The ‘real’ value of gold
In our frenzy to win medals and certificates, have we forgotten the real purpose of taking part in sports?
Sports sets the foundation for discipline
Medals tarnish over time. The ink on the certificates fades. The real glitter is the journey itself.
The photograph had captured the contrasting details in the room. A bed, a bright red table fan and a plastic chair. Newspapers and books were piled in a corner, and, apart from an old clock, there seemed to be nothing else that added to the starkness of the space.
On the bed sat an old man, half bent. His hands were clutching a bounty of medals, their value of gold, silver or bronze uncertain. Time had taken its toll and even the satin ribbons had frayed around the edges. It was his eyes that drew one’s attention — alive, alert and filled with innocence and joy.
The article accompanying this photograph was an interview of a veteran sportsman. It talked of his journey — the challenges, the long hours of arduous training, the camaraderie and sportsmanship with his teammates and the values they imbibed from their races. At one point, he says, he does not even remember the number of gold medals he has in his bounty! It was a striking contrast to how we revere sportsmen for the prizes they receive and how obsessed we have become about stories of their new cars, flashy endorsements and celebrity tinged parties.
Beyond academics
Sports, music, art and other such disciplines have today acquired a status that they did not enjoy a few years ago. Increasingly students are being given opportunities to train and excel in these fields, with full support from their families and educational institutions. It is not uncommon to find students from diverse economic backgrounds taking up these disciplines as a viable career option
A student of ours, who came from an orthodox family where most members were doctors, lawyers or engineers, was sent for her higher education to one of the best music conservatories in England to pursue her passion in classical violin. Parents are working hard to send their children to the best coaching centres, finding ways of networking with the best coaches so that their wards can excel in their chosen field. It is a gift to many blossoming artistes and athletes, a chance to find their own voice and live the dream of achieving their highest potential.
However, we have also opened a pandora’s box. The relentless effort in securing a high academic score had now been channelised to another field. The same unhealthy drives that lead students to long hours of mechanical coaching are now seen in the frenzy with which parents and students attend selections and auditions. Moreover, we have not completely transited our need for degrees. So, often an aspiring athlete or musician is burdened with having to excel both in academics as well as his area of interest.
The sense of failure of not meeting either of the expectations is often psychologically devastating. We have seen many promising students experiencing burnout, often refusing to get back on the track or hold a paintbrush. One student, a swimmer, looked my colleague in the eye and told her, “The pool, which was my sanctuary of peace, is now my nightmare. I am not dipping back into it.”
There is also the chase of the prize. And, the prizes have become more lucrative and alluring. The stories we read of hefty endorsements, media exposure and celebrity like status, propel many young people to take this path. Like the young multimillion dollar pop star, who often finds himself on the wrong side of the law, the reality of being exposed too early to a hedonistic lifestyle, has very unhealthy repercussions. They often do not see the ugly side of this reality. The carrots are dangled continuously and it is very easy to lose sight of what is really valuable.
Hidden lessons
The value of these disciplines is in the “hidden” lessons that they teach us. Sport sets the foundation for discipline, integrity and teamwork. It is training to achieve one’s best, with the highest ideals. The stories we hear of athletes or artistes who rise above mediocrity to win gold medals is inspirational. The movie Chariots of fire is a poignant reminder of what was once upheld and valued.
Apart from the medals, it is just being humbled by the talent that one has been given to express oneself. The grace of an athlete in motion or the creation of an artist also gives a sense of wonder to the rest of us watching. Inevitably, it sparks something of the higher within us and we go beyond a match being won or a painting winning a prize.
Medals tarnish over time. The ink on the certificates fades. The real glitter is the journey itself. The adventure of discovering one’s strength and weakness. The beauty in the highest of human values. To what end are we educating our children? Perhaps, we should take a moment and reflect on what the real value of “gold” is.
Enjoy your own journey towards real gold!
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