• The true value of sport: A chat beyond medals and accolades

The sports field, the mat, and the gym are much more than just places to play – they are, for some, the best schools for life.

For these athletes, their sports teach them everything they need to succeed later on: discipline, mental toughness, knowing your limits, and how to get along with people.

Whether it’s the self-control learned in martial arts or the teamwork demanded by a game like rugby, football, hockey etc., the skills gained are the same.

These are the crucial tools that prepare them to cope with challenges, handle stress, and become successful, confident people in the real world.

Sport in this day and age has reached a peak of ultra commercialisation and a ‘never-seen-before’ attraction in terms of global coverage, audience, and most importantly a way of life.

Today at The Daily Morning we spoke to some sports personalities on what they think about sports as a way of life and how different sporting principles can pave the path to overcome challenges in the life and times of the common populace.

Following are excerpts from a wide range of athletes we spoke to on this topic:

Gevin Linden – MMA – Muay Thai champion fighter

“I believe the importance of sports, particularly combat sports and martial arts, extends far beyond the ring – it’s a crucial training ground for facing the harsh realities of life and integrating successfully into society.

“When people ask if a discipline like Muay Thai can genuinely help youth in distress and lend a hand to tackle various social issues facing them, my answer is an absolute, resounding yes. Any martial art fundamentally humbles you, disciplines you, and builds character.

“There’s a common misconception that getting into a combat sport makes a person more aggressive or violent.

“In my experience, the opposite is profoundly true; it actually humbles you. You begin to truly see what other people, and what you yourself, are capable of.

“The sheer physical and mental toll of the training is immense – it can be hellish, honestly. 

“But it is precisely this heavy strain that teaches you life lessons you simply cannot acquire anywhere else.

“You learn grit, resilience, and the power of persistence. When you push through that mental barrier, you don’t just see glory; you see the strength of your own will.

“That resilient mindset is what you eventually take with you when you ‘go out to society’.

“Globally, I feel that a significant problem is that many kids and teenagers lack a constructive outlet, which leads them to turn to negative behaviors like drugs or illegal acts. 

“In training, you learn to manage fear, to respect your rival regardless of the outcome, and to keep getting up after being repeatedly knocked down.

“These are not merely fighting techniques; these are core life skills that translate directly into the workforce, personal relationships, and simply navigating the daily challenges of adult life.

“It teaches you not to underestimate yourself and to persevere through the ‘awful, terrible days’ until you see what you can truly accomplish. 

“I urge everyone to be more open-minded about these disciplines. Give the youth that opportunity. They won’t just learn to fight; they’ll learn how to overcome and how to live.”

Nichula Liyanage – First Sri Lankan to play pro basketball in Australia

“The journey through competitive sport is, in many ways, the ultimate preparation for real life and success in society. It’s a testing ground where you learn lessons that no textbook can teach. My experience in basketball, from hating my first practice to playing professionally in Australia, taught me the most crucial truth: hard work beats talent every time. That mantra is the secret to navigating life’s challenges.

“In the real world, you quickly realise you’re often ‘smaller and weaker’ than the competition, just as I felt adjusting to the high-level, methodical game in Australia. 

“But sport forces you to believe in what you can do – to strategically find your niche, whether it’s being a ‘sharpshooter’, or a ‘strategic thinker’, and using that strength to dominate.

“Crucially, sports teach you how to handle the inevitable defeats, the ups and downs that are a part of life.

“I’ve faced the physical adversity of a broken cheekbone and the mental nightmare of an injury during a crucial final game.

“These moments teach you that pain is temporary, but the perseverance you gain is permanent. 

“When you keep getting up, even when you ‘always wonder how the game would have turned out’, you build the type of resilience that empowers you to keep fighting for your goals in any career or personal struggle.

“The ultimate importance of sport to society, however, is in the power of giving back. For me, that’s coaching. 

“My passion is not just about the game; it’s about inspiring kids to be better both on and off the court. 

“Taking the best lessons from my mentors and passing them on to the next generation – watching a kid I trained win, or represent the country – that is my biggest prize. 

Sport gives young people a positive outlet, a structured path to personal growth, and most importantly, the self-assurance to follow my final advice: Don’t let anyone else define your life.”

Imdaad ‘Immy’ Mowlana – ICN World (I Compete Natural) 3rd place winner 2024

“The impact of committing to a sporting discipline, whether it’s rugby or natural bodybuilding, is far more significant than simply winning a medal or achieving a good physique; it is about forging the character necessary to face the world. My personal journey, from struggling with childhood obesity to securing international medals, is proof that the physical transformation is merely a byproduct of a much deeper, more valuable mental and moral transformation.

“My involvement in sports, particularly rugby, was life-changing. It taught me invaluable morals, provided a sense of identity, and built my character. 

“Bodybuilding, as a lifestyle, instills a relentless sense of discipline and self-care. This is critical because the discipline you learn in the gym – the consistency, the hard work, the resilience to push past discomfort – directly translates to success in your education, your career, and your relationships. 

“You learn to start fresh, learn from failures, and seek guidance, which are essential skills for navigating a complex society.

“As a coach and mentor, my biggest achievement isn’t the medals I’ve clinched, but the ability to inspire others through my own transformation. 

My message is simple: Be consistent, work hard, and above all else, believe in you.”

Shihan (master instructor) Tadashi Komenoi – Founder of Sri Lanka Aikido Association

“We must understand that focusing purely on the physical aspect of sport, such as winning medals and collecting cups, is setting a small target. 

“To truly complete a person, the endeavor must aim for the highest target: brushing up your body and, crucially, your spirit. 

“This spiritual training is the profound difference between a temporary athlete and a complete human being.

“In the real world, you do not face opponents on a mat; you face conflict, challenge, and suffering. 

“Aikido, which means ‘the way of harmonious spirit’, is not about learning to punch or kick. 

“It is about learning to control your spirit and maintain inner peace under pressure. When the world attacks, our art teaches us to receive that energy, harmonise with it, and neutralise the conflict with minimum damage – protecting not only ourselves but also the attacker.

“For young people, establishing a healthy body through sport is a good foundation, but it is not sufficient.

“They must go further and establish a healthy spirit. If you train only your body, you will never experience true peace of mind. 

“It is the cultivated, peaceful spirit that, in the future, allows you to create a peaceful social life and contribute to a harmonious world. 

“Whether facing a crisis like the Tsunami or witnessing global conflict, the spirit of Aikido compels us to share our happiness and offer a helping hand. 

“This dedication to non-aggression, self-mastery, and social harmony is how a sport transforms a mere physical being into a complete person, ready to face – and improve – the real world.

Abid Jameel – Commonwealth youth weightlifter

“The core lesson sports teaches is balance and management. My life at Trinity College was a ‘fruit salad’ of activities – weightlifting, rugby, debating, and drama, all alongside my academic pursuits in the mathematics stream.

“This constant juggling of commitments – from the rugby pitch to the stage – forces a student to develop time management skills and prioritise workload from a very early age. 

“In the corporate or professional world, you are seldom asked to do just one thing; you must manage multiple projects simultaneously. Sports make this second nature.

“Beyond logistics, sports builds character and professionalism. I advise aspiring sportspeople to ‘keep at it’ and understand that ‘success doesn’t come overnight’.

“It takes years of practice. More importantly, I stress the need to ‘be mindful, be disciplined, and stay focused’.

“In a match, you learn that every small action has a consequence that will either help you or haunt you.

“This applies directly to the business world, where accountability and discipline determine long-term success.

“You learn to be competitive but never destructive, a critical distinction for a functional society.

“By trying your hand at everything, from getting thrashed in a backyard cricket ‘Test Match’ to falling on a staircase, you develop resilience and self-knowledge. 

“This ability to absorb defeat, get back up, and learn from it is the defining characteristic of someone ready to lead and succeed in the real world. 

“If you only focus on ‘work’, you risk becoming a ‘dull boy’ – incomplete, fragile, brittle and unprepared for life’s inevitable setbacks.

Dehara Senaratne – Fmr. SL Schools National Hockey Goalkeeper

“As a team player and also a solo sportswoman (karate) with a taste of both worlds, I feel that sports are definitely something that will help every kid to understand and develop their character in the future. 

“I have seen and grown up to be a person that I never knew I could be, as it helped me associate with and understand people. 

“Sports helped me transform from being an introvert to an extrovert, whilst knowing my limits, and it definitely helped me make better life decisions that I did not regret afterwards.

“When I started karate, I was the chubby, introverted kid who was getting bullied and suffered from anger management issues. 

“Karate was certainly and always my coping mechanism and the only therapy I needed to help build my character. 

“It taught me that it is a disciplined art that requires focus and patience. Even now, you would still find me in my room doing my ‘katas’ when I’m stressed or nervous.

“Hockey, on the other hand, really helped me to deal with pressure, and my team spirit gradually increased.

“There was never a match that I wasn’t nervous beforehand, but the end result of seeing my team, coaches, teachers, and parents happy is what got me through all of that pressure, as well as through life in general as I still think about the journey. Being a goalkeeper adds a layer of mental fatigue, as you feel every mistake can cost the team the game, which is a stressful position – but handling that stress is invaluable.

“Being a part of both sides of the coin helped me realise that sports helped me change my life totally. 

“I think it’s essential that kids showcase their talents through sports, as there would definitely be a huge personality development they’d experience, and they would certainly never regret the journey. Sports is a foundation that can help you in many ways, and I would advise all kids to start a sport to experience the beauty of it just as I did and continue to do so.”