sportsperson.

GIMS EDGE in Nurturing Sportsmanship

GNIOT Institute of Management Studies (GIMS), Greater Noida endeavours to nurture this sportsmanship of its young grads pursuing PGDM. These upcoming managers/entrepreneurs are taught to be in the spirit to play, engross and learn from everything that comes across. It’s not only the studies that they go for, it’s the overall comprehensive development of these Millennials which the faculties and the management of GIMS, Greater Noida focuses upon. They are trained to learn from their counterparts, respect their qualities and then plan their move to win over the task. They are primarily trained to win over the hearts than just focus on winning the race. The aim is to guide future managers to not let their failures tarnish their character nor any victory make them egotistical. Just live like a virtuous sportsman to ‘move’, ‘learn’ and ‘discover’ fresh chapters in your everyday life. This is what sets GIMS, Greater Noida apart from its counterparts in the vicinity who only train their pupil to focus on winning the race and not focus to upskill them, which will eventually be a masterstroke in the future. 

Dr. Shalini Sharma,
Associate Professor, Area- Chair: Communication and Development & CRC
GNIOT Institute of Management Studies, Greater Noida