Aamir B. and Brian B.

World Studies A2

Just as in most countries, sports are popular in India.  But, not only are they popular, they also play a part in the struggle that India faces today - the struggle between traditional and modern lifestyles.  Indians have many traditional sports that their culture has developed.  These include Gilli Danda, Kabhadi, and Silambam.  These are still played frequently today.  Also, a traditional sport for Indians to play is cricket, and it is still widely popular.  Although it was not invented by Indians, it has become an Indian tradition.  However, more modern sports are beginning to become popular in India such as basketball, soccer, field hockey, and volleyball.  Field hockey has even been made India's official national sport.  Even though modern sports are becoming more popular, many Indians are still reluctant to give up traditional sports like cricket and switch to playing more modern sports.  Thus, some of the modern sports are slightly slow to catch on, and are not yet generating professional Indian players.  This emphasizes the tug of war between traditional and modern lifestyles.  We have chosen the specific topic of sports because it represents an important part of the lives of many people.  As it shows what people do on their free time, it gives a good picture of what life is really like and thus can depict the struggle between traditional and modern lifestyles very well.

For an example of the difficulties of bringing modern sports to India, visit the following link for an article on the NBA's attempt to recruit Indian basketball players: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1558298-1,00.html

http://rajatgupta.wordpress.com/2006/06/22/

Above, two hindu ascetics in India are playing soccer.  Soccer is a much more modern sport for Indians to play, and this picture shows that even the religious people who uphold many traditions, such as traditional clothing that they are wearing, are playing more modern sports.  Thus, some modern and some traditional aspects of Indian life are mixed.  Indians also play many other modern sports such as hockey, basketball, and volleyball.

http://www.travelblog.org/Asia/India/Goa/Palolem/blog-47031.html

Above, a group of Indian boys play cricket, a sport that is traditionally popular in India.  Although they are playing a traditional sport, they wear modern clothing, displaying the fact that there are both traditional and modern aspects in their lives today.

Dialogue

OLD GUY: Ok everyone, let's play some cricket now!

KID: Why would anyone play cricket?  Basketball is better!

OLD GUY: What is this nonsense you speak?  Cricket is the game of Indians!  This is our tradition to play cricket!

KID: Cricket is a stupid tradition.  Basketball is the new game to play!  It will become a new tradition!

OLD GUY: You call cricket stupid?  You are a misinformed child.

KID: Shut up old man, we're playing basketball.  Go play cricket with your old people!

OLD GUY: What?  This is what new things have done.  Children no longer respect their elders.  You, boy, will play cricket.

OTHER MAN: Why can't we just do both?  We'll play cricket first, and then we'll play basketball.

OLD GUY: Fine, as long as we keep our tradition.

KID: As long as we play the new games.  They're cool.  I want to be in the NBA!

OLD GUY: What a waste of time.  You should join the cricket team if you want to play sports.  We can't give up cricket.

OTHER MAN: C'mon, stop fighting.  Let's just get everyone and play!

Traditional Sport-Cricket (above)

Traditional Sport-Kabbadi (above)

Modern Sports - Soccer and Basketball (above)