We scream, we cry, we jump for joy – all for sport

Nothing brings a nation together like sport – especially football in Malaysia, and especially when the national team is playing longtime rivals Singapore. — Filepic/The Star

There have been some inspiring moments in recent weeks with the UEFA European Championship (also called Euro 2024). No, I’m not going to rave about the games or football here. There’s a bigger picture to look at, in the far-reaching impact of sport, especially with regards to nation-building.

Sure, football can rouse bad behaviour and there have been ugly incidents. But for the most part, the sport brings people together to celebrate their country in harmony. It’s inspiring seeing the massive outpouring of national unity that a team can evoke – the unexpected wins of underdogs Austria, for example, have electrified that nation.