THE EVOLUTION OF SPORTS GAMES FROM THE 19TH CENTURY TO THIS PRESENT DAY

It’s interesting to see how sports games as evolved over the years, and how technology has played a role in that evolution. Back then, many people didn’t have access to television, so they would listen to live sports games on the radio or read about them in newspaper.

What is Sports?

Sports is an organized physical activity that is competitive in nature. It often involves two or more players or teams, and there are usually rules that must be followed. Sports are typically played for environment, but they can also be played professionally. Some of the most popular sports in the world include football (soccer), cricket, basketball, baseball, and tennis. But there are many other sports that are enjoyed around the world, like rugby, golf, and volleyball. There are even some unusual sports that have their own passionate fan base, like curling and lawn bowling.

History of sports games

In 1800s, most people played sports just for fun, but by the early 1900s, people started to take sports more seriously. The first professional sports league, the National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, was formed in 1876. And by the 1920s, sports games were becoming more popular, and they started to be broadcast on the radio. It was around this time that people started to keep scores and tracks statistics of their favorite player. 

The biggest change in sports games, of course, came with the invention of television. In 1939, the first live sports broadcast was made, and people were able to watch games from the comfort of their homes. This had a major impact on the popularity of sports, as it made it easier for people to follow their favorite teams and players. 

Television also allowed for the developments of new types of sports games, like reality shows and competitions.

What is the first sport game ever played?

The first recorded sport game ever played was a form of polo, which was played in Persia (modern-day-Iran) as early as 600 BCE. But the oldest continuously played sport game is likely to be cricket, which originated in England in the 16th century. 

Cricket was originally played by nobility, but it eventually became popular among general population. The rules of the game evolved over time, and by 19th century, it had become a very popular sport in England. 

In 1844, the first international cricket match was played between the United States and Canada. But the first truly international cricket tournament was the 1877 Test match between England and Australia. The popularity of cricket eventually led to the formation of the International Cricket Council in 1909, which is the governing body for cricket around the world. Today, cricket is played in more than 100 countries and is especially popular in South Asia, Australia, England, and West Indies.  

It would also be predicted that sports involving hunting and throwing, as well as competitions involving hitting, kicking, and throwing a ball-like object, were performed in earlier periods.

Many modern sports originated as competitions derived from military pursuits like archery and rifle shooting, as well as from early modes of transportation like horseback riding and canoeing. 


Some historical sports have been replaced by better versions or altered by technological advancements, while others have completely disappeared as a result of shifting leisure and athletic fads.

There was just one event a footrace at the first ancient Olympic Games that are known to exist, in 760 BC. Other sports like discus, javelin, equestrian, wrestling, boxing, and jumping were added in later Games. Wrestling is thought to be the only sport that the Bible mentions from approximately the same time (see Bible sports quotes). 


China is the birthplace of association football, or soccer, the most popular sport in the world today (see Soccer History). There is proof in China that soldiers under the Han Dynasty in the second and third centuries BC engaged in a game called "Tsu Chu" that included kicking a leather ball filled with fur into a tiny opening. Similar to soccer, hands were not allowed during play.

Globalization 

It’s made it possible for athletes from all over the world of sports to compete against each other, and it’s also led to the formation of international sporting leagues and organizations. For example, the FIFA World Cup is one of the most popular sporting events in the world, and it brings together teams from all over the globe. Other examples of globalized sports leagues include the NBA, the NFL  and the English Premier League. 

Patriot Games

Sports evolved into a type of "patriot games" by the start of the 19th century's last decades, where specific ideas about national identity were formed. Sports have been and still are used by both mainstream and marginalized groups to confront, uphold, and symbolize their identities. Sports have the power to uphold or challenge dominant social relations in this way. Several compelling instances demonstrate how national identity politics and sports are intertwined.

The term “patriot games” is often used to describe the way that sports can be used to promote national pride and unity. For example, when a national team wins a major sporting event like the World Cup, it can lead to celebrations all over the country.

The Olympics is another example of an event that can bring people together to support their country.

National Character

National character is a term that refers to the way that a country’s identity and values are reflected in its sporting culture. For instance, the United States is often seen as a nation that values individualism and competition, while japan is seen as a nation that values cooperation and team spirit. These national characters can be seen in the way that each country’s athletics play their sports.

Western Domination

The dominance of Western countries in international sports competitions is a complex issue, and there are many factors that contributed to it. One reason is that Western countries tend to have a higher level of investment in sports, both financially and culturally. They also tend to have better facilities and coaching, which gives their athletes a competitive advantage. In addition, western countries often have a higher level of media coverage and fan support, which helps to motivate their athletes and create a sense of national pride.

Elite sports and labor migration 

One significant and well-established aspect of the athletic "global village" is labor mobility. Although athletes are the main participants in this labor movement, coaches, authorities, administrators, and sports scientists are also involved. While migrant labor has always been a part of the sports industry, in the later decades of the 20th century, the situation became more complex and intense. Globalization processes are intimately related to this acceleration.

The relationship between media and sports

 The relationship between mass media and sports has been a powerful force in shaping our culture and society. From the late 18th century onward, this relationship has passed through a series of stages, the first of which was parallel development, with the mass media reaching a broader audience through new technologies and market growth while sports were attracting a growing base of paying spectators. Next, their trajectories began to intersect the commercial mass media (especially after their emergence in electronic form) increasingly viewed sports coverage as an inexpensive way of supplying much-needed content. Sports were correctly perceived as ideal for capturing audiences for advertisers. Public or state media also recognized sporting events as opportunities to reaffirm national culture and to bolster patriotism. As the economic infrastructure of sports developed to the level of a bona fide industry, sports entrepreneurs began to see the mass media as important for generating interest among spectators and sponsors.

Finally, by the late 20th century, mass media and elite sports formed a marriage of convenience, becoming in this last stage so economically interdependent as to be virtually inseparable. It is now, for example, impossible to imagine the continued existence of professional sports football, basketball, gridiron football, or baseball without billion-dollar broadcast rights and saturation coverage in the sports pages. It is also difficult to suggest another cultural form capable of attracting billions of viewers to watch live events (such as the Olympic Games opening ceremony or football’s World Cup final). 

Commercialization of Sports

The commercialization of sports is a controversial issue, and there are valid arguments on both sides. On one hand, it has brought a lot of money into the sports industry, which has helped to fund new facilities and pay athletes better salaries. It has also created new opportunities for sponsorship and advertising, which can be beneficial for the athletes and their teams. On the other hand, some people argues that the commercialization of sports has led to a focus on profits over the enjoyment of the game. 

Overall, mass media has allowed for people to enjoy sports and has given athletes a greater platform to share their talents. At the same time, it’s important to be aware of the potential pitfalls of mass media and to make sure that we maintain a healthy balance between the business of sports and the love of the game.

Conclusion

It’s clear the intersection of globalization, and mass media is having a profound impact on sports. From how we play and watch sports to the way athletes are trained and paid, these forces are shaping the future of the industry. While there are some negative aspects to these changes, I believe that the positive aspects far outweigh them. As technology continues to advance, I’m excited to see how it will further transform the way we experience and think about sports.



Share: