We have come to know, and many agree that music is a common language of love. It helps us to make friends, understand a country’s culture, not to mention picking up a new language.

Now, watching Olympics has told me that sports is also another common language for all. Not only the athletes, but also the spectators.

I relish watching how the others won their competition (even if they are playing against our athletes) because I know how hard they have worked to come this far. I enjoy looking at their strategies, their control of emotions, skills and perseverance. Most importantly, their must-win attitude. Yet, to top it all, sportsmanship comes first.

What about sportsmanship then? Doesn’t that embody friendship, teamwork and trust? Aren’t all these languages of love?

No doubt every athlete is doing whatever it takes to beat their opponent, but all in good faith and standing. We congratulate the winning person and give the non-winning (to me, they are all winners in a certain sense) person a good pat on the back and a big, bear hug. Now, that is sports. That is friendship. 

Remember our very own Racial Harmony Sports Day this year? Youths of different races gathered to play the malay sport sepak takraw to build a special bonding through the game. Regardless of citizenship, race or religion, friendship can still be formed, because of a common platform - sports.

What a brilliant way two extremes meet and actually blend with each other - competitiveness and co-operation. Nice!