"Oodi veliyadu paapa...nee oindhirukalagathoo paapa! wrote the great poet Bharatiyar, a sentiment echoed by psychologists even today. Physical activity, they emphasize, is vital for children, just as much as academic achievements.

Sports and physical education are interconnected, and children should be encouraged to participate in them from a young age. However, the focus often leans heavily on academics, leaving sports underemphasized. Doctors recommend at least one hour of play daily, as it aids mental development, boosts self-confidence, strengthens the body, and fosters social responsibility.

Physical Benefits: Engaging in sports from a young age strengthens bones, muscles, and joints. It improves cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of related disorders. Additionally, sweating during physical activity helps regulate body temperature and eliminate toxins.

Cognitive Development: Eighty percent of brain development occurs by age six, with the remaining 20 percent continuing through childhood. Early involvement in physical activities significantly enhances this final stage of brain growth. Exercise increases oxygen flow to the brain, improving lung function and boosting concentration and memory.

Building Social Skills: Playing with peers fosters essential social skills. Traits like teamwork, fair play, and resilience in both victory and defeat are learned on the playground. Sports also teach how to interact with others and develop empathy and camaraderie.

Boosting Confidence: Sports instill mental maturity, discipline, self-confidence, and problem-solving abilities. The lessons learned in overcoming challenges on the field translate to greater resilience in life.

Parents' Role: Parents should encourage traditional games, which promote a balanced approach to success and failure. By steering children away from digital distractions and toward physical play, they help them appreciate the value and greatness of sports.