Games have always played an important role in the lives of individuals and societies. They are not only a part of entertainment but, at the same time, an important reason for better health conditions. Moreover, they are also an opportunity for different nations of the world to make themselves known to the world and earn pride by achieving great performances. Today, there are many nations of the world that are recognized because of the particular sports they have performed in. In addition, the players who have won distinctions in different games are mostly recognized along with the names of their countries.

Games are also very much helpful in developing social interactions and strengthening them to a great extent. The most important thing that it teaches the sportsmen is the team work. The players, being parts of different teams, learn to manage social interactions and relations and start mastering the very basic rule of the society, which is social interdependence.

On the other hand the games are also very much helpful in strengthening the ties between the nations. Two nations competing in a game can have better understanding of each other's culture and tradition, which can help in bringing the nations closer to each other.

The games can also be helpful in keeping the members of a society away from the negative activities. They have always been considered as useful tools in reducing the use of drugs, crimes and other unconstructive activities.

There are different sports events throughout the world that attract people to a great extent, bring them together and at the same time provide a huge amount of entertainment. The Olympic Games is the most notable among such events.

The Olympic Games have their history in the ancient Greek society. The Ancient Olympic Games were a series of competitions held between representatives of several city-states and kingdoms in Ancient Greece. These games featured mainly athletic but also combat and chariot racing events.

During the games, all conflicts among the participating city-states were postponed until the games were finished. The origin of these Olympics is shrouded in mystery and legend, and one of the most popular myths identifies Heracles and his father Zeus as the progenitors of the Games. According to legend, it was Heracles who first called the Games "Olympic" and established the custom of holding them every four years. The most widely accepted date for the inception of the Ancient Olympics is 776 BC; this is based on inscriptions, found at Olympia, listing the winners of a footrace held every four years starting in 776 BC.

The Ancient Games featured running events, a pentathlon (consisting of a jumping event, discus and javelin throws, a foot race, and wrestling), boxing, wrestling, pankration, and equestrian events. Tradition has it that Coroebus, a cook from the city of Elis, was the first Olympic champion.

The modern Olympic Games have their concept from the ancient Greece, but there have been myriads of changes, since there have been many socio-political changes in the world. In the modern concept it is a major international event featuring summer and winter sports, in which thousands of athletes participate in a variety of competitions.

The Olympic Games are considered to be the world's foremost sports competition and more than 200 nations participate. The Games are currently held biennially, with summer and Winter Olympic Games alternating, meaning they occur every four years within their respective seasonal games. Baron Pierre de Coubertin founded the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1894. The IOC has since become the governing body of the Olympic Movement, whose structure and actions are defined by the Olympic Charter.

The Olympic Movement consists of international sports federations (IFs), National Olympic Committees (NOCs), and organizing committees for each specific Olympic Games. As the decision-making body, the IOC is responsible for choosing the host city for each Olympic Games. The host city is responsible for organizing and funding a celebration of the Games consistent with the Olympic Charter.

The Olympic program, consisting of the sports to be contested at the Games, is also determined by the IOC. The celebration of the Games encompasses many rituals and symbols, such as the Olympic flag and torch, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies. Over 13,000 athletes compete at the Summer and Winter Olympics in 33 different sports and nearly 400 events. The first, second, and third place finishers in each event receive Olympic medals: gold, silver, and bronze, respectively.

The Olympic Games 2012 started in London early Saturday (July 28) morning when the Olympic flame ended its 12,800-mile journey and seven youngsters lit the Olympic in front of 80,000 spectators at the Opening Ceremony in Olympic Stadium. The event was full of colors, fireworks and wonderful performances and it was directed by the well-known filmmaker Danny Boyle. Representatives from 205 countries participated in the event a total of 80,000 spectators filled the stadium. Sportsmen from the same number of countries will contest in different games in the London Olympic Games and very entertaining and interesting competitions are expected.

Afghanistan is also participating in London 2012 Olympics. Afghanistan first competed at the Olympic Games in Berlin in 1936, contesting in the athletics and hockey. The Afghan team for the event includes six athletes. They are;
(1) Rohullah Nikpah – He is going to compete in Men's Taekwondo Competition. He won bronze in the men's taekwondo flyweight class at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, which was Afghanistan's first Olympic medal.
(2) Massoud Azizi – He is going to participate in Men's 100m race
(3) Nisar Ahmad Bahawi – He is going to participate in Men's 80kg Taekwondo Competition.
(4) Ajmal Faisal – He is going to take part in Men's 52 Boxing Competition
(5) Ajmal Faizzada – He is to participate in Men's 66kg Judo Competition
(6) Tahmina Kohistani – She is only Afghan female athlete in the event and she is going to run in women's 100m race.

Keeping in mind the preparations and the facilities that the Afghan athletes get, it is difficult to expect something extra-ordinary, but the most important thing is that they are going to represent Afghanistan in such a big event. All they require is the support of the entire nation. If any of the participants win any title, it will be a great achievement for Afghanistan that has been suffering because of tragic news of violence and disturbances every day.