Dr. Mahfoud Amara
Modern sport can be considered one of the most important human inventions. It is a product of human development and civilization, characterized by the rationalization of sport movements, training, coaching, and the means of measuring performance. Utilizing precise equipment and tools that are increasingly interconnected through advancements in technology and the use of big data, sports have become more efficient and predictable.
For example, in basketball, technology can assist in improving shooting accuracy, while in football, it can analyze factors such as foot contact with the ball and speed during kickoffs and corners. In baseball and golf, technology aids in measuring rotation and strength, and in Formula 1, it enhances the speed and precision of tire changes. Moreover, the increasing amount of data and variables allows for minute-by-minute weather condition predictions during competitions, influencing decisions regarding tire selection.
Sport has evolved into a massive enterprise that involves a wide range of professionals, including engineers, performance and data analysts, physiologists, biomechanists, psychologists, and communication and marketing experts. They analyze every aspect of athletes’ and players’ movements, physical and mental attitudes, and experiences in both competitive and non-competitive situations. Nothing is left to chance, or at least almost nothing.
However, the beauty of sport also lies in its unpredictable nature, which makes it one of the most entertaining spectacles, attracting a larger audience, media attention, investors, and sponsors. Sport possesses the power to galvanize nations, bringing together people from different cultures, social classes, and groups, regardless of gender. It celebrates humanity at its best, showcasing civilizational and artistic expressions. This can be seen in the explosive power of sprinters running 100 meters in less than 10 seconds, the spectacular dunks in the NBA, the precise passes with the right speed in American football, or the majestic dribbles of soccer strikers that make all the difference.
The beauty of sport is not only found in the design and architecture of sports arenas but also in the well maintained green grass that adds another artistic layer to the experience. Sport evokes emotions, encompassing joy, celebration, as well as moments of sadness and suffering. The suffering not in the extreme sense of inflicting injuries or sacrificing one’s body to win at all costs, but rather in the sense of training, goal-setting and resilience.
Despite the challenges, negativities, and temptations resulting from hyper-commercialism and over-rationalization, sport remains fascinating due to these aspects.
Dr. Mahfoud Amara is an Associate Professor in Sport Social Sciences and Management at Qatar University.
