Sports and Media
What is a Sport?
Pallavi Singal
Contributor
The global sports industry was valued at over $403 billion in 2022, and is expected to grow to over $680 billion by 2028. With the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in sports, the AI in sports market is projected to grow from $1.03 billion in 2024 to $2.61 billion by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 16.7%.
Sport is a physical activity or game, often competitive and organised, that helps people maintain or improve their physical abilities and skills. It provides enjoyment for participants and entertainment for spectators. Sports can be individual or team-based and may involve various numbers of participants. Some sports result in ties or draws, while others have tie-breaking rules. Competitions can be organised in tournament formats, and many leagues determine champions through regular seasons and playoffs.
Sport is typically defined by the physical activity it requires, with major competitions accepting only activities involving athletic ability or physical skill. However, mind sports like chess and bridge are also recognised by organisations such as the International Olympic Committee and SportAccord, despite not being physically demanding.
Most sports follow specific rules or customs to ensure fairness. Winners are often determined by performance, such as scoring or finishing first, while some sports rely on judges for evaluation, either objectively or subjectively. Sports performance records are kept, particularly in popular sports, and sports serve as major entertainment, drawing large crowds and broadcasting to wider audiences. In some regions, sports betting is regulated, while in others, it plays a significant role in the sport.
The sports market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $477.8 billion in 2024 to $507.69 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3%. The most accessible and widely practised sport in the world is running, while association football (soccer) is the most popular sport to watch.
In this article, we will explore the concept of sport and examine whether activities like chess, dance, ballet, and bowling can be classified as sports.
History of sports
Ancient sports
Sports have their roots in the basic activities humans need for survival. Early humans engaged in activities like hunting, running, swimming, and climbing to meet their daily needs. Evidence of organised competitions from this time can be seen in ancient cave paintings, such as those in France, which date back to 15,000 BCE and show people running and wrestling. These activities not only had practical purposes but also became early forms of group competition and rituals.
As civilisations grew, sports became more organised. In ancient Egypt, activities like wrestling, archery, and swimming were often part of religious ceremonies or royal entertainment. Similarly, people in Mesopotamia enjoyed boxing and wrestling as key parts of their physical culture. In China, martial arts like kung fu and games like cuju (an early version of football) were widely practised, with cuju even becoming a regulated sport during the Han dynasty. Meanwhile, the Mesoamerican ballgame, which began around 1400 BCE, was one of the first team sports, blending physical activity with spiritual meaning.
The greek influence
The ancient Greeks greatly changed sports by turning them into organised events. According to National Geographic, The first Olympic Games, held in 776 BCE in Olympia, were dedicated to Zeus and included events such as running, wrestling, discus, javelin, and chariot racing. These games helped bring unity among the Greek city-states and became a key part of Greek culture, celebrated every four years.
Greek sports went beyond just physical contests. They were also linked to education, with gymnasiums used as places for both physical training and intellectual learning. The Greeks valued the idea of a “sound mind in a sound body,” seeing sports not only as entertainment but also as an essential part of personal and community identity.
Roman sports
The Romans took many sports from the Greeks but changed them into big public spectacles. Gladiator fights, chariot races, and mock naval battles in amphitheatres like the Colosseum became the main features of Roman sports. These events were used to show off power, both for the people taking part and the elites who sponsored them.
Unlike the Greeks, the Romans didn’t focus as much on personal growth but instead used sports mainly for mass entertainment. Many gladiators, who were often slaves or prisoners, fought in brutal matches for the enjoyment of thousands of spectators. Chariot racing, particularly at the Circus Maximus, was extremely popular and attracted large crowds. The Romans used these grand spectacles as a way to bring people together and strengthen political power.
Medieval sports
During the medieval period, sports reflected the feudal structure of society. For the nobility, many sports were linked to military training. Jousting, where knights competed in tournaments, demonstrated combat skills and upheld ideals of chivalry. Hunting and falconry were also popular among the upper classes, combining fun with practical skills.
For common people, sports were simpler and more chaotic, such as mob football. These games, usually played in villages with little or no rules, were very physical and sometimes violent. Archery competitions were another common activity, useful both for entertainment and as a skill needed for military service. Overall, sports in the medieval period served two main purposes: entertainment and preparation for war.
The renaissance and early modern period
The Renaissance brought a renewed interest in sports as part of education. Physical activity was seen as important for both the body and the mind. During this time, sports became more structured, with rules and techniques being formalised.
Court sports like tennis, which was known as “real tennis” at the time, became popular among the European aristocracy. Fencing also developed into a more technical and disciplined sport, reflecting the era’s focus on precision and refinement. This period also saw the creation of written rules for various sports, laying the foundations for modern organised competitions. The Renaissance helped create an environment where sports were celebrated not only for their physical benefits but also as a reflection of cultural sophistication.
The industrial revolution and the birth of modern sports
The Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries changed sports by making them more organised and accessible. As more people moved to cities and machines created more free time, people were able to enjoy recreational activities. Better transport systems also allowed for regional and national competitions, bringing players and fans closer together.
During this time, sports clubs and governing bodies were created. In England, the Football Association (FA), founded in 1863, set the rules for association football (now called football), while the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) did the same for cricket. International competitions, like the Ashes series in cricket, also started to take shape. The Industrial Revolution helped build the foundation for the global sports industry, creating the necessary infrastructure and organisation for modern sports.
Sports in the 20th century
The 20th century saw huge growth and diversity in sports. With the invention of technologies like radio and television, sports could be broadcast to people’s homes, turning athletes into global stars. International events like the FIFA World Cup, the Olympic Games, and the Commonwealth Games became extremely popular, symbolising competition and unity around the world.
Professionalism became a key feature of sports in the 20th century. Athletes started earning money from competing, with leagues like Major League Baseball (MLB) and professional football leagues in Europe setting the standard. Women’s sports also grew in popularity, with events like the Olympic Games introducing competitions for women. New sports like basketball and volleyball became more popular, while extreme sports like skateboarding and snowboarding added variety to the sports world. The 20th century made sports an essential part of global culture.
The modern era of sports
In the modern era, sports have become a worldwide phenomenon, driven by advances in technology, commercialisation, and inclusivity. Mass media, especially the internet and social media, has turned sports into a multi-billion-dollar industry. Major events like the Super Bowl, FIFA World Cup, and Olympic Games attract billions of viewers, showing how sports can bring people together.
Technology, such as Video Assistant Referees (VAR) in football and wearable devices to track performance, has improved fairness and performance in sports. Inclusivity has also become a focus, with the Paralympic Games, the Special Olympics, and other initiatives promoting gender equality. The modern era celebrates not only the physical and competitive sides of sports but also their power to inspire and unite people worldwide.
Digitalisation of sports in the era of AI
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into sports has revolutionised various aspects of athletic performance, fan engagement, and operational efficiency. From enhancing player training to transforming broadcasting, AI's impact is profound and multifaceted.
AI-driven technologies have become instrumental in analysing athlete performance and preventing injuries. For instance, wearable devices equipped with sensors collect real-time data on players' movements, which AI algorithms analyse to monitor physical exertion and predict potential injuries. This approach, often referred to as "predictive maintenance for athletes," allows for timely interventions to prevent injuries.
The broadcasting landscape has been significantly enhanced by AI. For example, NBC has partnered with EA Sports and Genius Sports to introduce a Madden-themed simulcast, utilising AI to integrate real-time statistics and graphics into live football coverage. This innovation offers fans a more immersive and interactive viewing experience.
In sports journalism, AI is utilised to generate automated news articles and reports. Companies like Narrative Science and Automated Insights employ AI to summarise sporting events based on statistical data, providing timely and personalised content for fans.
To know more about AI in sports, how it is transforming sports industry you can read this article: The 4IR In Sports
Is chess a sport?
Chess is a strategy board game played by two players, each controlling 16 pieces on an 8×8 grid. The goal is to checkmate the opponent's king, making it impossible for the king to escape. Chess has a long history, originating from chaturanga in India in the 7th century, spreading through Persia, the Arab world, and Europe. Modern rules were established in the 15th century, and the first World Chess Championship was held in 1886.
The question of whether chess qualifies as a sport has sparked considerable discussion. Key arguments in favour of classifying chess as a sport include:
- - Chess is governed by FIDE, which sets rules, organises global events, and maintains rankings. FIDE is recognised by the IOC, lending credibility to its status as a sport.
- - Chess tournaments are highly competitive, with players of all skill levels worldwide. The mental intensity mirrors that of traditional sports.
- - Professional players invest extensive time in practice, analysis, and studying strategies to improve performance.
Is dance a sport?
Dance is often debated as to whether it qualifies as a sport. While it can involve competition, its primary focus is artistic expression, inspired by meaning rather than winning. Some argue that due to the effort and energy required, dance should be considered a sport, while others view it as an art form. In ancient Greece, sport and art were intertwined, with music used to enhance military coordination. Modern Olympic events like gymnastics and figure skating blend athletic ability with artistic skill. Therefore, dance may not be a traditional sport but could be seen as an artistic sport, combining physical skill and creativity.
Arguments for classifying dance as a sport include:
- - Dance requires high physical fitness, strength, and flexibility, with dancers training rigorously like athletes.
- - The precision in dance is on par with gymnastics or figure skating, both recognised as sports.
- - Dancers compete in events judged on technique, creativity, and performance, with strict rules and scoring systems similar to traditional sports.
Is ballet a sport?
Ballet, originating in 15th-century Italy, evolved into a concert dance form in France and Russia. It is a highly technical dance style with its own vocabulary, influencing many other dance forms globally.
Different ballet schools have added cultural elements, leading to variations in style. A ballet performance combines choreography, music, and trained dancers. Classical ballets feature detailed costumes and stage designs, while modern ballets often have simpler costumes and fewer decorations. Critics argue ballet is not a sport due to its focus on aesthetics and storytelling, but like gymnastics and figure skating, it blends athleticism with artistic expression.
Here are some key points in the discussion:
- - Ballet dancers train intensively for years to build strength, flexibility, and endurance, similar to athletic conditioning.
- - Ballet's jumps, spins, and lifts demand control, stamina, and resilience, with dancers performing for hours.
- - Competitions like Prix de Lausanne and Youth America Grand Prix assess dancers on technique, artistry, and stage presence.
Is bowling a sport?
Bowling is a target sport where players roll a ball towards pins (in pin bowling) or another target (in target bowling). Pin bowling, especially ten-pin, is the most common, with the aim to knock down pins on a lane. A strike occurs when all pins fall on the first roll, while a spare is achieved on the second.
Target bowling, such as lawn bowls, bocce, and pétanque, involves rolling a ball close to a specific mark. Despite its lower physical exertion compared to sports like football, proponents argue that precision and strategy in bowling qualify it as a sport, similar to archery or shooting.
Several factors support the classification of bowling as a sport:
- - Bowling demands precision, coordination, and control, with professionals practising for consistency and accuracy.
- - Events like the PBA Tour attract skilled players worldwide, featuring intense competition under established rules.
- - Success in bowling requires mental focus and strategic planning, adapting to lane conditions and opponents' performances.
Final thoughts
The concept of sport encompasses a wide range of activities, each with its own unique characteristics. While traditional sports are often defined by physical exertion and competition, other activities, such as chess, dance, ballet, and bowling, challenge these conventional boundaries.
Chess, with its mental intensity and global governance, fits well within the framework of sport. Dance and ballet, blending artistic expression with physical discipline, highlight the intersection of art and sport. Bowling, though less physically demanding, shares many attributes with recognised sports, including competition, skill, and strategy.
Ultimately, the definition of sport continues to evolve, reflecting the diversity of human activity and achievement. Each of these activities, in its own way, contributes to the rich tapestry of what it means to be a sport.
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