Author: Rohini Chintha

“So, which event are you going to take part in for the Sports Day?” asked Mom eagerly.

“I won’t be taking part in any event,” said Monu. “I won’t be going to the Sports Day.”

Grandpa looked up from his newspaper. “But why?” he asked Monu.

“I don’t like any sport. Moreover, I am not good at any sport. And no matter how hard I try, I am not going to win, so what is the point of participating?” said Monu sulking.

“You don’t have to participate to win. The most important thing is to have fun,” said Grandpa. “Did you know Japan gives a medal to the participants too, along with the winners?” 

Monu looked up in disbelief.

“By the way, which sporting events are scheduled to take place on your school on Sports Day?” asked Grandpa.

“There will be swimming, badminton, basketball, gymnastics and long jump events besides, the 100-metre and 200-metre dash, and the 400-metre relay,” replied Monu.

“Given a chance to win, which one would you like to participate in?” probed Grandpa.

Monu thought for a while and said, “The 100-metre and 200-metre running races,” he said.

“What is stopping you?” asked Grandpa.

“I don’t have any practice. Even if I start now, I hate waking up early for the training sessions, and the physical strain would be too much to handle,” said Monu making excuses. “And, Sports Day is in ten days. There isn’t even a proper ground in the neighbourhood to run.”

“That is not an excuse,” said Grandpa, brushing aside Monu’s protests. “Get your shoes. Let’s go to my club and you can practise at the ground there.”

Monu tagged behind Grandpa reluctantly. The coach at the club was eager to help Monu. He too shared Grandpa’s opinion: “Winning doesn’t matter, but participation does,” he said.

“Both Grandpa and the coach are saying the same thing. Perhaps, participation is what actually counts,” thought Monu. “Anyway, I don’t expect to win, so I have nothing to lose,” he convinced himself and agreed to practise.

The following week, Monu practiced at the club every day. He began enjoying the early morning practice sessions; he no longer disliked waking up early. He could also see an improvement in his running. Monu’s confidence led him to perform better in class too. 

Monu also enjoyed the talks his coach and Grandpa would give to motivate him. Every day, he learnt about someone new like sprinter Milkha Singh and boxer Mary Kom, and the hurdles they overcame to achieve their dreams. Monu found it very inspiring.

On Sports Day, Monu surprised his friends and teachers by participating in the races. He ran well, but did not win. Monu took the loss sportingly and congratulated the winners. In fact, he seemed more pleased than the winners, observed his mother.

In the evening, Grandpa was reading his newspaper when Monu came along. 

“Come on, Grandpa. Let’s go to the club for practice,” said Monu enthusiastically.

“But your Sports Day is over, and you didn’t win,” smiled Grandpa slyly.

“Winning would have been fun but participating was as much fun too. I loved the excitement of running the race. Now, come on, I need to start practising for next year’s Sports Day. Who knows, I might even win,” said Monu with a wink.

“You are a true sportsman, Monu,” said Grandpa, hugging Monu.

“Thank you for making me one, Grandpa,” said Monu. “And thank you for making me realise that participation does matter!”