Sports…the great unifier, the great divider, and the ultimate test of human emotional endurance. One moment, you’re fist-pumping like a rock star, and the next, you’re contemplating a social media detox because your team let you down again.
Take today, for example—India vs. Pakistan in the Champions Trophy. A rivalry so intense that it should come with a health warning. The last time they met in a final, back in 2017, India lost, and it was nothing short of heartbreak. But today? Today was different. India didn’t just win; they made sure Pakistan was teetering on the edge of elimination. A sweet, sweet redemption arc for Indian fans.
But here’s the thing—I didn’t actually watch the game.
Why? Because Sports Are Not Fun (For Me, At Least)
I know, I know. Some of you are shaking your heads in disappointment. But hear me out. Sports are unpredictable, and my heart simply can’t take the stress anymore. Unlike movies, where the hero always wins in the end, sports have no script (unless you believe in some outlandish conspiracy theories). You invest hours of emotional energy, endure all the ups and downs, and then—BAM—your team loses, and you’re left questioning your life choices.
Four-hour matches with constant twists? No thanks. Give me a neatly edited 10-minute highlight reel instead. I want to see the best moments without living through the suffering. Call it cowardice, call it self-preservation—either way, my blood pressure is grateful.
The Agony of “One and Done” Games
It’s one thing to lose a regular-season game. You sigh, move on, and hope for better days. But high-stakes, knockout matches? Oh boy. That’s where sports take sadistic pleasure in crushing your soul. Whether it’s cricket, football (both American and the one played with actual feet), or March Madness in college basketball, the “win or go home” format is brutal.
And let’s talk about soccer (or football, for the purists). If cricket tests patience, soccer tests nerves. Ninety minutes of buildup, barely any goals, and then—boom—someone scores in stoppage time, and an entire country erupts in either joy or devastation. I mean, people have literally had heart attacks watching their teams play in the World Cup. No other sport comes with the risk of an ambulance ride just for being a spectator. And don’t even get me started on penalty shootouts—that’s not a game, that’s torture disguised as entertainment.
That’s when you realize—maybe sports are taking more from us than they’re giving. I mean, I never heard of anyone having a medical emergency because they were watching The Lion King. At worst, you tear up when Mufasa dies, but you recover by the time Simba roars triumphantly. With sports, there’s no guarantee of a happy ending.
Maybe It’s an Age Thing
When I was younger, I adored rivalries. I’d passionately argue about McEnroe vs. Borg, get emotionally invested in India vs. Pakistan, and even suffer through the Detroit Lions’ Thanksgiving Day games (which is like volunteering for annual heartbreak).
But over time, I’ve noticed that my sports bias has only grown stronger. It’s no longer just about loving a team—it’s about despising the idea of them losing. And since half of all sports teams lose on any given day, that’s not great for my happiness levels.
The only event that still sort of works for me? The Olympics. Because at least there, there’s a chance that multiple teams win something. “Oh, we lost the 100m final? No worries, we’ve got a shot in the gymnastics.” But even then, I find myself rooting hard for Team USA to win the medal table. Some habits just don’t fade.
Finding the Right Balance
So, where does that leave me in my sports fandom? Well, I’ve adopted a strategy:
- Check the score first. If my team is winning comfortably, then I might tune in. If it’s close or a disaster? Hard pass.
- Watch highlights instead. Short, sweet, and stress-free.
- Enjoy other people’s reactions. I may not watch live, but I’ll happily scroll through Twitter (or X, or whatever Elon is calling it now) to see fans react in real time.
Because at the end of the day, sports are meant to be fun. If they’re causing more pain than joy, maybe it’s time to rethink how we engage with them. Or, you know, just stick to highlights.
How about you? Are you the die-hard, nail-biting type, or have you also adopted the “protect your peace” approach like me? Let me know—unless your team just lost. In that case, I’ll give you a moment.
🚀
Light Hearted 
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