Defined as a genre of sports which test the mental strength and mettle of participants, mind sports are becoming popular in upwardly mobile households where parents are becoming aware of the dangers of their children becoming addicted to digital screens and devices – K P Malini, Mini P. & Cynthia John Mind sports is the new mantra of SEC (socio-economic category) ‘A’ parents across the country. Defined as a genre of sports which test the mental strength and mettle of participants, mind sports are becoming popular in upwardly mobile households where parents are awakening to the dangers of their children becoming addicted to digital screens and devices. Consequently, educators and even sports commentators are encouraging children to participate in mind sports for play, pleasure and competition. Recently, renowned cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle tweeted: “I know you love cricket. But do you play scrabble? If you do, there’s an exciting scrabble festival in Goa this October. And you can be part of it: http://wespacgoa.com.” Mind sports encompass intellectual games such as scrabble, chess, bridge, sudoko, backgammon, among others which require players to exhibit mental agility and capabilities. Once played for pleasure, mind sports are now increasingly being played competitively at the international, national, state and local levels enabling children and adults, disinterested in conventional competitive physical sports, to win laurels and encomiums. For instance, the Lausanne, Switzerland-based International Mind Sports Association (IMSA) organises its quadrennial multi-sport World Mind Sports Games (WMSG). Last held in 2012, WMSG attracted the participation of 2,763 players from 143 countries around the world. The promoters of WMSG hope it will be a “stepping stone towards introducing a third type of olympics after the Summer and the Winter Olympics.” “Mind sports are becoming popular with parents and educators worldwide because they engage and interest children and simultaneously improve their cognitive capabilities. Many children who are not keen on competitive physical sports are becoming addicted to gaming on mobile phones and digital devices. Mind sports such as scrabble provide children a great opportunity to play for enjoyment, excel competitively, develop their vocabulary, memory and concentration. Moreover, mind sports are a great option for children with physical and learning disabilities,” says Radhika Mahalinkaiah, member of the Bangalore Scrabble Club (estb.1998). Several authoritative research studies have proved well beyond reasonable doubt that engagement with mind sports improves the cognitive, physical and psychological health of children. The benefits of playing mind sports are numerous. Among them: Depression and stress alleviation. When children engage the mind productively, they experience a sense of satisfaction and achievement. A good game releases endorphins that fight depression and stress. Boosts self-confidence. Children with low self-esteem who don’t shine in academics or games and field sports have the opportunity to play and win mind games. Improves cognitive capabilities. Children discover and develop analytical, problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Boosts physical well-being. Mind sports also require stamina and energy. Practice and play builds stamina and induces sentiments of accomplishment, relaxation and sound sleep. Develops competitive mindset. Mind sports are competitive…
