The term “sport” is often used to describe an activity that involves physical exertion and competition. The process of playing sport requires participants to use all parts of the body and burn calories. It can also cause physical exhaustion and sweating. Additionally, participating in a sport improves the physical fitness of the individual participating in it.
Since the turn of the 20th century, sports coverage has expanded. Even the august New York Times has a large sports section. In addition, daily sports newspapers started to emerge in various countries. In France, for example, L’Equipe was born in the early 20th century. Sports are no longer just a means to make money. They are also a way to demonstrate prestige and power.
Many sports involve emotions. Fans are likely to feel elation and despair depending on the outcome of a game. They may feel enraged or sad when a favorite player is injured, or elated after scoring the winning goal. However, fans can also feel a sense of self-identity with their team.
Historically, the world of sports has been a complex one, with many different nations competing for recognition. Some of the most recognizable sports were born in the past, while others arose as a result of political and social factors. The dissolution of the Soviet Union led to an international sporting order. The major sporting nations of the world were grouped into core, peripheral, and semiperipheral blocs, each based on their history, culture, and politics.