Incorporating DAV Class 8 English Reader Book Solutions Pdf Chapter 5 Sports into study routines can lead to better overall language proficiency.
My English Reader Class 8 DAV Solutions Unit 5 Sports
DAV Class 8 English Reader Book Solutions Unit 5 Sports
I. Match the sports in column A with their descriptions in column B.
| A | B |
| (a) basketball | a game for two played on a board of 64 squares of alternate colours with each player having 16 pieces. |
| (b) chess | a sport of jumping over a high bar using a pole. |
| (c) bungee – jumping | a game played on a court by two teams who try to throw an inflated ball through a raised goal. |
| (d) wind – surfing | a sport in which a person jumps from a high bridge or a cliff using an elastic rope. |
| (e) water – rafting | a sport of sailing on water standing on a long but narrow board with a sail. |
| (f) scuba – diving | a sport of jumping from a plane wearing a parachute. |
| (g) hang – gliding | a sport of crossing the fast and rocky part of a river in a raft. |
| (h) paragliding | a sport of flying with the help of a large kite like frame. |
| (i) pole vault | a game played with a ball and racket on a court divided by a net. |
| (j) tennis | a sport of swimming underwater wearing special breathing equipment. |
Answer:
| A | B |
| (a) basketball | a game played on a court by two teams who try to throw an inflated ball through a raised goal. |
| (b) chess | a game for two played on a board of 64 squares of alternate colours with each player having 16 pieces. |
| (c) bungee -jumping | a sport in which a person jumps from a high bridge or a cliff using an elastic rope. |
| (d) wind – surfing | a sport of sailing on water standing on a long but narrow board with a sail. |
| (e) water – rafting | a sport of crossing the fast and rocky part of a river in a raft. |
| (f) scuba – diving | a sport of swimming underwater wearing special breathing equipment. |
| (g) hang | gliding a sport of flying with the help of a large kite like frame. |
| (h) paragliding | a sport of jumping from a plane wearing a parachute. |
| (i) pole vault | a sport of jumping over a high bar using a pole. |
| (j) tennis | a game played with a ball and racket on a court divided by a net. |
II. The need and importance of sports in the twenty-first century cannot be over¬emphasised. Sports encourage the innumerable virtues that we need for a good life, such as sportsmanship, team spirit and tolerance. Besides, sports also open the door for the formation of amicable relationship between players, communities, racial groups and even nations.
Answer the quiz given below and find out how aware you are about sports and sports events.
(a) In the game of cricket, in how many ways can a batsman get out?
(i) 8
(ii) 9
(iii) 10
(iv) 11
Answer:
(iii) 10
(b) How many courts are there at the Wimbledon?
(i) 20
(ii) 24
(iii) 22
(iv) 28
Answer:
(iii) 22
(c) How many member countries are there in the Commonwealth?
(i) 52
(ii) 54
(iii) 50
(iv) 51
Answer:
(ii) 54
(d) How many players are there in a volleyball side?
(i) 5
(ii) 6
(iii) 7
(iv) 8
Answer:
(ii) 6
(e) How many players are there in a netball team?
(i) 6
(ii) 7
(iii) 8
(iv) 10
Answer:
(ii) 7
(f) Which cricketer is nicknamed ‘The Don’?
(i) Sir Donald Bradman
(ii) Allan Donald
(iii) Sachin Tendulkar
(iv) Sunil Gavaskar
Answer:
(i) Sir Donald Bradman
(g) What is a ‘tennis elbow’?
(i) an elbow injury
(ii) an overuse injury
(iii) a match pount
(iv) a sore elbow developed while playing tennis
Answer:
(iv) a sore elbow developed while playing tennis
(h) Where did game of golf begin?
(i) Scotland
(ii) The USA
(iii) England
(iv) India
Answer:
(i) Scotland
(i) With which sport are the terms Ashes, Chinaman and Duck associated?
(i) Hockey
(ii) Volleyball
(iii) Cricket
(iv) Basketball
Answer:
(iii) Cricket
(j) Which one of the following is the national sport of Japan?
(i) Badminton
(ii) Table tennis
(iii) Sumo wrestling
(iv) Golf
Answer:
(iii) Sumo wrestling
A.
A.1. (i) List a few qualities that you think a good sportsman should possess.
Answer:
(ii) Name a few players you think have true sportsmanship. Support your choice with reasons.
Answer:
Sachin Tendulkar, M.S. Dhoni, Bijender Singh, etc. These players are really dedicated to their play. They play their games with true sportsman spirit. These players have carved out a niche for themselves in their respectives fields and also proved their worth.
A.2. Hockey is our national game. Do you know the meaning of the following common terms associated with it?
(a) Dribbling
(b) Bully
(c) Loading the hockey sticks
Answer:
(a) Dribbling : Dribbling means moving the ball in hockey field. It means before passing ball to a team mate, when the passing lanes are shut or the player has a room on the field he dribbles the ball.
(b) Bully : A bully occurs in hockey field when two players become tied up and one cannot gain possession of the ball.
(c) Loading the hockey sticks : Adding the sticks
A.3.
Dhyan Chand, The Hockey Wizard Summary
Major Dhyan Chand is regarded as the greatest hockey player. He was a true sportsperson like Don Bradman or Michael Phelps.
Dhyan Chand was born on 29th August 1905. His real name was Dhyan Singh. But he practiced hockey in the moon light. So British officers began to call him Dhyan Chand.
Dhyan Chand was poor, so he improved his hockey sticks with date palm tree branches. In 1922, Dhyan Chand joined army. He was selected in Indian Army Hockey Team to represent the country in New Zeland. In 1926, India played 21 matches, won 18, lost 1 and drew two matches. Out of 192 goals, 100 were scored by Dhyan Chand. This success story continued till 1928 when Hockey team won gold in Olympic.
There are several stories about his hockey stick. A lady teased Dhyan Chand to play with her walking stick. He obliged her and even did goals with it. A lady exchanged her husband’s hockey sticks with him. But nothing could stop him.
Dhyan Chand played till the age of 42. He won Padam Bhushan for his contribution in hockey.
मेजर ध्यानचंद को हॉकी के सर्वोच्च खिलाड़ी के रूप में जाना जाता है। वे डॉन ब्रेडमेन या माइकल फेल्पस के समान ही सच्चे खिलाड़ी थे।
ध्यानचंद का जन्म 29 अगस्त, 1905 को हुआ । उनका वास्तविक नाम ध्यान सिंह था । परन्तु वे चन्द्रमा की रोशनी में हॉकी का अभ्यास करते थे। इसलिए ब्रिटिश ऑफिसर उन्हें ध्यानचंद के नाम से बुलाने लगे।
ध्यानचंद बहुत गरीब थे । अतः खजूर के पेड़ की टहनियों से उन्होंने अपनी हॉकी स्टिक को बेहतर बनाया। सन् 1922 में ध्यानचंद सेना का भाग बने । न्यूजीलैण्ड में अपने देश का प्रतिनिधित्व करने के लिए ‘भारतीय सेना हॉकी टीम’ में वे चुने गए। सन् 1926 में भारत ने 21 मैच खेले, जिसमें 18 जीते, 1 हारा तथा दो बराबर रहे। 192 गोलों में से 100 ध्यानचंद ने किए। 1928 तक सफलता की यह कहानी जारी रही जब हॉकी टीम ने ओलम्पिक में स्वर्ण पदक जीता।
उनकी हॉकी स्टिक के विषय में अनेक कहानियाँ हैं। एक महिला ने उन्हें छेड़ा कि वे उनके चलने वाली छड़ी से खेलें । उन्होंने ऐसा ही किया और उससे गोल किए। एक महिला ने अपने पति की छड़ी के साथ हॉकी स्टिक बदल दी। परन्तु उन्हें कुछ भी रोक नहीं पाया।
ध्यानचंद ने 42 वर्ष की आयु तक हॉकी खेला। हॉकी में उनके योगदान के लिए उन्हें पद्म भूषण की उपाधि दी गई।
Word-Meanings:
Epitome = perfect example – सटीक उदाहरण;
Financially = economically – आर्थिक रूप से;
Exquisiteness = beautiful and pleasing – अत्यधिक सुंदर;
Overheard = heard accidentally – संयोग से किसी की बात सुन लेना;
Unforgettable = remarkable – अविस्मरणीय;
Stupendous = wonderful – आश्चर्यजनक;
Anecdote = entertaining true story – छोटी-छोटी मनोरंजक कहानियाँ;
Instantly = immediately – तुरंत;
Exchanged = gave something and received another – आदान-प्रदान।
A.4. Given below are some incidents from Dhyan Chand’s life. Write them in chronological order (time sequence) in the space provided.
Answer:
(a) born on August 29, 1905
(b) played hockey with improvised date palm branches and balls made of rags
(c) inducted into Children’s Platoon
(d) joined army as a sepoy in 1922
(e) represented India as a member of the Indian Army Hockey Team in New Zealand
(f) Won Olympic Gold in 1928
(g) retired from hockey at the age of 42
(h) awarded Padam Bhushan
A.5. Complete the following web chart by quoting the anecdotes about Dhyan Chand’s wizardry with the hockey stick.
Answer:
A.6. Answer the following questions in about 40 words each.
(a) How did Dhyan ‘Singh’ become Dhyan ‘Chand’?
Answer:
Dhyan Singh became Dhyan Chand because he used to practice hockey under the moonlight. This name was given to him by the British officers.
(b) How did this new name prove to be prophetic?
Answer:
The new name proved to be prophetic. He shone like moon in the world of sports in hockey. This was realised by the British officers who saw him practising under the moon light.
(c) How was Dhyan Chand inducted into the British officers’ ‘Children’s Platoon?
Answer:
Once Dhyan Chand was watching a hockey match. One of the teams was down by two goals. He kept repeating that if he were given a chance; he could make the losing team win. When a British officer gave him a chance he did two goals. The impressed officer inducted him into his Children Platoon.
(d) Why was the Olympic win (1928 Gold Medal) very special for the Indian team?
Answer:
The Olympic win was very special for the Indian team. India won 18 matches out of 21 in which it did 192 goals in all. Hundred goals were done by Dhyan Chand himself. It was a spectacular winning in the history of India.
A.7. HOTS
Recalling the 1928 Olympic final hockey match, Dhyan Chand once said, ‘I still remember the circumstances in which India took the field on May 26 to win the highest honour in world hockey. I was ill and running a high temperature… I was a soldier by profession, and when the country’s honour was at stake, there was no alternative but to march boldly into the battlefield.’
In the light of the above statement, discuss with your partner the qualities of Dhyan Chand that made him ‘an epitome of sportsman spirit’.
Answer:
Dhyan Chand was a true sportsman. He was very brave. He played even in high temperature. He always played like a solider. He had true dedication towards hockey. Dhyan Chand always played for his country and not for himself. He made India proud by winning gold medal in the Olympics. He was a true winner and never lost passion for the game.
A.8. Values
A captain often has to wear more than one hat. Imagine that you are the captain of your school’s cricket team. Your team has won the state level championship and now you will complete at the national level. Two of your most dependable players have taken ill suddenly. Without them, odds Eire against you. Your school’s reputation is at stike. Also this win is very important for your own career in the field of cricket.
What will you do in such a situation? Would you like to be a loser or a winner? Justify your stand.
Answer:
In such a situation I would take them to a good doctor to get them treated and boost their confidence that they would play the match even in that condition well. As a result they would get well and play the match and our school’s cricket team would win the match.
A.9. Find words from the text which mean the same as the following.
(a) the highest example of _________
Answer:
epitome
(b) short stories, usually amusing in nature _________
Answer:
anecdotes
(c) to invent something to satisfy the need of the hour _________
Answer:
Improvise
(d) greatness _________
Answer:
exquisiteness
(e) great ability _________
Answer:
wizardry
A.10. In the passage ‘Dhyan Chand, the Hockey Wizard’, there is the sentence: ‘As a player, he was in the same league as Don Bradmon.’ Here in the same league is an idiomatic expression meaning having qualities or achievements that are similar to something or someone.
Idioms make a language more impressive and vibrant. Here are a few more idioms. Match them with their meanings.
Answer:
| Idioms | Meaning |
| (a) No sweat | No problem |
| (b) Start the ball rooling | To get a process started |
| (c) Win hands down | To win easily |
| (d) Not playing with a full deck | Behaving in a manner that is odd or being dim witted |
| (e) Learn the ropes | To understand how to ao a particular activity |
| (f) Keep ones head above water | To manage to survive/Keep up with one’s work or targets |
A.11. Read the following headlines that dominated the newspapers after India’s historic Olympic win in 1928.
Imagine yourself to be a newspaper reporter who witnessed this historic match. Write a newspaper report (using any of the headlines) about India’s fantastic performance and Dhyan Chand’s magical spelL All the necessary factual details for your report are given below.
Answer:
India won the Final Match
By: Staff Reporter
July 22, 1928
Holland
What a great victory for India! India won the Olympic gold after winning the final hockey match against Holland. About 50,000 spectators witnessed the winning at sports stadium. India won by 3-0. During the first half, India did just one goal and Holland was at 0. In the next half, India again did two goals but Holland did none. Dhyan Chand himself did two goals. India won the match and got the Olympic Gold Medal. This winning was possible because of Dhyan Chand who showed his fantastic performance and spread his magic spell. This day would be remembered as a historic event.
By XYZ
B
B.1. When you participate in a sports competition, do you plav
(i) only to win?
(ii) to give your best performance?
(iii) to exhibit true sportsman spirit, whatever the result may be?
Dicuss your answer with your partner citing reasons for your choice.
Answer:
(iii) It is best to show and accept whatever the result be. One should not lose heart, if one loses the match. If one wins, one should not be proud. The match should be played in true sportsman spirit. Even the rival team must be appreciated for their performance.
B.2. Do you know what is ‘Special Olympics’? Special Olympics is an international Organisation created to help people with intellectual disabilities develop self-confidence, social skills and a sense of personal accomplishment. Among their other activities, Special Olympics conducts the Special Olympic World Games every two years [alternating between Summer and Winter Games] especially for differently abled people.
More than 2.5 million athletes of all ages are involved in Special Olympics sports training and the organisation offers year round training and competitions in 30 Olympic type sports.
Answer:
Only to read.
B.3.
Nine Gold Medals Summary
This poem is composed by David Roth who wrote about an incident at Special Olympics. Every player did hard work for these games.
The day came and nine athletes stood in a straight line. The pistol exploded and runners began to run on their heels. But the smallest runner fell down over the asphalt. He began to cry as his dreams of winning the race shattered.
Suddenly the eight runners came back and gave their hands to the runner who fell. All the nine runners joined hands and began to run. The race ended with ring gold medals. The audience gave them standing ovation.
यह कविता डेविड रूथ द्वारा रचित है जो ओलम्पिक की एक विशेष घटना के बारे में बताती है। प्रत्येक खिलाड़ी ने इन खेलों के लिए बहुत मेहनत की।
वह दिन आ गया तथा नौ खिलाड़ी सीधी पंक्ति में खड़े हो गये । पिस्तौल की आवाज के साथ खिलाड़ी भागने लगे। सबसे छोटा खिलाड़ी गिर गया। वह अपने सपने टूटते देखकर रोने लगा।
अचानक शेष आठ खिलाड़ी लौट आए और अपना हाथ उन्होंने गिरे हुये खिलाड़ी को दे दिया। फिर वे सब हाथ मिलाकर भागने लगे। दौड़ समाप्त हो गयी तथा सभी को स्वर्ण पदक दिया गया। दर्शकों ने खड़े होकर उनका स्वागत किया।
Word – Meanings:
Poised = ready – तैयार;
Staggered = lost balance – संतुलन खो दिया;
Blocks = the blocks behind the starting line of a race – शुरूआत की पंक्ति के पहले आने वाले ब्लाक;
Anguish = anger – गुस्सा ;
Standing ovation = clapping by the spectators in appreciation – दर्शकों द्वारा खिलाड़ियों का ताली बजाकर स्वागत करना।
B.4. Read the extract from the poem and answer the questions that follow.
(a) There were nine resolved athletes in the back of the starting line.
Poised for the sound of the gun.
(i) Which event is being talked about here?
Answer:
The event is Special Olympics.
(ii) Why does the poet call the athletes ‘resolved athletes?
Answer:
The poet calls the athletes ‘resolved athletes’ because all are determined to win the race.
(iii) What happened at the ‘sound of the gun?
Answer:
All started running at the sound of the gun.
(b) He gave out a ciy in frustration and anguish
His dreams and his efforts all dashed in the dirt.
(i) Who does “he’ refer to in line 1?
Answer:
He refers to the runner who fell down.
(ii) Why did he cry in frustration?
Answer:
He cries in frustration when his hopes, dreams and efforts are shattered.
(iii) What do you think were “his dreams? How were his efforts dashed in dirt?
Answer:
His dream was to win the gold medal in the Special Olympics. When he fell down, his efforts shattered.
(c) The eight runners pulled up on their heels
The ones who had trained for so long to compete
One by one they all turned around and went back to help him
And brought the young boy to his feet.
(i) Explain ‘pulled up on their heels’.
Answer:
Suddenly all the runners stopped their running.
(ii) Why did all the athletes turn around? What quality of character does this gesture exhibit?
Answer:
All the athletes turned around to go back and give hands to the fallen number. This shows that all the runners had a true sportsman spirit and humanity.
(iii) What was the result of the event?
Answer:
All the nine runners won the race and got gold. The spectators gave them standing ovation.
B.5. HOTS
The poet says the eight runners “had trained for so long to compete’. Why did they then turn around and help the smallest boy instead of dashing for the finish line?
Answer:
The poet says that the eight runners had trained for so long but they turned around and helped the smallest boy. It was true sportsman spirit that persuaded and motivated them to do so. Although they could have dashed for the finished line but they understood the hard work of that fallen boy.
B.6. How did the incident (narrated in the poem) make ‘Special Olympics’ even more ‘special?
Answer:
This incident made the Special Olympics more special. Such event had never happened in history. Even every Sportsman does hard work only to win. But this was surprising that these eight sportsmen helped the runner who fell down and all got gold medals. They got standing ovation from the spectators.
B.7. Life Skills
(i) Look at the logo of the Special Olympics given below.
I believe he/was brave because
Answer:
He lost balance and fell down on the road and got hurt, but he again summoned his courage and ran the race. Finally they won ring gold medals. This is only because of his heoric attempt.
(ii) Winning is not the only source of happiness. A truly happy person is the one who knows how to handle failures. What would you do in the following situations? Tick (✓) the option you find the best.
(a) You could not win a swimming competition. You would
(i) go home and suck
(ii) try to identify your weaknesses and improve upon them
(iii) carry on with ‘don’t-give-a-damn’ attitude.
Answer:
(ii) try to identify your weaknesses and improve upon them
(b) You could not do well in a competitive exam. You would
(i) work hard and take the same exam next year.
(ii) take a break from studies and go to a hill station and decide not to take the exam again
(iii) not care about it and move in with life.
Answer:
(i) work hard and take the same exam next year.
(c) During a football match you found that one of your team-mates played foul to win the match. You would
(i) inform the coach and request to return the prize.
(ii) enjoy the win with your friend.
(iii) tell your friend not to repeat the mistake.
Answer:
(iii) tell your friend not to repeat the mistake.
(d) You want to go abroad for higher studies. You have cleared the qualifying tests. You are jubliant. All of a sudden you receive a jolt that your father has suffered a business setback and cannot afford the expenses. You would
(i) feel shattered and blame your destiny.
(ii) apply for an education loan.
(iii) take admission in some Indian university.
Answer:
(iii) take admission in some Indian university.
B.8. Some words from the poem are given below, Complete the crossword with their synonyms.
Answer:
Across →
3. Ovation
5. Training
6. Resolved
Down ↓
1. frustration
2. beaming
4. complete
B.9. Sports, once a symbol of harmony and team spirit, now often produce incidents of intolerance and angry outbursts. It is is universally acknowledged that there is an urgent need to relearn the meaning of true sportsmanship. Listen to the tape script to find cut simple ways to learn team spirit and sportsmanship.
Listen to the audio CD titled Listen and Comprehend (Class -VIII). After listening, answer the questions asked in the audio CD orally. Listen to the tape script once again and attempt the given question. The tape script is given on page no. 127.
SIMPLE WAYS TO LEARN GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP
Sportsmanship can be thought of as playing fair, showing courtesy to other players and displaying grace, no matter what the outcome of the game is.
To promote or learn sportsmanship:
- encourage fair play and follow the rules. Losing can be difficult but people who keep their heads up and congratulate their opponents will probably work harder the next time around.
- try to have fun and enjoy the game whether you lose or win.
- respect all players and use appropriate language. Never use foul language.
- encourage team-mates even if they’ve lost a poitit or dropped a catch. Rude / negative body language should be avoided.
- accept the umpire’s decision even though you may not be completely satisfied with it. Never question an umpire’s honesty.
- and lastly. a good sportsman understands that on a different day, his team might be the one offering congratulations to the winners. After all, each game is a new game!
On the basis of your listening to the passage, complete the web charts given below.
(a) 
Answer:
(b) 
Answer:
(c) 
Answer:
B.10. Read the following newspaper clippings.
Match Referee Fines Players for Sledging
– by Staff Reporter
Adelaide, July 1:
Two cricket players were fined half of their match fee for allegedly using foul language during the game. Such incidents of sledging are becoming increasingly common on the ground. Uncontrolled aggression on the field is threatening to spoil the true spirit of the sport.
Angry Spectators Bring the Game to a Halt
– by Staff Reporter
Eaden Garden, Sept. 22:
The semi-final match between India and Sri Lanka was abandoned as the aggressive spectators, angry at the poor performance by the home team, threw empty bottles on the players standing near the boundary. The recent years have seen a dramatic change of attitude among the spectators, who no longer accept defeat sportingly.
Now discuss in group. Have we really forgotten the true spirit of sports? Do sports only mean winning? Is participation not a joy in itself?
Note all the points that come up in the discussion. Now prepare an article on the topic “The True Spirit of Sports’ to be published in your school magazine.
Answer:
The True Spirit of Sports
– Aditi
Sportsman spirit makes one true sportsperson. For a true sportsman losing or winning a game does not matter. I read two news reports about sports which showed that we are losing the true spirit of sports. Today cricket players use foul language in the playground. The spectators throw bottles in the playground when their nation begins to loose the game. Is it a sign of good sports? No! it is a big blot. We are really forgetting this spirit. This spirit allows us to tolerate whatever happens at the playground. We must know that participation also matters. We should try to learn the lessons from the past when the sportspersons were as happy on losing the game as on winning the match.
They used to celebrate together. We should try again to develop the spirit of sports then only we can survive in the field of sports.
B.11. Imagine yourself to be one of the spectators who watched this event in the Special Olympics. Write a letter to your friend telling about the incident and the nine contestants who exhibited extreme sensitivity and true sportsmanship and set an example for other sports persons.
Answer:
B – 1, ABC Road
Washington
22nd July 20XX
Dear Manav
Two days ago, I had a chance to see Special Olympics. There was a hundred yard race in which nine runners were participating.
As the pistol exploded, all the runners started running. But suddenly I saw the smallest runner who fell down. He began to cry. I felt veiy sad for him.
But all the spectators were surprised. When they saw all the eight runners stopped and came back and gave their hand to fallen runner. They joined hands and finished the race together. All the spectators were happy. They stood and gave them standing ovation.
The nine runners got gold medals. I really feel that this incident showed sensitivity and true sportsman spirit. All the sports persons should take lesson from this incident.
Say my regards to uncle and aunt.
Yours lovingly
Tom
C
C. 1.
The Olympic Games Summary
The Olympic began in Greece where Greek tribes and cities used to organise religious festivals after every four years. The first game was held in 776 BC. Earlier this event held only for one day with one event of about 180 meters race. This was extended to five days later with five events. In 708 BC., several events were added such as Long Jump, Discuss Throw etc. In 688 BC, four chariot horse race was added. For several years, these events were made for male contestants and spectators only.
The Olympics were held in every four years. The four-year period between two successive Olympic Games was called an Olympiad. But in 393 A.D; these games were abolished as they lost their reputation.
In 1875, the remains of these matches were found by German archaeologists. The idea of Olympic games came in the mind of Baron Pierre de Coubertin. The first games were held in 1896 by International Olympics Committee in Greece in the Panathenaic Stadium. In 1900, females also participated in it for the first time.
The Olympic Games consists of Summer and Winter games. These games last for 16 days. Normally, these games are held after every four years.
The ceremonies include colourful events. The opening ceremony is always colourful. Greek athletes always March past. The host country declares games to be opened and the Olympic flag is raised. All give salute to it and hundreds of doves are released into the air as a symbol of peace.
The most important event is to light up the Olympic flame. The high priestess enters the stadium and lit the torch. Thousands of sportspersons hold this torch and it reaches to the host country finally.
There are five rings in Olympic Symbol that represent the continents of Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and North and South America. The rings are black, blue, green, red and yellow in colour.
ओलम्पिक खेलों का आरम्भ ग्रीस में हुआ था जहाँ ग्रीक आदिवासियों द्वारा शहरों में धार्मिक त्योहारों का आयोजन चार साल के अंतराल पर किया जाता था । प्रथम खेल 776 ई० पू० में आयोजित हुए। पहले यह केवल एक ही दिन के लिए आयोजित होता था जिसमें 180 मीटर की दौड़ होती थी। फिर इसका पाँच दिनों के लिए आयोजन किया जाता था। सन् 708 ई० पू० में कई नए खेलों को शामिल किया गया जैसे – लंबी कूद, डिस्क थ्रो आदि। सन् 688 ई० पू० में घोड़ों की दौड़ को शामिल किया गया। कई वर्षो तक इन खेलों को पुरुषों के लिए ही सीमित रखा गया।
ओलम्पिक खेल चार वर्षों के अंतराल पर होते थे। दो लगातार ओलंपिक खेलों के बीच के चार वर्षीय अवधि को ओलम्पियाड कहा जाता था। परन्तु सन् 393 ई० में इन खेलों को समाप्त कर दिया गया।
1875 में जर्मन के पुरातत्वविदों द्वारा इन खेलों के अवशेषों को खोजा गया । बेरोन पियरे डी कोबरटिन के दिमाग में इसे पुनः आरंभ करने का विचार आया। पहली बार 1896 में ग्रीस में ओलम्पिक खेलों का आयोजन पैनाथीनियाक स्टेडियम में किया गया। सन् 1900 में पहली बार महिलाओं ने इसमें भाग लिया।
ओलम्पिक खेलों में ग्रीष्म तथा शीत खेल होते हैं जो 16 दिनों तक चलते है। सामान्यतया ये खेल चार वर्षों के बाद आयोजित होते हैं।
इसमें अनेक रंगीन कार्यक्रम होते हैं। पहले दिन में अत्यंत रंगीन कार्यक्रमों का आयोजन होता है। ग्रीस के खिलाड़ी पहले मार्च करते हैं। मेजबान देश ओलंपिक खेलों की आरंभ की घोषणा करता है तथा ओलम्पिक का झंडा फहराया जाता है। सभी उसे सलामी देते हैं तथा सैकड़ों कबूतरों को शांति का प्रतीक मानकर आकाश में उड़ा देते हैं।
ओलम्पिक अग्नि प्रज्जवलित करना अत्यन्त महत्वपूर्ण घटना है। इसमें खेल का आरम्भ टार्च जलाकर किया जाता है। हजारों खिलाड़ी इसे पकड़ते हैं तथा अंत में यह मेजबान देश पहुँच जाती है।
ओलम्पिक के चिन्ह में पाँच रिंग हैं, जो पाँच महाद्वीपों- अफ्रीका, एशिया, यूरोप, आस्ट्रेलिया तथा उत्तरी तथा दक्षिणी अमेरिका का प्रतीक है। रिंग्स काले, नीले, हरे, लाल तथा पीले रंग के होते हैं।
Word – Meanings:
Religious = pious – धार्मिक;
Zeus = God of the Greeks – ग्रीक निवासियों के देवता;
Sprint = to race for a short distance – कम दूरी की दौड़;
Excavated = found after digging – खुदाई के बाद प्राप्त किया हुआ;
Spectators = audience – दर्शक;
Pageants = a colourful and splendid show – रंगीन और भव्य समारोह ।
C.2. Each of the sentences given below contains a factual error. Identify the error and write the correct answer in the space provided.
(a) The Olympic Games began in Rome.
Answer:
The Olympic Games began in Greece.
(b) Initially the Olympics Games were organised every two years.
Answer:
Initially the Olympics Games were organised every four years.
(c) The period between two successive Olympic Games is called Olympia.
Answer:
The period between two successive Olympic Games is called Olympiad.
(d) The first Olympic Games were organised in 708 B.C.
Answer:
The first Olympic Games were organised in 776 B. C.
(e) The penthathlon consisted of four events.
Answer:
The penthathlon consisted of five events.
(f) The stadium of Olympia was destroyed by massive rains.
Answer:
The stadium of Olympia was destroyed by earthquake.
(g) The Summer Games and the Winter Games, now occur on two years cycles four years apart.
Answer:
The Summer Games and the Winter Games, now occur on four years cycles two years apart.
(h) The athletes of the host country enter the stadium first of all.
Answer:
The athletes of the Greece country enter the stadium first of all.
(i) The Olympic flame is lit at the temple of Apollo.
Answer:
The Olympic flame is lit at the temple of Hera.
(j) The Olympic symbol consists of seven rings.
Answer:
The Olympic symbol consists of five rings.
C 3. Answer the following questions.
(a) How did the Olympic Games begin?
Answer:
The Olympic games began in ancient Greece. It used to be held as a religious festival after every four years to please their Zeus.
(b) Why were the ancient Olympic Games abolished?
Answer:
The ancient Olympic Games were abolished by Emperor Theodosius because of the decline in their quality.
(c) Why did Baron Pierre de Coutaertin revive the ancient Olympics as the modern international Olympics?
Answer:
Baron Pieree de Coubertin revived the ancient Olympics as the modem international Olympic because he thought that in international sports, competition would promote the world peace.
(d) In which order do the athletes from the various countries march into the stadium?
Answer:
At first, the athletes from the Greece enter the stadium. Other athletes follow in alphabetical order determined by the spelling of the name of the their nation in the language of the host country.
(e) What do the five rings in the Olympics symbol signify? Why are these five rings ‘interlocked’?
Answer:
The five rings in the Olympics symbol signifies the five continents i.e., Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North and South America. These five rings are interlocked to signify international peace and unity.
C.4. HOTS
(a) The Olympic flame is transported across various nations, mountains and seas. Thousands of runners take this Olympic flame from one country to another and this flame is kept burning until the end of the games.
What do you think this flame signifies? Why is it sent across various countries?
Answer:
The flame signifies the peace and unity. It is transported across various countries. Thousands of runners hold it and run in their countries. This represents the message of peace and unity among all the nations of globe.
(b) The important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part.’ Discuss and write a few points that makes the Olympic Games the most prestigious sports meet in the world.
Answer:
The Olympic games is the most prestigious sports meet in the world. It spread unity and peace among nations. All the athletes participate in the event cordially with great enthusiasm. They play with full spirit of sportmanship.
In how many of these did India participate in 2016 Rio de Janerio Olympics?
Answer:
In 2016 Rio de Janerio Olympics, India participated in 156 Sports. and won two medals one silver and one bronze.
C.5. A list of words from the passage ‘l’he Olympic Games’ is given below but the words are misspelt. Correct the spellings and write the meaning in the space provided.
Answer:
| Misspelt words | Correct word | Meaning |
| exclusively | exclusively | not admitting of something else |
| esentialy | essentially | used to emphasize the basic nature of a person or thing |
| archeaologists | archaeologists | a person who studies human history |
| pagaents | pageants | a public entertainment consisting of procession of people |
| convergance | convergence | when two or more things come together to form a new whole |
| competetions | competitions | the activity or condition of striving to gain or win something. |
C.6. Browse the internet or read a book and list all the sports included in the summer and the winter games.
Answer:
C.7. India’s performance in the Olympics has always generated debate. Although our performance has improved over the years, much more needs to be achieved. Given below is a list of Indian athletes who have achieved success in the Olympic Games, though these are only handful. Discuss in groups why you think our sports person do not fare well in the Olympics. Also suggest some steps that should be taken to improve, our country’s performance in the Olympics.
| Medal | Name | Sport | Year |
| Gold | Abhinav Bindra | Shooting | 2008, Beijing |
| Bronze | Vijender Singh | Boxing | 2008, Beijing |
| Bronze | ushil Kumar | Wrestling | 2008, Beijing |
| Bronze | Gagan Narang | Shooting | 2012, London |
| Silver | Vijay Narang | Shooting | 2012,London |
| Bronze | Saina Nehwal | Badminton | 2012, London |
| Bronze | Maiy Kom | Boxing | 2012, London |
| Silver | Yogeshwar Dutt | Wrestling | 2012, London |
| Silver | Sushil Kumar | Wrestling | 2012, London |
| Bronze | Sakshi Malik | Wrestling | 2016, Rio de Janeiro |
| Silver | P.V. Sindhu | Badminton | 2016, Rio de Janeiro |
Now prepare an article on the topic ‘India’s Olympic Dream’.
Answer:
INDIA’S OLYMPIC DREAM
India began to participate in the Olympic Games since beginning. It won a gold medal in hockey in 1928. Abhinav Bindra won the Gold Medal for Shooting in 2008 in Beijing Olympics.
Although India has won numerous medals but its performance is not upto the mark. More has to achieve yet. There are several reasons that sportspersons do not fare well in the Olympics. There are no proper arrangements of training to the sports persons. The nation is more inclined towards cricket.
There are several ways to improve country’s performance. The government should provide necessary resources for training. Proper coaching should be provided to them. We must know our strengths and weaknesses. The athletes must be given moral support to boost up their skills.
C.8. Project
Get into groups of four. Select any one sport that is NOT much popular in India. You could choose baseball, rugby, soccer or any other sport of your choice. Collect information about:
- the rules of the game
- number of players
- major tournaments
- famous players
- memorable/famous incidents related to the game
Prepare a scrapbook or make a collage. Share this information with your classmates.
Answer:
For self-attempt.
D.
A Swimmer’s Glory Summary
This is the story of Michael Swenson who loved swimming. He used to swim at night after the school time. Now, Michael needed some attention and recognition. Michael decided to enter a swimming race. He entered the race and continued practising. The day of race came. There were hundreds of contestants who entered. There were supporting their favorite spectators contestants.
The race began. Michael began to swim. After five miles, he began to lead. But suddenly, he got tired. The negative thoughts came into his mind. He slowed down. The person at the second place started to make his move. But Michael again started swimming and had decided to win. When he was reaching, the second place swimmer was just thirty yards back. But Michael lost the race. Everyone congratulated the winner. But suddenly the persons turned to Michaei. A woman asked, “Why are they making such a big deal of this guy? He didn’t win.” The man replied that if Michael had two arms, he would have won.
यह कहानी माइकल स्वेनसन की है जिसे तैरना पसंद था। वह स्कूल के बाद रात में तैरता था। अब माइकल को पहचान की आवश्यकता थी । पहचान के लिए उसने तैराकी प्रतियोगिता में भाग लेने का निर्णय किया। उसने प्रवेश पा लिया तथा अभ्यास करता रहा। प्रतियोगिता का दिन आया। सैकड़ों प्रतियोगियों ने भाग लिया। अनेकों दर्शक अपने पसंदीदा प्रतियोगियों के लिए आये।
प्रतियोगिता आरम्भ हो गयी । माइकल ने तैरना आरम्भ किया। पाँच मील के बाद वह जीतने लगा। परन्तु अचानक वह थक गया। उसके मस्तिष्क में नकारात्मक विचार आने लगे। वह धीमा हो गया। द्वितीय स्थान के प्रतियोगी ने तैराकी शुरू की और जीतने लगा। परन्तु माइकल फिर तैरने लगा और जीतने का इरादा बना लिया। जब वह जीत के करीब था, दूसरे स्थान का तैराक उससे केवल तीस गज की दूरी पर था। परन्तु माइकल प्रतियोगिता हार गया। सभी लोग जीतने वाले की प्रशंसा करने लगे। परन्तु अचानक सभी प्रशंसक माइकल की ओर मुड़ गये । एक महिला ने पूछा ‘वे सब लोग उस व्यक्ति को इतना महत्व क्यों दे रहे हैं? वह तो जीता भी नहीं था ” एक व्यक्ति ने उत्तर दिया, यदि माइकल के दो हाथ होते तो वह अवश्य जीत जाता । ”
Word – Meanings:
Community pool = common swimming pool- सामूहिक तैराक;
Recognition = identity – पहचान;
Contestants = participants – प्रतियोगी;
Fatigue = tiredness – थकावट;
Immediately = at once- तुरंत ।