One commonly held view is that sports coverage on television discourages young people from participating in sports activities. Despite presenting certain reason, I strongly disagree with the former statement.
First and foremost, there can be no doubt that through television children can discover their hidden passions. In particular, TV programs offer a wide range of sports to introduce to young viewers. Consequently, they get to experiment with different sporting activities that otherwise would be unknown to them. A striking example of this point is the Olympic and Para-Olympic Games. Sports that are not widely known, like archery or diving, are introduced to young spectators. Apart from that, unquestionably, such shows promote inclusivity. Children with disabilities who never imagined participating in a sport feel included and get are motivated to do so.
Another point in support of my opinion is that TV programs do not only present the sport itself but also showcase the glamorous life of the athlete as well. Young people get mesmerized by the glamorous lifestyle of successful athletes and want to mimic them. For instance, many famous NBA players or Formula 1 drivers are depicted driving their luxury cars and living in mansions. These pictures inspire kids children and as a result, they often idolize athletes.
On the other side hand, many people claim that TV sports programs are the reason young people avoid sports. Admittedly, professional athletes deal with a great amount of pressure and are often involved in various scandals. The news often depicts acts of violence involving famous athletes or the use of drugs. In addition, many athletes struggle with mental health issues due to the pressure they face. However, these are problems that only high-profile athletes have to deal with and not children at the amateur level.
All things considered, although television programs may/can sometimes tarnish the image of young people about sports thus demotivating young people from participating in them, I firmly believe that it acts more as a push/motivation rather than a discouragement.