Reported for IELTS on 18/04/2024

Many young people do not enjoy competitive sports because they are afraid to losing. Therefore, youth should be banned from participating in sport competitions. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Model answer by Lifestyle Training Centre

In contemporary society, many young individuals display a reluctance to engage in competitive sports due to a pervasive fear of failure. While some advocate for the prohibition of youth participation in such activities, I vehemently oppose this notion. This essay will assert my standpoint and propose pragmatic solutions to address the issue of non-participation.

Primarily, excluding youth from competitive sports would render these activities devoid of participants. Competitive sports are inherently tailored for the energetic and resilient nature of young individuals. This is particularly evident in international competitions like hockey, football, and cricket. The idea of sending older individuals to represent their countries in such events is inconceivable, as they would undoubtedly be outmatched by the youthful vigour of competitors from rival nations. Consequently, the cessation of competitive sports would become inevitable if youth were barred from participation. For instance, even the most skilled athletes are retired once they surpass their prime, underscoring the indispensable role of youth in such endeavours.

To address this issue, pragmatic approaches should focus on providing comprehensive counselling to young athletes to alleviate their fear of failure and stigma. Access to professional and astute counsellors should be facilitated to assist young players in navigating these underlying challenges. Cultivating awareness of sportsmanship among youth would also play a pivotal role in mitigating the prevailing crisis of sports avoidance.

In conclusion, prohibiting youth participation in competitive sports due to their waning interest is impractical. These activities are intrinsically designed for young individuals, and pragmatic solutions such as counselling and fostering sportsmanship are far more viable. Youth must always be encouraged to embrace challenges, as they represent the cornerstone and promise of our future.