Describe a sport that you only have watched before but have not played yourself

In today’s fast-paced world, sports serve as a universal language, bringing people together across cultures and geographies. One sport that I have only watched but never played is ice hockey. Although ice hockey isn’t very popular in India, let alone Punjab, it captivated my interest through television broadcasts and online streaming platforms.

The first time I watched an ice hockey match was during the Winter Olympics a few years ago. The experience was exhilarating, as I watched it on a large screen at a friend’s house in Ludhiana. We had gathered there for a weekend get-together, and my friend, who had spent some years in Canada, was keen on sharing his love for the game with us. The sheer speed and agility of the players, the intensity of the game, and the roaring crowds left a lasting impression on me. It was like watching a perfectly choreographed dance, albeit on ice and with a lot more adrenaline.

Watching ice hockey with a group of friends, some of whom were also new to the sport, made the experience even more enjoyable. We cheered for our newly adopted favourite team, discussed the rules, and marvelled at the athleticism displayed by the players. It was a crash course in camaraderie and sportsmanship, wrapped up in a thrilling package.

What struck me the most about ice hockey was its combination of speed, strategy, and physicality. The players’ ability to manoeuvre swiftly on ice while maintaining control of the puck was nothing short of amazing. This sport, though unfamiliar in our local context, showcased the beauty of human skill and endurance in a way I had never seen before.

In conclusion, watching ice hockey was an eye-opening experience. It broadened my horizons and made me appreciate the diversity of sports beyond the cricket and kabaddi that dominate Punjab. It’s true what they say: “Variety is the spice of life.” This sport, though alien to my own experiences, provided a thrilling glimpse into a different world, leaving me with a newfound admiration for the athletes who play it.

Follow-Up Questions

1. What kinds of sports would you like to play in the future?

In the future, I would love to try my hand at tennis and swimming. Tennis, with its blend of agility, power, and strategy, fascinates me. I believe it would be a fantastic way to improve my fitness and reflexes. Swimming, on the other hand, is a great full-body workout that promotes endurance and is both refreshing and relaxing. Engaging in these sports would not only keep me fit but also add variety to my routine, making life more exciting.

2. Why are there many athletes in advertisements?

Athletes are often featured in advertisements because they embody qualities like perseverance, discipline, and success, which brands want to associate with. Their high visibility and popularity make them effective in grabbing attention and influencing consumer behaviour. Moreover, athletes often lead healthy, active lifestyles, making them ideal ambassadors for products related to fitness, nutrition, and wellness. This connection helps build trust and credibility with the audience.

3. What are the features of people who watch sports games online, such as gender or age?

People who watch sports games online come from diverse backgrounds, but typically, they tend to be younger, tech-savvy individuals ranging from teenagers to adults in their 30s. While both genders enjoy sports, males traditionally make up a larger portion of this demographic. However, the gap is narrowing as more women engage in sports viewership. Online platforms attract viewers who prefer the convenience and flexibility of watching games on the go, often interacting on social media during live events.

4. What’s the most popular sport in your country?

In India, cricket is the undisputed king of sports. It enjoys massive popularity across all age groups and regions, often described as a religion rather than just a sport. From street games to professional leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL), cricket is deeply ingrained in the culture. The excitement surrounding international matches, especially when India plays, is unparalleled, uniting people in their passion and fervour for the game.

5. What kinds of sports are popular now but not popular 50 years ago?

Sports like badminton, football (soccer), and basketball have gained immense popularity in recent years, whereas they weren’t as prominent 50 years ago. Badminton, with stars like P.V. Sindhu and Saina Nehwal, has seen a surge in interest. Similarly, football has grown significantly, supported by leagues like the Indian Super League (ISL). Basketball, aided by greater exposure to the National Basketball Association (NBA), has also captured the youth’s imagination, showcasing a shift towards a more diverse sports culture.

6. Do you think there are too many sorts of sports games on TV?

While there is an abundance of sports games on TV, catering to varied interests, it’s not necessarily an immoral thing. The wide range of options allows viewers to explore and appreciate different sports. However, it can be overwhelming for those who prefer a few specific games. To balance this, broadcasting networks can ensure that they highlight key events while also offering comprehensive coverage of lesser-known sports, maintaining a healthy variety without oversaturation.

USEFUL VOCABULARY

·        Fast-paced: Moving quickly; happening rapidly.

·        Captivated: Completely fascinated or enchanted by something.

·        Exhilarating: Extremely exciting or thrilling.

·        Sheer: Complete or absolute; nothing except.

·        Agility: The ability to move quickly and easily.

·        Intensity: The degree or strength of something, often referring to emotions or actions.

·        Roaring: Making a loud, deep, and continuous sound.

·        Albeit: Although; even though.

·        Adrenaline: A hormone released in response to stress or excitement, increasing heart rate and energy levels.

·        Camaraderie: Mutual trust and friendship among people who spend time together.

·        Thrilling: Very exciting or stimulating.

·        Struck: Past tense of “strike,” meaning to hit or affect suddenly and forcefully.

·        Manoeuvre: A planned and skillful movement or action.

·        Swiftly: Quickly; with great speed.

·        Puck: A hard rubber disc used in ice hockey.

·        Variety is the spice of life: A saying meaning that having a diverse range of experiences makes life more enjoyable.

·        Alien: Strange or unfamiliar; belonging to another place or species.

·        Glimpse: A brief or fleeting look or view.

·        Perseverance: Continued effort and determination in spite of difficulties or setbacks.

·        Ambassadors: Representatives or emissaries, often representing a country or organization.

·        Credibility: The quality of being trusted and believed in.

·        Tech-savvy: Knowledgeable about or skilled in using technology.

·        Demographic: Relating to a particular group within a population, often based on age, gender, income, etc.

·        Undisputed: Accepted or recognized by all as being true or accurate.

·        Ingrained: Firmly established or deeply rooted.

·        Unparalleled: Unequaled or unmatched; having no equal.

·        Fervour: Intense and passionate feeling or enthusiasm.

·        Surge: A sudden and powerful increase or burst.

·        Abundance: A very large quantity of something; plentifulness.

·        Comprehensive: Covering or including everything; complete.

·        Oversaturation: Excessive or too much of something, beyond what is necessary or desirable.