Hello dear friends,
I hope this blog finds you in a cheerful and energetic mood 😊
Today’s Bloganuary writing prompt instantly caught my attention:
“What are your favorite sports to watch and play?”
For me, this question is far more than a casual conversation.
It resonates deeply with my ongoing journey of fitness, discipline, joy, and self-discovery as I continue to chase fitness in 2026—not obsessively, but mindfully.
Sports: More Than a Hobby, a Way of Life
Sports have always been an integral part of my life, not merely as physical activity but as a source of motivation, mental clarity, and social connection.
As the years progress and I gracefully step into the senior citizen phase of life, I have become even more conscious of staying active.
Reduced physical activity, declining stamina, and creeping lethargy are common challenges at this stage—but ones I strongly refuse to surrender to.
While swimming has long been my all-time favorite sport—an excellent full-body workout that keeps the heart rate controlled, cools the body, and washes away stress.
Winter brings its own limitations. And that’s where my true sporting companion steps in.
Table Tennis: My Favorite Sport to Play and Watch
If you ask me about my favorite sport to play, my answer comes without hesitation: Table Tennis.
Fast, agile, mentally engaging, and endlessly exciting—Table Tennis is a sport that keeps both the body and mind alert.
Every rally demands focus, reflexes, coordination, and strategy. It’s not just about hitting the ball; it’s about anticipating your opponent’s next move.
That mental stimulation, especially at this stage of life, is priceless.
Watching Table Tennis is equally thrilling. The speed, spin, and precision at professional levels are mesmerizing.
Each match feels like a chess game played at lightning speed, and I never tire of observing how skill and strategy unfold across the table.
The Net Ninja Journey: A Tournament to Remember
Last year marked a memorable milestone in my Table Tennis journey. Along with my teammates, I formed a team called “Net Ninja.”
What began as friendly practice sessions soon turned into a serious competitive spirit, and before we knew it, we were participating in a tournament.
Match after match, our confidence grew.
The coordination, encouragement, and shared determination pushed us forward—and yes, we made it all the way to the final.
Though we narrowly lost that final match, the experience itself was a victory. The lessons, the camaraderie, and the adrenaline of competition reminded me that age is no barrier to ambition or enthusiasm.
Losing the final didn’t dampen my spirit. Instead, it strengthened my resolve and deepened my love for the game.
Fitness with Wisdom, Not Pressure
Like many, I’ve made fitness resolutions in the past—some kept, some quietly forgotten. This time, however, the approach is different.
Fitness is no longer about chasing numbers on a scale or building muscles like a youngster. It’s about consistency, awareness, and enjoyment.
The gym has become my winter companion. Trainers wisely advise senior citizens to start slow, exercise on alternate days, and avoid unrealistic goals.
Thirty minutes of daily exercise, adequate rest, regular health check-ups, and a nutritious diet—these simple habits form the foundation of sustainable fitness.
Most importantly, they emphasize something invaluable: enjoy the process.
Balance Beyond the Gym
Fitness doesn’t end with sports or workouts. A balanced life includes nurturing the mind and soul as well.
For me, drawing and painting provide that peaceful escape. Creativity calms my mind, enhances focus, and adds color to life—quite literally.
My Life Mantra
“Chase your goals, but live your life.”
Fitness should complement life, not dominate it. When sports, exercise, creativity, and joy coexist, health becomes sustainable and happiness follows naturally.
As we continue our journeys in 2026, may we all find our favorite sports—not just to play or watch, but to live through.
Whether it’s a fast rally across a Table Tennis table or a quiet moment with a paintbrush, every passion adds strength to our lives.
Here’s to health, balance, and many more rallies ahead 🏓✨
BE HAPPY… BE ACTIVE… BE FOCUSED… BE ALIVE
If this post inspired you, show some love! 💙
✅ Like | ✅ Follow | ✅ Share | ✅ Comment
www.retiredkalam.com
Categories: Uncategorized
Retiredकलम 
very nice .
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much.
LikeLike
“Most importantly, they emphasize something invaluable: enjoy the process.” This is so important. When we do things because they are a chore, then it is harder to get them done!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely—and beautifully said. Here’s a thoughtful reply you can use:
You’re so right. When joy leaves the process, even the simplest things begin to feel heavy. Enjoying the doing—not just chasing the outcome—changes everything.
It turns effort into flow and discipline into devotion. When the heart is engaged, consistency follows naturally. That reminder is truly invaluable.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great wisdom!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for your kind words 🌸
I’m truly grateful that the thoughts resonated with you. If even a small part of the blog sparked reflection or comfort, then the writing has done its job. Wisdom, I believe, grows best when it’s shared—and your appreciation adds meaning to it. 🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Verma ji,
What an incredibly inspiring and heartfelt post! You have beautifully captured how sports transcend mere physical activity to become a profound source of joy, discipline, and connection at every stage of life. Your passion for table tennis—the “chess game played at lightning speed”—is truly contagious.
The story of “Net Ninja” is wonderful. Reaching the finals is a remarkable achievement, and your perspective that the experience itself was a victory is the mark of a true sportsman. You embody the perfect balance of competitive spirit and graceful wisdom.
Your approach to fitness—mindful, consistent, and joyful—is a powerful lesson for everyone, regardless of age. The mantra, “Chase your goals, but live your life,” is one to live by. It’s clear that you are not just playing a sport, but living a fuller, richer life through it.
Thank you for this dose of motivation. May you enjoy many more years of thrilling rallies, creative masterpieces, and vibrant health. Here’s to you, Verma ji—a true champion! 🏓✨
Warmly,
Srikanth
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much for your warm and thoughtful words. Reading your message was genuinely uplifting—it felt like receiving a kind, encouraging applause that goes straight to the heart.
I deeply appreciate how you captured the essence of what I was trying to share: that sports, and table tennis in particular, are not just about scores or trophies, but about joy, mindfulness, and the subtle lessons life teaches through each rally. Your acknowledgment of the balance between competitiveness and grace resonates profoundly, because that balance is indeed what makes the journey meaningful.
LikeLike