From Our Mini-Olympics to Global Adventures

Published in the Sunday Indian Express Magazine - Eye on 05 October 2025

How Our Society’s Sports Day Reflects the Universal Spirit of Global Connections Through Travel

As the New Year unfolds, so does one of the most anticipated events in the society where my wife Heta and I live: our annual sports and fun games competition, fondly known as the society’s mini-Olympics. This cherished tradition brings together our neighbours, friends, and families to celebrate the joy of sports, camaraderie, and a healthy dose of competitive spirit.

From the vibrant parade that kicks off the festivities to exciting matches of football, cricket, pickleball, and water polo, each event mirrors the excitement of grand sporting traditions around the world. Just as travel allows us to explore diverse cultures and landscapes, sports unite us in a shared love for challenge, teamwork, and triumph.

So today, let’s take a moment to draw connections between our mini-Olympics and the incredible travel experiences tied to many of the same themes. Because whether it’s a tug of war on home turf or a football match at Manchester United’s iconic stadium, Old Trafford, the spirit of competition knows no borders.

Parade: Every great event begins with a grand opening, and our society’s parade is no exception. With vibrant colours, energetic participants, and the collective excitement of the crowd, the parade sets the stage for the mini-Olympics. It’s a celebration of unity, creativity, and community spirit - a moment that reminds us of parades across the world that inspire awe and connection.

Think of the spectacular Olympic Opening Ceremony, where countries showcase their unique cultures, or Brazil’s Carnival Parade, bursting with energy, music, and flamboyant costumes. Closer to home, India’s Republic Day Parade in New Delhi highlights our nation’s rich heritage and military might, while the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York is a beloved tradition featuring giant balloons, elaborate floats, and cheerful performances.

In Europe, the Nice Carnival Parade in France offers a dazzling display of artistic floats along the French Riviera, and the Notting Hill Carnival Parade in London celebrates Caribbean culture with vibrant music and dance. The Procession of Giants and Bigheads, held during the San Fermin festival, renowned for the Running of the Bulls in Spain, is also very popular. Asia is no stranger to grand parades either - Thailand’s Chiang Mai Flower Festival Parade enchants with floral masterpieces, while Japan’s Gion Matsuri Parade in Kyoto showcases centuries-old traditions with exquisite floats and traditional attire.

Football & Cricket: At our society’s mini-Olympics, football and cricket matches are a cornerstone of the event, amplified by the friendly taunts, cheers, and sideline humour that bring everyone together.

Football holds a special place in hearts worldwide. Imagine the thrill of attending the UEFA Champions League Final, set to take place on May 31, 2025, at Munich’s Allianz Arena. The electric atmosphere, the sea of passionate fans, and the display of top-tier talent make it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Iconic stadiums such as Manchester United’s Old Trafford in England, and Barcelona’s Camp Nou are not just venues - they are sanctuaries of devotion for football fans.

Alternatively, witnessing a street football tournament in Brazil offers a raw and authentic glimpse into the nation’s deep-rooted love for the game. Competitions like the Taça das Favelas in Rio de Janeiro are more than just matches; they are celebrations of community and the beautiful game itself.

Cricket enthusiasts like me have their own set of pilgrimages. One of them is the recently concluded Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Yup, all of us are quite disappointed with the loss, but you can’t contest that this test match is a cherished tradition where the festive season meets high-stakes cricket, creating an atmosphere like no other.

Visiting England’s Lord’s Cricket Ground, the ‘Home of Cricket’, or experiencing the roaring enthusiasm of fans closer to home at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai offers a glimpse into the sport’s cultural significance.

Whether it’s football fans singing anthems in unison, cricket enthusiasts celebrating a spectacular boundary, or teammates sharing a laugh over playful banter, these sports offer moments that resonate far beyond the game itself. Just as travel connects us to new cultures and experiences, football and cricket connect us to each other.

Pickleball: Pickleball may be the new kid on the block in our society’s mini-Olympics, but it’s quickly becoming a favourite. A perfect blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, this fast-paced and accessible sport has captured the hearts of players across generations.

What makes pickleball truly special is its global rise, mirroring its universal appeal. Born in the United States, it has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, with courts sprouting up in parks from Singapore to Canada. Its simplicity and adaptability make it a sport for everyone, much like travel experiences that cater to diverse interests and abilities. Playing pickleball in our society feels like being part of a global movement. Just like travel, pickleball is about connection, energy, and discovering the joy of something new.

Water Polo: Combining endurance, strategy, and teamwork, water polo is both thrilling to watch and exhilarating to play. It’s often called ‘football in water’ due to its fast pace and team dynamics, but the physical demands make it one of the toughest sports in the world. Players tread water continuously and can swim up to 3 kilometres during a match.

Water polo has a rich global history, with roots tracing back to late 19th-century England, where it began as a water-based version of rugby. Today, it’s played competitively in countries like Hungary, where it’s considered a national sport, and the United States, where it thrives at the collegiate level. Did you know that Hungary has won more Olympic gold medals in water polo than any other nation? Watching a match in a legendary venue like the Alfred Hajós National Swimming Stadium in Budapest is as captivating as the action happening in our neighbourhood pool.

Beyond the competitive spirit, water polo embodies the joy of water-based activities that define travel experiences in places like Croatia’s stunning coastlines or Australia’s surf towns. Interestingly, water polo is often linked to destinations with a strong aquatic culture - like Montenegro, where the game is played against the backdrop of breathtaking Adriatic views.

Table Tennis & Pool: Whether it’s the rhythmic clinking of paddles in a fast-paced ping pong rally or the careful calculation of angles on a pool table, these sports transform small surfaces into arenas of intense competition and boundless joy.

Globally, these games have a universal appeal. Table tennis is a national obsession in China, where professional matches are celebrated with the fervour of a festival, and a favourite pastime in Japan, where it’s woven into social and recreational spaces. In Sweden, you can find unique ping pong bars like SPiN Stockholm, where the sport meets nightlife, blending competitive play with vibrant energy. For travellers, playing a casual match at a roadside cafe in Vietnam offers a cultural experience that’s as refreshing as it is engaging. And in South Korea, rooftop ping pong games in bustling cities like Seoul showcase the sport’s urban charm.

Pool, on the other hand, evokes a quieter, more strategic energy. In cities like New York or Bangkok, pool tables become gathering spots for locals and travellers alike, fostering connections over friendly matches. Iconic venues like The Hustler Club in Chicago or the plush lounges of Les Ambassadeurs Club in London elevate the game into an art form. For a more offbeat experience, visit The Green Lady in Amsterdam, a quirky pool hall that combines vintage charm with modern amenities.

Tug of War: The tug of war in our society’s mini-Olympics is always a crowd favourite. Did you know, tug of war in fact has a fascinating history that spans centuries and continents. It was even an official event at the Olympic Games from 1900 to 1920. During this time, countries like Great Britain and Sweden competed fiercely, and the sport symbolised physical prowess and national pride.

In Japan, the Naha Tug-of-War Festival elevates the sport to an extraordinary cultural spectacle. Held annually in Okinawa, this event uses a massive 200-meter rope that weighs nearly 40 tons, with thousands of participants working together to pull it. The festival, rooted in centuries-old traditions, is believed to bring prosperity and good fortune to the community.

Similarly, in Korea, the game features prominently in the Gijisi Tug-of-War, a UNESCO-recognised tradition that involves not just strength but also elaborate rituals and ceremonies to ensure harmony and good harvests. The sport’s symbolic significance is also evident in Scandinavian folklore, where tug of war was depicted as a contest between gods and giants, representing the eternal struggle between order and chaos.

Just like the mini-Olympics in our society connect us to each other, travel connects us to the world. Whether you are exploring the vibrant streets of Rio during a football frenzy, navigating the cultural richness of Japan, or simply playing a friendly game in your own backyard, these experiences enrich us with stories, friendships, and a deeper appreciation for the world around us. And that I think is the true Celebration of Life!

Here’s to a year filled with adventure, connection, and the indomitable spirit of play. See you next week...