Sports and Wellness

Prabhat always wanted to win and could not accept defeat - not even at marbles. He avoided games he might lose and only played what he was sure to win, like badminton.

Prabhat's parents, teachers and friends said he could not accept defeat. Winning felt wonderful; losing felt terrible - the worst fate. If he sensed defeat, he refused to play. Only sure victories interested him, though he excelled at badminton.

New student Surya was an excellent badminton player. On the last Friday of the month friendly matches were held. Prabhat was scorer for his match against Surya, who stayed relaxed and joked while Prabhat prepared seriously.

When Surya joined the school, Prabhat awaited the monthly friendly badminton round. Teams were chosen Monday; the two faced each other Friday. Prabhat kept score and trained hard. Surya wandered smiling, cracking jokes, seeming careless.

Surya played brilliantly but carelessly. Prabhat changed the scoreboard while Surya looked away and won by cheating. Surya only said it was fun and they should play again.

On court Surya won point after point, laughing. Because he paid little attention, Prabhat altered the scoreboard and stole victory. He celebrated loudly; Surya shrugged pleasantly - 'It's been fun. We should play again some other time.'

Everyone praised Prabhat, but he slept poorly. Surya did not seem upset. Next day Prabhat saw Surya fail at basketball for ten minutes yet smile throughout.

Classmates discussed Prabhat's 'great' game, yet he felt oddly unhappy. Surya showed no bitterness. Watching Surya miss basket after basket in basketball while still enjoying himself puzzled Prabhat.

Prabhat observed Surya for days - great at some games, poor at others, but always enjoying. He learned you need not keep score; trying well and enjoying each moment matter. He began hide-and-seek and joked during badminton.

Prabhat noticed Surya's common trait: enjoyment in everything. He realised games need no scoreboard tally; what matters is effort and joy. He played hide-and-seek, joked on court, and classmates said, 'Good fun playing with Prabhat - great sporting spirit.'

Evenings children play ball by a creek in a neighbour's field. They run until breathless. When blue dark turns black, cold grass aches their feet and trees creep close - game over. Night wins!

Ciardi's short poem places children beside a creek at dusk, running until they cannot catch breath. Darkness deepens, grass chills their feet, trees seem to close in - play ends. The winner is Night itself.

Yoga began in ancient India. The word comes from Sanskrit 'yuj' - to join or unite. It unites mind and body, thought and action, humans and nature. Sage Patanjali organised yoga in the Yoga Sutras.

Yoga is physical, mental and spiritual practice from ancient India. 'Yuj' means to join - symbolising harmony of mind and body, thought and action, human and nature. Patanjali systematised yoga as a way to quiet the mind and remove distractions.

Asanas stretch muscles and improve balance; breathing and meditation reduce stress. Yoga boosts immunity and heart health. WHO launched the mYoga app in 2021. Practice needs focus - mind with body, breath with each stretch.

Postures build flexibility, strength and relieve pain. Breathing and meditation calm anxiety and improve sleep and concentration. Yoga supports immunity, heart health and weight management. WHO's 2021 mYoga app spreads free guidance worldwide. True practice coordinates breath, awareness and movement without distraction.