Setting the stage for International Youth Day, which is recognised annually on August 12, Abu Dhabi 360, an emirate-wide initiative launched by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, has collaborated with Mental Health Expert, Dr. Haseeb Rohilla, to explore a new dimension to the understanding of youth development, particularly in sports, emphasising the multitude of benefits it offers, beyond health and fitness.
International Youth Day has long been a platform to address youth issues globally and to celebrate the potential, strength, and creativity of young people. This year, Abu Dhabi 360 is highlighting the role of sports in fostering comprehensive youth development. And there’s also a growing body of experts who believe in the transformative power of sports.
Dr. Haseeb Rohilla champions this perspective. He says, “Sports offer physical benefits, but also strengthen psychological and social aspects. Research shows that children who dedicate 1-2 hours per week to sports tend to excel both socially and academically, compared to their counterparts who are not actively involved in sports.”
Dr. Rohilla continues, “Engaging in sports, especially as part of a team, fosters confidence. You learn about your abilities, strengths, and areas for growth. You also learn how to cope with wins and losses, which is a valuable life skill. This not only nurtures resilience but also bolsters self-esteem.”
Team sports, in particular, offer the chance to build connections. Dr. Rohilla emphasises, “On the playing field, you interact with a variety of individuals. This promotes understanding, empathy, and communication – vital social skills that can help young people throughout their lives.”
While the positive psychological and social impacts of sports are commendable, it’s also important to understand that there can be potential drawbacks if not appropriately managed. “Like any tool, sports can have a double-edged impact. The same settings that teach resilience can also induce excessive stress,” warns Dr. Rohilla.
Dr. Rohilla explains that when competition becomes overly intense, it can lead to negative emotions such as anxiety, frustration, and a sense of failure, particularly in youngsters who tie their self-worth to their sporting success. “The pressure to perform and win can sometimes overshadow the joy and fun of the game. This might not only affect a young person’s mental well-being but also their continued interest in sports,” he adds.
Additionally, while the world of sports can indeed foster social skills, it can occasionally also become a place where instances of peer pressure, bullying, and exclusion may surface, particularly for those who may not feel as adept or engaged with the sport.
Therefore, it’s essential for coaches, parents, and mentors to ensure a healthy sports environment. “The goal should be personal growth and enjoyment, not just winning. It’s about creating an inclusive, supportive atmosphere where mistakes are seen as opportunities for learning, not as failures,” Dr. Rohilla emphasises.
Abu Dhabi 360’s recent endeavours echo Dr. Rohilla’s sentiments. The initiative recognises the latent potential of sports as a resource for more than just health and fitness. It presents an avenue to stimulate the psychological and social aspects of youth development, which invariably leads to increased happiness levels.
This International Youth Day, Abu Dhabi 360 and experts like Dr. Haseeb Rohilla encourage us to reimagine sports. It’s not just about winning or losing, it’s about nurturing our next generation to be physically fit, mentally strong, and socially adept. This comprehensive development, they believe, is the true victory we should strive for.
