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It is not fair to say that winning isn’t important but no one can say that winning is the only thing in sports. I believe different people have different perspectives in this matter, depending on attitudes, gender, ages and roles. Coaches and managers may say “ITS VERY IMPORTANT!”, but youths think that winning is only a bonus of the game. I think that in sports, everyone should be aiming to win, but winning isn’t that important. Athletes must give their best and always hold on to his own goal and principles, as this is sometimes tougher than winning the competition. For an amateur, winning is not the main aim, self-improvement should be. The process, skills, and experience gained are the essences of the sport. Just for the sake of winning, athletes should not sacrifice team spirit, sportsmanship or integrity nor allow violence and rule breaking. Losing a competition should not let the athlete’s spirit down; rather raise it even higher to double the effort and improving self discipline. Winning is relative, it is often affected by luck and sudden changes. So it depends on how you see it. What if the winner’s performance is lousy and disappointing, but happens to win because the opponent is less skilful? And what if the loser plays very well but loses due to lack of experience? To me, I rather play on the losing team than sitting on the winning team’s bench. For professionals, after a long period of vigorous and intensive training, they will put in all their effort because their ultimate goal is to win. Winning is the reward of their hard work, with it comes fame, prestige, honour and respect. Of course, winning can also be the stepping stone for greater income and maybe a promotion. Winning drives athletes to go further, beyond their current capabilities, to reach for a higher level. Without the desire to win, a competition would lose the spice as quality of performance of athletes can be questioned. Winning provides motivation and energy to give one’s best. Winning a game, no matter big or small boosts one’s self-confidence to a certain extent because their abilities have been recognized and acknowledged. However, obsession with winning will cause pressure and stress and may generate hate towards sports as this deprives the athletes of the enjoyment of the game. I believe the healthiest point of view is to look into the definition of winning, which is to set attainable and meaningful individual goals and to put up the best performance in sports. To me, the journey undertaken to achieve that goal and the ability to reach it is the mark of winning, far more precious than the championship itself. So, winning isn’t confined to only getting the championship, but also breaking own records and standards. Sports is more interesting when people feel satisfied after trying their best. I believe that in the course of the game, an athlete should focus and aim to win but should not compromise game morality and social responsibility. Instead, hold on to the goals set and remember the purpose of sports is to have fun, to learn and to gain friendship and respect. “Winning isn’t important, striving to win is”.
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