Religion, being a sensitive aspect of life, and more so personal, international sports bodies have a thin line of caution to watch between their guidelines and religious practices and personal beliefs of athletes. However, and most importantly, even before we start considering sports guidelines, we should first take a keen and meticulous interest on what unifies us. What creates unity and harmonious existence in society is of more importance than that which propagates separation. The big question is, what brings us together as one? Is it religion? Is it personal belief? Or is it sports? If any of the above is not applicable, it is not usable.
Without turning a blind eye on any matter affecting human personal belief — a balance and check mechanism should be employed to sustain a state of equilibrium between guidelines on clothing and equipment, and religious practices. I solemnly acquiesce that anyone representing their country in sports should not desert what he or she believes in and holds most dear: religion, customs and beliefs. In furtherance of this, athletes should clearly comprehend the guidelines on what is required of them to wear. If, by any means and chance, the clothing required, in one way or another, is against their religion and belief, they can voluntarily withdraw from the game. This is because international sports bodies state explicitly that no athlete shall be permitted to wear costumes that portray political, religious or racial factors of any community. This means it is upto the athlete’s discretion whether to join or withdraw from the game. It is not compulsory for any athlete to join the game. On the other hand, if athletes respectfully choose not to participate in sports due to the guidelines given, then we find ourselves at a great loss because the most talented athletes of a country may not join a competition and represent the country. A country will then be inadequately represented by less talented athletes.
What I opine to be of great importance is that international guidelines regarding sports and equipment should be such that they do not evoke — or unnecessarily provoke — the beliefs and religions of athletes. For instance, the size and shape of a costume should be in accordance with the requirements of the individual. Apparently, some costumes worn in international sports are far too short, especially for ladies. This makes some of the most dependable athletes in the country shy out due to their personal belief. The clothing facilities should offend neither athletes nor fans, who have so much love and affection towards a game. Moreover, families watching the games should also feel comfortable while doing so.
As we know, the ultimate goal of sports is not to create enmity among different segments of the society but to create unity and good relations in the world — to create a harmonious and peaceful existence among different countries of the world. Thenceforth, religions and personal beliefs prove to have no room here. Since what brings unity is more important than what divides us, it is crystal clear that we should not entertain religious aspects or personal beliefs. We should be working towards the common, greater good of all sects of society. However, it should be noted that even though there is no room for personal beliefs and religion, certainly there is room for preservation of human dignity and self-respect. Sports guidelines may not consider religious aspects as part and parcel of its rules and and regulations, but it has to make ample space for self-respect and human dignity. Just like they preserve patent rights, manufacturing rights and advertising rights of large corporations manufacturing sports clothing. This is the leas international sports bodies can do to enhance human dignity and self-respect of the athletes.
Anyone representing their country in sports should not desert what he or she believes in and holds most dear.
To this extent, international sports bodies can frame rules and regulations that permit athletes to wear uniforms in their choice of size, length and shape. As always, no costumes portraying religion should be allowed, and no costumes showing off personal beliefs should be allowed either. This is simply because personal belief begets religion, religion begets separation, separation begets enmity and enmity begets chaos. It is therefore clear that religion and personal belief should not be a factor to consider when framing rules regarding clothing and equipments. The only important issue to be dealt with is unity, self-respect and peaceful existence in the spirit of sports. If, by any chance, we let our personal beliefs and regulations take an imminent position in any set of guidelines, we risk destroying the peace we have worked so hard to achieve in this world. Religions will only divide us into segments. (Apparently, there are many forces in play against world peace.) Let us not allow sports to be one of them, whether in the name of religion or personal belief.
The main aim of the international bodies of sports should be to maintain a harmonious environment for the peaceful conduction of games, to bring uniformity among contestants, to enhance human dignity and self-respect of athletes and thereby of every individual around the world and, finally, to bring unity and good relations between countries. Having said that, I would like to repeat that there is no — and should never be — room for religions and personal beliefs in sports. Even the most liberal of minds should not open up to the idealogy of combining religion and sports. But for sure there should be large room for human dignity and self-respect.
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