Socialization into sports creates certain questions that can help to explain the dynamics of the sport culture. Young people are socialized into taking part in certain sports, while others may not engage in sports until later in life. Some people develop a primary identity as athletes, whereas others end their athletic careers due to age, injury, or a lack of motivation. The emotional processes that are inherent in sports shape the roles of athletes, coaches, and fans, and help to forge a relationship between sport and national identity.
The earliest evidence of sport in ancient China dates back to at least 2000 BC. Gymnastics appears to have been common in ancient China. Ancient Egyptian sports were evident in the monuments of Pharaohs, including javelin throwing, high jump, wrestling, and gymnastics. Ancient Persian cultures adopted fencing as a ritual, and their players were taught to imitate their superiors’ virtuosity. Today, motorised sports such as soccer and tennis have been introduced around the world.
After the Industrial Revolution, the importance of sports increased dramatically. With the help of scientific development, technicians were able to perfect the equipment and train athletes systematically in order to attain their maximum physical potential. New games were invented to fit specific criteria. In the late 17th century, sports began to be governed by quantification. The concept of sports records emerged as an important part of sports culture. Despite the word record appearing in English only recently, the idea behind it is almost two hundred years old.