TODAY -

Sportsmanship maligned

By Seram Neken *



"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are."
- John Wooden

The best of discipline is inherent in games and sports. Sports competitions are considered a war with strict rules and regulations coupled with discipline. Following the game rules, respecting referee judgments, treating opponents with respect etc distinguish sports from other activities. There is also an element of love among the players of both sides even if they fight tooth and nail in the field.

We all have experienced football players shaking hands after four quarters of knocking each other around. Tennis players are seen leaping over the net to shake hands with their opponents after a hard-fought match. Soccer players exchange jerseys after an intense 90 minutes. Even boxers touch each other's gloves at the beginning of each round, then hugging each other after beating each other into a pulp for 12 rounds.

Good sportsmanship is demonstrated when the player shows respect for his teammates, opponents, coaches, referees, judges and other officials. Everyone who participates in sport from athletes to administrators, from officials to coaches should take personal responsibility for ensuring the sanctity of sports.

Morals, values and ethics are as important as rules or laws. There must also be a highly enviable sanctified human relation between the coaches and players, if true spirit of sports and sportsmanship prevail. Stadia and playgrounds are considered next to temple as discipline, conduct and behavior rule the games and sports.

There is no room for personal enmity and craze for the self in sports. It is an obligation of coaches, captains and leaders too to define basic sports morals and values that they want their teams to adhere to, and then lead by example. Coaches are models whom players imitate the most.

After weightlifter Monica Devi's alleged political discrimination a few years back, Manipur is again in the news. It is deeply painful to hear a senior Hockey Coach attempting sexual harassment against a Manipuri woman hockey player. It is an unfortunate chapter in the history of women hockey in India that she was allegedly sexually harassed by team videographer, Basava Raja and the coach, MK Kaushik.

It is really a shock to sports lovers around the glove to see the shameful pictures of alleged sex scandal in various media. The sports ministry has initiated the probe on the allegations. The entire team management is now under suspension and investigation report of Hockey India's five-member Committee has been forwarded to the ministry. Hockey India General Secretary has already assured stringent action against the duo after due investigation.

Sexual harassment is a recognized social problem in sport. It consists of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Romantic or sexual relationships between coaches and players, even if it is with the consent of both sides, can be considered as an abuse of professional ethics, status and power.

Consensual or sexual relationships between coaches and players compromise the professional integrity of the coach and subvert the educational mission of sports. Coaches exercise power over players, whether in giving them praise or criticism, evaluating them, making recommendations or conferring any other benefits on them. Such situations greatly increase the opportunities for a coach to abuse his or her power or sexually exploit the player.

Voluntary consent by the player in such a relationship is also sometimes suspected, given the fundamentally unequal nature of the relationship. Such relationships can also cause a conflict of interest: how can a coach fairly judge a player with whom he or she is having sexual relations ?

Moreover, other players and coaches may be affected by such unprofessional behavior because it places the coach in a position to favor or advance one player's interest at the expense of others and implicitly makes obtaining benefits contingent on consensual or sexual favors.

Sexual harassment in sport deters girls and women from participating and developing as sportspersons. It has debilitating consequences both for its victims and for the society as a whole. In the context of sports programs, it lowers the self-esteem and limits the ability of women and girls to develop their full potential in sports and fitness activities.

It impairs the future capacity of its victims to experience full participation and to pursue employment and leadership roles in playing. This, in turn, deprives the society as a whole of the contributions of these women and damages a genuine appreciation of women's sports achievements and contributions.

A clear cut policy to exclusively deal the sexual harassment in sports will help create an organizational climate in which women and girls feel free to report such incidents. Setting policy on sexual harassment is also believed to decrease the likelihood of such offenses.

It is high time the civil society and various sports bodies pressurized the government to formulate, implement and evaluate policies on sexual harassment and sexual relationships in the sports arena.


* Seram Neken wrote this for Hueiyen Lanpao (English Edition) . This article was webcasted on August 03, 2010.



* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Protest @Checkon -AT arrest [Jun 9] : Gallery
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • The question of territorial integrity of Manipur
  • Animal Farm's allegory in dynamics of Manipur
  • Their hands deserve books, not burdens
  • JNV empowers Tamenglong students
  • We can do better- people with HIV live healthy
  • Bandh: The Cry Beneath the Silence :: Poem
  • Cutting short 240 hours general strike
  • Shutdown lifted, curfew eased, mobile ban
  • Protests - AT arrest [Jun 8 night] : Gallery
  • Review of 'Rain Stopping in Manipur'
  • Highway blockades trigger soaring prices
  • Voice of the Masses :: Poem
  • Congress may claim if none
  • Learning new skills related to AI
  • Delhi, Raj Bhavan: Losing the plot ?
  • CBI arrest after Governor clemency assurance
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #1 : Gallery
  • Amuthoiba, Gaisimpu, Horyaola : eMing
  • Appeals Home Minister not to renew SoO
  • Self-defence :: Poem
  • When will humans learn nature's lessons ?
  • Forgotten voices of drug users in Manipur
  • High-yielding RC Manichakhao-1
  • PC Editorial Blank Space : June 09 2025
  • TSE Editorial Blank Space : June 09 2025
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #2 : Gallery
  • North East NSS Festival @ MU : Gallery
  • Namphakey - A Thai Tradition in Assam
  • Understanding Manipur's recurring floods
  • Constitutional role, professional functions
  • Moscow Wushu C'ship: Manipur - 16 medals
  • The Power of Poppy - 84 :: Poem
  • 27th Meira Paibi Numit : Gallery
  • Micromanager vs Leader
  • Valedictory Function of NE NSS Festival
  • WED at various campuses in Manipur
  • World Environment Day 2025
  • Trump's tariff legacy & its global echo
  • Skin Cycling
  • MU: On reaching a milestone
  • WED observance amid flood crisis
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #1 : Gallery
  • Environment Day @Chingmeirong : Gallery
  • Manipur's unyielding struggle for identity
  • Manipur youth lead the way in organic farming
  • Moscow Wushu : Manipur 2 gold & 16 medals
  • World Environment Day at MTI-HUB
  • World Environment Day at Ukhrul
  • Local actions for a global plastic-free future
  • Raj Bhavan since Feb 13, 2025
  • Time to focus on post-flood activities
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #3
  • Manipur is more than a name
  • Manipur Hill Areas Act, 1967 : Download
  • Cervical cancer remains 4th biggest cancer
  • Frontline Lessons of entrepreneurial burnout
  • Till death do us apart :: Poem
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Hidden enemy
  • The rain from May 28 to Jun 3
  • Resettlement assurance by ministry officials
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #3 : Gallery
  • Strategic erosion of State authority in Manipur
  • Application : Film Appreciation Course
  • H Ranita leads revolution through SMILE
  • Water logging and floods of MLAs
  • NE In-Charge: Shri Sharda Sarvagya Peeth
  • Stand against border fencing
  • Lessons to learn from consecutive flood
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #2 : Gallery
  • Call for permanent solution to recurring Flood
  • Manipur : Champions 25th Natl Wushu C'ship
  • North East NSS Festival 2025 at MU
  • Healing with Art for children at Relief Camps
  • Restricted movement on NH-02 stalls growth
  • The cadence of life :: Poem
  • The other side of the tragedy
  • Fund misuse slur as Imphal faces flood
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #1 : Gallery
  • Precedent Rodent: The new architect of flood
  • Declare flood in Manipur as "State Calamity"
  • Commitment to end tobacco must translate...
  • The World Goes On :: Poem
  • Tracing the arc of tool making
  • Of rain & more rain & flood
  • NE no more immune to natural disasters
  • Sarangthem Nirupama at Miss Universe India
  • S Nirupama @Miss Universe : Gallery
  • Leimapokpam Ranjita: Nightingale Award
  • Dina Oinam transforming "Waste to Wealth"
  • The Power of Poppy - 83 :: Poem
  • Stop Targeting Against Meetei IDPs
  • Urges Action on Flood Negligence
  • Manipur Hill Areas Act, 1967 #4
  • Helpless Meiteis in their own land, Manipur
  • 9 Signs of a Person Who Truly Leads
  • Open Letter to Prime Minister
  • My life journey: Texas - Lone Star State
  • Summer hair masks
  • 'Free movement will take time'
  • Food grain sufficiency amid flood threat
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #2
  • June Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • Women entrepreneurs on biodiversity
  • Management: Etymology- academic discipline
  • Quiet Things :: Poem
  • Condemns attack on NE Shopowner in Delhi
  • Shifting goalpost : Emerging political experts
  • Peaceful protest, so far
  • 2nd Emoinu Fish Festival #2 : Gallery
  • INNOTECH Fest 2025 for Manipur Startup
  • Condolence of Prof J V Narlikar at MU
  • Toxic politics of selling addiction to children
  • Citizens pay, officials delay
  • Tripura Esports Championship Season 1
  • Back from Delhi on 'positive' notes
  • Rooting for withdrawal of PR post Gwaltabi
  • Protesters to Raj Bhavan [May 25]: Gallery
  • The silent guardian of Manipur's environment
  • Strengthening Emergency Medicine in Manipur
  • Manipur's fragile truce between identity
  • Manipur Budget 2025-26: Unequal sharing #2
  • NE youths jobseeker in Delhi : Hospitality
  • My mother, Miss World :: Poem
  • A popular Govt: A better option ?
  • Governor skirts protesters, heightens tension
  • Human Chain @Airport road [May 26]: Gallery
  • Sanatan Sammelan in Manipur
  • 'Great Myna' conservation reaping success
  • WMC Manipur Unit AGM held
  • Wabi Sabi: A unique Japanese philosophy
  • Rescind Siang Dam, Arunachal
  • Another round of talk at Delhi
  • COCOMI-MHA meeting amid Gwaltabi
  • Manipur Hill Areas Act, 1967 #3
  • MoU signed between MDB & GPR Law
  • Guide for Job Seekers & Emerging Leaders
  • NERIST & NIELIT Itanagar Sign MoU
  • The Last Step: Celebrating Manipuri Dance
  • Faint Cries :: Poem
  • Reservation: Privilege or Real Justice ?
  • The virus is still very much alive
  • Bitter, sweet moments of Shirui Lily fest
  • Miss Shirui Pageant Contestant: Gallery
  • Meetei Mayek Summer Camp in Kolkata
  • Where hills hum hope, but ground trembles
  • Manipur railway driving growth & connectivity
  • Point-of-care health technologies
  • The Power of Poppy - 82 :: Poem
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #1
  • Manipur Budget 2025-26: Unequal sharing #1
  • Edible insects in biodiversity conservation
  • Mukesh Ambani at NE Investors Summit
  • Bees inspired by nature to nourish us all
  • Influencers! Responsibility should also go viral
  • Natural sunscreen: Exploring safe alternatives
  • Central forces dictating terms in the plains
  • Land of Shirui Lily: Manipur is this & more
  • 48 hrs Bandh: protest security forces: Gallery
  • Manipur is no empty word to be played with
  • Admission for B.Tech, M.Tech at DUIET
  • Condemnation: Govt & Mahar Regiment
  • Dress code, debating etiquette in democracy
  • Cervical cancer prevention through HPV
  • Beauty :: Poem
  • Utter disregard of public sentiment
  • Whispers between Beads & Silences #2
  • Bonds of love across the Burmese border
  • Investigate the action of Mahar Regiment
  • Shirui Lily Festival fosters brotherhood
  • Shining a light on retinoblastoma
  • Trump for Nobel peace prize
  • Protest Rally: Journalist harassment: Gallery
  • Action against harassment to journalists
  • Still, believe :: Poem
  • Change How You Think About Time
  • Nagas preserve heritage through handloom
  • India's declared undeclared war
  • Sanatan Sammelan 2025 at Imphal
  • No 'Manipur' in Manipur order
  • Improvised security steps for Shirui Lily fest !
  • Purul (Hiimai) Paoki Fest #3 : Gallery
  • Youth Empowerment at Shirui Lily Festival
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai
  • Audit for TB deaths is missing in #EndTB
  • Realm of Power :: Poem
  • Hospitals: Learn a bit about hospitality
  • Keeping the ST for Meiteis demand alive
  • Raking up ST issue as tension grips state
  • Manipur Hill Areas Act, 1967 #2
  • Welcome & Appeal from Shirui Village
  • Thoudam Akashini: Champion master athlete
  • National Endangered Species Day 2025
  • Avert Ego, Soul Near Me :: Poem
  • Clarification regarding News Coverage on AIR
  • Coming back after 4 years: Shirui Lily Fest
  • Festival to test efficiency of SFs
  • 76th Indian Republic Day #5 : Gallery
  • Khuraijam Phulendra Singh
  • Media role in preserving culture & harmony
  • World Hypertension Day 2025
  • Army Veterans pay tribute to Martyr Constable
  • The Power of Poppy - 81 :: Poem
  • Yaoshang Cooking competition : Gallery
  • Rejoice Singh: Makeup / Prosthetic: Gallery
  • Project Associate @ Assam University
  • Internship @ IEEE CIS Kolkata Chapter
  • Article 371C : Role of Governor & HAC #2
  • Recognize real ability, not marks
  • The rise of information warfare
  • Skin care routine for summer
  • Over three months of President's Rule
  • Toiling to reinstate Govt sans consensus
  • Whispers between Beads & Silences #1
  • Just to See :: Poem
  • Artisan blends craft to empower women
  • Chief Justice at Moirang Relief Camp
  • Lalruattluanga win at TrendVision Finale
  • Manipur mourn Deepak Chingakham
  • Strategic shift to underdeveloped regions
  • Candid NSCN (IM) make stand clear
  • Tourism festival under threat
  • 'Yelhou Yangkok Artist' Exhibit #3 : Gallery
  • Cultural @ Tri-Nation Football #2 : Gallery
  • HSLC 2025: Full Result (Check Roll No)
  • HSLC 2025: Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2025 : Compartmental candidates
  • HSLC 2025 : Comparative Statement
  • HSLC 2025 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2025 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSLC 2025 : Govt School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Aided School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Private School Pass %
  • 21st Ningtham Kumhei #2 : Gallery
  • People's Convention on 3rd May #2 : Gallery
  • Interview with Rejoice Singh- Makeup Artist
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2025 #2: Gallery
  • Nongkhrang Ehanba @ Lilong : Gallery
  • People's Convention on 3rd May #1 : Gallery
  • Radio E-pao: New Channel - Khunung Eshei
  • Khongjom Day - April 23 #2 : Gallery
  • The Waterbirds of Loktak Lake
  • Imoinu Erat Thouni @Kangla : Gallery
  • Statues of 7 Maichous @Kyamgei : Gallery
  • Riya Khwairakpam : HSE Science Topper
  • Keisham Hannah : HSE Arts Topper
  • Warepam Lidia : HSE Commerce Topper
  • HSE 2025 Result : Science Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Arts Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Commerce Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Information / Abbreviation
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Science
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Arts
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Commerce
  • HSE 2025 : Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2025 : Result Abstract
  • HSE 2025 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • Khongjom Day - April 23 #1 : Gallery
  • Cheiraoba by Manipuri in Korea : Gallery
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 1 : Ooba Video
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025