Ancient Sports Intimate With Miltiary Aspects of Life

Started by ebuc

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#1 •••
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AI..' The oldest known ancient sport is Wrestling, with cave paintings in France depicting it around 15,000-20,000 years ago, though running, archery, and swimming also show prehistoric roots. Other very early sports include Mesopotamian boxing (~3000 BCE) and bowling in Egypt (~3200 BCE), while the Mesoamerican ballgame and Polo (Persia) are also among the most ancient organized games '...


AI..' The oldest known playable board game is the Royal Game of Ur, from ancient Mesopotamia (around 2600 BCE), a race game similar to backgammon, with rules deciphered from a Babylonian tablet. However, Mancala, a "count and capture" game played with stones in holes, might be even older, with stone boards potentially dating to 6000 BCE in Jordan, though its ancient origins are debated. Senet, an Egyptian board game from 3100 BCE, is also a contender for the title of one of the world's earliest games.  


AI.. ' Yes, ancient sports were deeply intertwined with military life, especially in Greece and Rome, serving as training for combat, a display of warrior virtues like courage and endurance, and a way to foster camaraderie, though some sports became distinct events with their own cultural importance beyond pure military prep

. Events like boxing, wrestling, javelin, and chariot races directly mirrored battlefield skills, while athletic excellence (arete) was seen as essential for leadership in war, particularly in Sparta where athletics was a core part of soldierly education '..

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#2 •••
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Yes, in a broad sense, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) heavily utilizes 

sports and physical fitness programs as a core component of military life and readiness, with many facilities serving as de facto training grounds. However, "WASA" typically refers to the West African Social Activities (WASA) event, a cultural celebration held by units of the Nigerian Army, not a specific training ground or program in the Canadian or British militaries. 

Sports as a Component of Military Training

The CAF promotes a culture of fitness to ensure the operational readiness of its members. Sports are considered a key part of developing essential military attributes such as: 

  1. Teamwork
  2. Self-discipline
  3. Leadership
  4. Perseverance and resilience 

Military bases have extensive sports and fitness facilities, including gyms, pools, and various courts, which are primarily training facilities for military personnel. Programs are designed to maintain physical fitness standards and prepare soldiers for the demands of the battlefield. 

Specific examples include:

  1. Combat sports, which are increasingly being integrated into training to enhance skills needed in combat scenarios, such as strategic thinking and effective response.
  2. Fitness instructors undergo specialized training at the National Personnel Support Programs (PSP) Training Centre to develop effective programs for units.
  3. Physical fitness evaluations, such as the FORCE evaluation, are mandatory for military personnel. 

WASA (West African Social Activities)

The term "WASA" as used in some military contexts, particularly by the Nigerian Army, refers to the West African Social Activities (WASA) event. This is an annual social and cultural event designed to foster camaraderie among personnel and celebrate cultural heritage, rather than a specific physical training regimen or location. 

Conclusion

While sports facilities on bases function as essential training grounds for maintaining military fitness and developing core skills, the acronym "WASA" is specifically associated with a cultural event in the West African military context. 


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#3 •••
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@ebuc

What about the one where folk charge about on horses carrying a dead goat.

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#4 •••
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@SergeantLynch

This sport is called 

Buzkashi (literally "goat pulling" in Persian). It is the national sport of Afghanistan and is widely played across Central Asia, including in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. 

Here are the key details regarding this traditional game:

  1. The "Ball": The game is played with the headless, disemboweled carcass of a goat or calf, which can weigh between 30 and 100 pounds (up to 45 kg).
  2. The Object: Horse-mounted players, known as chapandazan, attempt to grab the carcass, ride away from the crowd, and drop it into a designated scoring circle, often called the "Circle of Justice".
  3. Gameplay: Often described as a rougher, more chaotic version of polo, it involves hundreds of riders in informal versions, with few rules beyond not tying the carcass to the saddle. Players may use whips to fend off rivals.
  4. Origin: The sport has been played for centuries, possibly originating from nomadic tribes stealing goats from rivals and riding away at high speed.
  5. Variations: In Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, it is known as Kok-boru or Ulak Tartysh. 

The game is a major cultural event in Afghanistan, often held on Fridays in the winter, and is frequently played during weddings, national holidays, and celebrations. 


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#5 •••
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@Debby

Thanks for that.


Yes, such is a sport.

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#6 •••
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@SergeantLynch

Join in the celebration.

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