Yes, from the dawn of civilization leaders have sought to distract the people with events that make them think less about their dreary hopeless lives. The Greeks had their Olympic games. The Romans had their gladiator fights and chariot races. It's said that chariot racing teams had huge followings of fanatical fans much like today's sports teams.

But sporting events, and other forms of entertainment, exist not just because of government encouragement, but because they make money. And they make money because they bring enjoyment. People can marvel at feats of athleticism or great acting, and vicariously feel the success or failure of others. In the modern first world the average person's life is not the misery of previous centuries, so why not have ways to enjoy life as much as possible?

Just keep the damn politics out of it!