Emotions are a central part of sports and their subcultures. They reflect athletes’ perceptions of their own performance as well as the expectations of others. Some feelings are anticipatory before a game, while others are immediate afterward. Emotional experiences are governed by rules that athletes follow, such as appropriate behaviour during the national anthem or after a game’s victory celebration. In addition, emotions are often a defining factor in the formation of national identities.
Many sports have very different purposes. Recreational sports focus on fun, fitness, and social involvement, while competitive sports emphasize performance and commitment. While the former are generally seen as less stressful than competitive sports, both types require a high level of commitment. Competitive sports are often more intense and require athletes to pursue continuous improvement. Moreover, they require participants to make a significant financial and time commitment. But the benefits of participating in sports can extend beyond the physical aspect of the sport.
While there is no definite evidence of when sports began, it is apparent that children have been including them in their play since the beginning. Prehistoric art depicts hunters pursuing prey with exuberance and abandon. In the early stages of human evolution, sports began to be seen as an end in themselves. Throughout history, people have been playing various types of sports, including athletics, and these activities have shaped the way our society functions today.