Sports refer to physical activities and games that involve skill, competition, and often teamwork. They typically require physical exertion and are organized through rules or customs. Sports can be played individually or in teams and can be competitive or recreational in nature. Common characteristics of sports include set objectives, such as scoring points or reaching a finish line, and they usually involve an element of competition, whether against time, opponents, or personal records.
Sports can take various forms, including team sports like soccer, basketball, and baseball, as well as individual sports like tennis, swimming, and athletics. They can also include extreme sports, which focus on high levels of risk and adrenaline, such as rock climbing or skateboarding.
The practice of sports contributes to physical fitness, mental well-being, and social interaction. It is often governed by a system of organized competitions, leagues, and championships, culminating in events such as the Olympics or World Cups. Sports hold significant cultural importance in many societies and can serve as a means of expressing national pride and community identity.