Why Can't Sportsmanship be Replicated in Politics

I love sports for this simple reason: both opponents treat the war — their sport — like it’s just another game.

Take the Wimbledon 2008 men’s final, often called the greatest Wimbledon final of all time: two arch‑nemeses at each other’s throats, Nadal vs. Federer.

That match was so epic and intense that I couldn’t even watch it till the end. Imagine how it must have felt for the players.

But finally, after around five hours of play, when Nadal defeated Federer, both players went to the net, shook hands, hugged sideways, and exchanged a few pleasantries.

The same happens in so many other great matches, whether in cricket, football, or basketball. After all the bloodshed, the rival teams come together and shake hands. This is sportsmanship.

Why Can’t This Be Replicated in Politics? 

Call me naive, but why can’t politicians get on with their business with the same attitude?

Fine, you started the war in a fit of rage or to gain some strategic advantage.

But when the war finally ends,why don’t you just shake hands?

Children also fight over similar trivial affairs. Today it’s a “strategic” piece of land; back then it was a “strategic” toy, or the TV remote, or a cricket bat.

And yet, children will meet the next day and play with the same friends, as if nothing happened yesterday.

It’s just a fight. Get over it. It’s just a game. Get over it. It’s just a match. Get over it.

Why are you clinging so hard? Why won’t you let go?

Forget it and move on.

What We Need 

We need this spirit of sportsmanship on the world stage as well.

I understand that sometimes wars are inevitable, when all other options have been tried and exhausted.

But end them sooner rather than later. And when they do end, get over it, shake hands, and start afresh and anew.