What function do successful national teams and athletes serve for political leaders?

Successful national teams and athletes play a significant role in building national identity and pride, which is crucial for political leaders. When a national team excels in international competitions, it serves as a source of unity and shared achievement among citizens. This collective pride derived from sporting success can enhance national cohesion, creating a sense of belonging and purpose among people.

Political leaders often capitalize on this phenomenon, as successful athletes and teams can symbolize national values, aspirations, and cultural identity on the world stage. This helps leaders foster a positive image of the country, both domestically and internationally, reinforcing feelings of patriotism among the populace. Furthermore, these successes can be used to distract from political issues or to rally support for policies that may otherwise face opposition.

While displaying athletic prowess and providing entertainment are aspects of sports, they do not have the same direct political implications as the role of national identity and pride. Encouraging youth participation in sports is valuable for societal health and education but does not serve the immediate needs of political leaders in the same way that national pride and identity does.