sportsmen

Sportsmen are individuals who participate in athletic activities or competitive sport. The term is traditionally male-oriented, referring to men who compete, but in contemporary usage it is often replaced by gender-neutral terms such as sportspeople or athletes. Sportsmen compete across a broad spectrum of disciplines, from team sports like football, basketball, and cricket to individual events in athletics, swimming, tennis, and beyond. They may participate at amateur levels, pursue semi-professional status, or compete professionally at national and international scales.

Most sportsmen train under coaches and support staff, focusing on physical conditioning, technical skill, strategy, and recovery. Careers may begin in youth clubs and school programs and progress through junior leagues, amateur leagues, and professional circuits. Competitions are organized by national and international bodies that establish rules, eligibility, and conduct standards. Major platforms include national championships, continental tournaments, and global events where athletes represent clubs or nations.

Ethics and sportsmanship are central to the role of a sportsman: fair play, respect for opponents, and adherence to the rules are expected. Issues such as doping, corruption, and match-fixing have prompted governance reforms and anti-doping measures. After active competition ends, many sportsmen stay involved through coaching, administration, media, or entrepreneurship. The terminology and norms surrounding the term continue to evolve toward greater inclusivity and gender neutrality while recognizing the historical use of "sportsman" in describing male athletes.