Sports and Politics

It is often said that sport and politics are two aspects of modern society that have nothing in common. Yet, history provides us with numerous examples of how they influence one another, directly or indirectly. Since time immemorial, sport and politics have always ignited a nationalistic and political undercurrent between kingdoms and nations. Some say it is a mere ploy to boast one nation’s sporting prowess, others say it is meant to accomplish a higher goal of peace and harmony rather than dominion and supremacy.

Ancient Greece was the birthplace of democracy and The Olympic Games. An ancient Olympic truce was aimed to lead a cessation of hostilities throughout Greece, to allow competitors to travel and compete safely, but it was not always observed. Similarly, The Field of the Cloth of Gold (1521), for instance, was the meeting place between King Henry VIII of England and King Francis I of France. The meeting, rather nationalistic than personal between the two kings was aimed at increasing the bond of friendship between the two kings and their respective kingdoms. It turned sour when King Henry challenged King Francis to a wrestling match and quickly lost. Further negotiations and months of diplomatic endeavor between the two nations went downhill. 

Illustration by Golden Cosmos

In the mid-1930s, the rise of dictatorship and fascism was used as a political tool to promote sport. Before World War II, the Italians and Nazis in particular paraded their young athletes, sportsmen and women in massive gatherings to showcase a message in disguise of higher physical and political superiority. In the aftermath of World War II, the National Party (NP) of South Africa imposed the harshest legislation of Apartheid which led to South Africa being suspended from all major sport events in the 70s for refusal to accept inter-racial sports which further leading to a ban of 20 years. The end of Apartheid regenerated a new outlook in South African politics. Black people now had equal rights, just as the white people and the significant release of Nelson Mandela from Robben Island Prison gave birth to a new nationalistic fervour in South Africa.

Politics, as history shows, is used as an ideological tool to drive theories of propaganda and divert attention from the less appealing activities of life. Just like in the 20th century, notable sport events seem to be hosted by authoritarian states to gain political legitimacy and strengthen their power in the world. Sport has always been an easy target for political interest of various kinds. Or differently put: Ever since the dawn of modern sport, world leaders have seen the potential of making sport political. They cannot be blamed for their purposes, not when they aren’t shy of bringing their political agendas to the fore during or before big sport events.