What is a tournament? Write any two merits and demerits of a tournament.

A tournament is an organized series of sports contests in which a number of teams or competitors compete against each other to determine a winner or champion according to a predetermined fixture. Two merits of a tournament are: 1. Assessment and talent identification: It provides a competitive platform to evaluate individual and team performance, tactical efficiency, and discover new athletic talent. 2. Development of social qualities: It promotes sportsmanship, discipline, cooperation, leadership, and emotional control among participants. Two demerits of a tournament are: 1. High financial cost: Organizing and participating in tournaments requires substantial funds for venues, accommodation, equipment, and administrative logistics. 2. Psychological pressure and physical strain: High competitive pressure can lead to excessive anxiety, mental stress, overtraining, and an increased risk of sports injuries.