Sports, My English Reader, Class VIII, DAV Board, The Best Solutions, Section- C

Section – C

C.1. Summary in English: The Olympic Games

The Olympic Games originated in ancient Greece and were held every four years in Olympia to honour Zeus. Initially, they featured only one event, a foot race, but gradually included others like the pentathlon, boxing, and chariot racing. Only men were allowed to participate. The Games declined during the Roman era and were abolished in 393 A.D. They were revived in 1896 by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, who believed sports could promote peace and build character. Modern Olympics include Summer and Winter Games, held every four years but staggered every two years from 1994. The Olympics begin with a grand opening ceremony including a parade, flag raising, dove release, and lighting of the Olympic flame. The Olympic motto is “Citius, Altius, Fortius” (Faster, Higher, Stronger), and the five-ring symbol represents the continents.

Summary in Hindi:

ओलंपिक खेलों की शुरुआत प्राचीन ग्रीस में हुई थी और ये ज़ीउस देवता को समर्पित थे। पहले केवल एक दौड़ होती थी, लेकिन धीरे-धीरे पंचक्रीड़ा, मुक्केबाज़ी और रथ दौड़ जैसे कई खेल जोड़े गए। इन खेलों में केवल पुरुष भाग लेते थे। रोमन साम्राज्य के समय खेलों का महत्त्व कम हुआ और 393 ईस्वी में इन्हें बंद कर दिया गया। 1896 में बैरन पियरे डी कुबर्टिन ने आधुनिक ओलंपिक की शुरुआत की। अब ओलंपिक में समर और विंटर गेम्स होते हैं, जो हर चार साल में होते हैं लेकिन 1994 से दो-दो साल के अंतर पर आयोजित किए जाते हैं। उद्घाटन समारोह भव्य होता है जिसमें मशाल प्रज्वलन, झंडा फहराना और कबूतर छोड़ना शामिल है। ओलंपिक का आदर्श वाक्य है – “सिटियस, अल्टियस, फोर्टियस” (तेज़, ऊँचा, मज़बूत)।

Word Meanings Table:

English Word

Meaning in English

Hindi Meaning

Tradition

Custom or belief over time

परंपरा

Honoured

Respected

सम्मानित

Stadium

Sports arena

खेल मैदान

Sprint

Short running race

तेज़ दौड़

Decline

Fall or decrease

पतन

Abolished

Officially ended

समाप्त कर दिया गया

Excavated

Dug up

खुदाई की गई

Promote

Encourage

बढ़ावा देना

Glamour

Splendour, attraction

भव्यता

Pageant

Colourful show

रंगारंग शो

Convergence

Meeting at one point

मिलन

Ritual

Religious ceremony

धार्मिक अनुष्ठान

High priestess

Senior female religious leader

प्रमुख पुजारिन

Motto

A short guiding phrase

आदर्श वाक्य

MCQs:

  1. When did the first recorded Olympic contest take place?

a) 776 A.D.

b) 776 B.C.

c) 393 A.D.

d) 1896 A.D.

Answer: b) 776 B.C.

  1. Who abolished the ancient Olympic Games?

a) Baron de Coubertin

b) Roman Emperor

c) Emperor Theodosius

d) Greek King

Answer: c) Emperor Theodosius

  1. When were women first allowed to compete in the modern Olympics?

a) 1896

b) 1900

c) 1994

d) 2000

Answer: b) 1900

  1. What do the five Olympic rings represent?

a) Five sports

b) Five gods

c) Five continents

d) Five Olympic values

Answer: c) Five continents

  1. What is the Olympic motto?

a) Peace and Glory

b) Stronger Together

c) Citius-Altius-Fortius

d) Victory and Honour

Answer: c) Citius-Altius-Fortius

Short Questions and Answers:

  1. Q: What was the purpose of the ancient Olympic Games? A: To honour Zeus and celebrate through athletic events.
  2. Q: Who revived the modern Olympic Games and when? A: Baron Pierre de Coubertin in 1896.
  3. Q: What is the significance of the Olympic flame? A: It symbolizes peace and the spirit of competition; lit from Olympia and carried to the host city.
  4. Q: What are the Summer and Winter Games? A: Two types of Olympic events held every four years, now staggered by two years.
  5. Q: What happens during the Olympic opening ceremony? A: Parade of athletes, raising the Olympic flag, lighting of the flame, and release of doves as a peace symbol.

 

 

C.2. Each of the sentences given below contains a factual error. Identify the error and write the correct answer in the space provided.

Sentence

Factual Error

Correction

(a) The Olympic Games began in Rome.

Rome

Greece

(b) Initially the Olympics Games were organised every two years.

every two years

every four years

(c) The period between two successive Olympic Games is called Olympia.

Olympia

Olympiad

(d) The first Olympic Games were organised in 708 B.C.

708 B.C.

776 B.C.

(e) The pentathlon consisted of four events.

four

five

(f) The stadium of Olympia was destroyed by massive rains.

massive rains

an earthquake

(g) The Summer Games and the Winter Games now occur on two year cycles four years apart.

two year cycles

four-year cycles two years apart

(h) The athletes of the host country enter the stadium first of all.

first

last

(i) The Olympic flame is lit at the altar in the temple of Apollo.

Apollo

Hera

(j) The Olympic symbol consists of seven rings.

seven

five

C.3. Short Questions and Answers

(a) How did the Olympic Games begin?
The Olympic Games began in ancient Greece as part of religious festivals held every four years to honour the gods, especially Zeus, the king of the gods. Athletics was a major part of these celebrations.

(b) Why were the ancient Olympic Games abolished?
The ancient Olympic Games were abolished in A.D. 393 by Emperor Theodosius because they had lost their religious and athletic values and had become corrupted, especially after Greece was conquered by the Romans.

(c) Why did Baron Pierre de Coubertin revive the ancient Olympics as the modern international Olympics?
Baron Pierre de Coubertin revived the Olympics because he believed athletics built character and could promote world peace through international sports competition.

(d) In which order do the athletes from the various countries march into the stadium?
Greek athletes march in first, in honour of the original Olympics, followed by others in alphabetical order based on the host country’s language. The host country’s athletes march in last.

(e) What do the five rings in the Olympic Symbol signify? Why are these five rings ‘interlocked’?
The five rings represent the five inhabited continents: Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia, and the Americas. They are interlocked to symbolise unity and friendship among the nations of the world.

 

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 Olympic flame symbolises the spirit of the Olympics — it conveys messages of:

  • Peace and unity among nations,
  • Friendship and cooperation across cultures,
  • The continuity of tradition from ancient Greece to the modern world,
  • The endurance and determination of athletes,
  • And the light of hope, inspiration, and global togetherness.

Its journey across countries, mountains, and seas reminds us that sports can unite the world, crossing all boundaries — political, cultural, and geographical.

(b) The important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part. Discuss and write a few points that make the Olympic Games the most prestigious sports meet in the world.

Answer – “The important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part.”

This famous quote by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympics, highlights the true spirit of the Games — that participation, effort, and sportsmanship matter more than just victory. Below are some key points that make the Olympic Games the most prestigious sports meet in the world:

Why the Olympics Are So Prestigious

  1. Global Participation
    • Athletes from over 200 countries compete, making it the most international sporting event in the world.
  2. Long and Rich History
    • The Olympics have roots in ancient Greece and a modern revival in 1896, symbolizing centuries of athletic tradition.
  3. Spirit of Unity and Peace
    • The Olympics promote global peace and harmony through healthy competition, regardless of nationality, race, or politics.
  4. Showcase of Human Potential
    • Athletes push the limits of strength, speed, and endurance — demonstrating what the human body and mind can achieve.
  5. Prestige of Representing One’s Nation
    • Just qualifying to represent one’s country is a huge honour and a source of national pride.
  6. Inspiration and Role Models
    • Olympic athletes become symbols of determination, discipline, and perseverance, inspiring millions around the world.
  7. Fair Play and Sportsmanship
    • The Olympics emphasize respect for rules and opponents, making it not just about winning, but about character.

C.5. A list of words from the passage The Olympic Games’ is given below but the words are misspelt. Correct the spellings and write the meaning in the space provided.

MISSPELT WORDS

CORRECT WORD

MEANING

exlusively

exclusively

Only; restricted to a particular person, group, or use – विशेष रूप से

esentialy

essentially

Basically; in essence or most importantly – मूल रूप से / अनिवार्य रूप से

archeaologists

archaeologists

Scientists who study human history through excavation – पुरातत्त्ववेत्ता

pagaents

pageants

Colourful and splendid public shows – शोभायात्रा / भव्य प्रदर्शन

convergance

convergence

The process of coming together or meeting at a point – एकत्र होना / संगम

competetions

competitions

Contests or matches to determine the best – प्रतियोगिताएँ

C.6. Browse the internet or read a book and list all the sports included in the Summer and the Winter Games.

Answer – Sports in the Olympic Games

Summer Olympics

The Tokyo 2020 (held in 2021) featured 33 sports (42 historically), including:
Archery, Artistic Swimming, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball (and 3×3), Beach Volleyball, Boxing, Canoe (Slalom & Sprint), Cycling (Track, Road, MTB, BMX), Diving, Equestrian, Fencing, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Gymnastics (Artistic, Rhythmic, Trampoline), Handball, Judo, Karate, Modern Pentathlon, Rowing, Rugby Sevens, Sailing, Shooting, Skateboarding, Sport Climbing, Surfing, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Triathlon, Volleyball, Water Polo, Weightlifting, Wrestling

Winter Olympics

Common Winter Games sports include:
Alpine Skiing, Biathlon, Bobsleigh, Cross-Country Skiing, Curling, Figure Skating, Freestyle Skiing, Ice Hockey, Luge, Nordic Combined, Short-Track Speed Skating, Skeleton, Ski Jumping, Snowboarding, Speed Skating

🇮🇳 India at the 2021 Tokyo Summer Olympics

India participated in 18 of the 33 Summer Olympic sports. They achieved a record medal haul of 7 medals:

  • Gold (1): Neeraj Chopra (Javelin – Athletics)
  • Silver (2): Mirabai Chanu (Weightlifting), Ravi Kumar Dahiya (Wrestling, 57 kg)
  • Bronze (4): PV Sindhu (Badminton), Lovlina Borgohain (Boxing), Bajrang Punia (Wrestling, 65 kg), Men’s Field Hockey team
  • Sports Represented (with athlete count):
    Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Equestrian, Fencing, Field Hockey, Golf, Gymnastics, Judo, Rowing, Sailing, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Weightlifting, Wrestling

Category

Number

Details

Summer Olympic Sports

33

As listed above

Winter Olympic Sports

15

Common winter Olympic disciplines

India’s Sports Participation

18

Competed in 18 Summer Olympic sports at Tokyo

Medals Won by India (2021)

7

1 Gold, 2 Silver, 4 Bronze

 

Completed Sentence:

In 2021, Tokyo Olympics, India participated in 18 sports and won 7 medals (1 gold, 2 silver, and 4 bronze).

 

C.7. India’s performance at the Olympics Games has often generated debate especially when it comes to the medal count. However, in the last few years our athletes have made the ardent sports fans proud of their achievements. Given below is a list of a few sports stars who have proven their mettle at the Olympics. Read more about them and complete the given table of information about their achievements.

Name

Sport

Year

Medal

Abhinav Bindra

Shooting

2008, Beijing

Gold

Vijender Singh

Boxing

2008, Beijing

Bronze

Vijay Kumar

Shooting

2012, London

Silver

Saina Nehwal

Badminton

2012, London

Bronze

Mary Kom

Boxing

2012, London

Bronze

Yogeshwar Dutt

Wrestling

2012, London

Bronze

P.V. Sindhu

Badminton

2016, Rio & 2021, Tokyo

Silver (2016), Bronze (2021)

Neeraj Chopra

Athletics

2021, Tokyo

Gold

Saikhom Mirabai Chanu

Weightlifting

2021, Tokyo

Silver

Bajrang Punia

Wrestling

2021, Tokyo

Bronze

Discuss in groups of four why you think our sportspersons do not perform well at the Olympics. Also, suggest some steps that should be taken to improve our country’s performance at the Olympics Games.

Answer – Why Do Indian Athletes Often Fall Short at the Olympics?

Here are some common reasons identified during group discussions:

  1. Inadequate Infrastructure – Many athletes lack access to world-class facilities, especially in rural regions.
  2. Limited Professional Coaching – Shortage of specialized, international-standard coaches impedes skill development.
  3. Lack of Consistent High-Level Competition – Fewer opportunities to compete at global levels reduce exposure and preparedness.
  4. Insufficient Funding – Many require self-financing, which adversely affects training continuity and equipment.
  5. Low Talent Identification & Grassroots Support – Not enough support systems to nurture young talent from the grassroots up.

 

Steps to Improve India’s Olympic Performance

  • Boost grassroots programmes – Improve scouting, school-level training, and rural coaching initiatives.
  • Upgrade infrastructure – Invest in modern facilities across the country.
  • Focus on coach development – Hire and train specialized coaches with international experience.
  • Increase competitive exposure – Provide athletes more chances to compete abroad.
  • Secure sustained funding – Ensure continuous financial support from government and private sponsors.
  • Promote sports after schooling – Encourage post-secondary athletes to stay in sports by offering scholarships and career pathways.

 

Now draft an article on the topic Indias Olympic Dream.

Draft Article: “India’s Olympic Dream”

Title: India’s Olympic Dream: Charting the Path from Aspiration to Podium

By: Avinash Ranjan Gupta,

Class: 8

Introduction:
For decades, India has dreamt of achieving sustained Olympic success. With a record-breaking seven medals at Tokyo 2021 and individual heroes like Neeraj Chopra, P.V. Sindhu and Saikhom Mirabai Chanu shining—our dream is becoming reality.

Historical Context:
From Abhinav Bindra’s golden moment in Beijing (2008) to Saina Nehwal and Mary Kom winning historic Olympic medals in 2012, India’s presence on the global stage has steadily increased.

Challenges:
Our athletes still face hurdles: less infrastructure, expert coaching, funding gaps, and limited international exposure. Grassroots talent often remains undiscovered and unsupported.

Progress & Initiatives:
Government schemes like Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), Khelo India, and the rise of private academies are starting to fill crucial gaps. These initiatives, combined with notable performances in last three Games, show solid promise.

Vision for the Future:
To truly achieve our Olympic dream, India must invest in rural scouting, elite coaching, and modern facilities. Continuous international competition and athlete-centric funding are essential. Engage corporations and celebrities to raise the sports culture nationwide.

Conclusion:
India’s Olympic journey has begun—and with focused effort, unity, and vision, our athletes can dream bigger and win bigger. The next generation looks to their heroes, showing that with access, support, and belief, India’s Olympic dream can absolutely come true.

C.8. Project Topic: Rugby in India

Instructions:
Form a group of 4. Divide the tasks among yourselves — one person can research the rules, another players and tournaments, another can collect images and incidents, and one can compile everything into a scrapbook or collage.

 

  1. Rules of Rugby (Rugby Union)
  • Objective: Carry the ball over the opponent’s goal line and ground it to score a try (5 points).
  • Scoring Methods:

Try (5 points)

Conversion kick after try (2 points)

Penalty kick (3 points)

Drop goal (3 points)

  • Match Duration: 80 minutes (two halves of 40 minutes each)
  • Ball Handling: Players can pass the ball only backward or sideways, but can kick it forward.
  • Tackling: Only below the shoulders; dangerous tackles are penalized.

 

🧍‍♂️🧍‍♀️ 2. Number of Players

  • 15-a-side Rugby (Rugby Union): 15 players per team
  • 7-a-side Rugby (Rugby Sevens): 7 players per team
  • Rugby Sevens is more popular in India due to its fast pace and shorter matches.

 

🏆 3. Major Tournaments

  • International:

Rugby World Cup

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Commonwealth Games Rugby Sevens

  • In India:

All India & South Asia Rugby Tournament (Oldest domestic tournament)

India Rugby Sevens (organized by Rugby India)

 

🌟 4. Famous Indian Rugby Players

  • Rahul Bose – Former national player; also a Bollywood actor and sports activist.
  • Nasser Hussain – Captained India’s rugby team; top-level player.
  • Vahbiz Bharucha – Captain of the Indian women’s rugby team.
  • Tanusri Shah – Rising female player from Kolkata.

 

📸 5. Memorable/Famous Incidents

  • 2016 – India’s women’s rugby team played their first international 15s match against Singapore.
  • 2019 – India’s men’s team reached the final of Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy.
  • Bollywood & Rugby – Actor Rahul Bose promoted rugby heavily and represented India, bringing the sport some limelight.
  • Grassroots growth – Rugby has gained popularity in Odisha, West Bengal, and Bihar due to school initiatives.

 

🎨 Scrapbook/Collage Ideas

  • Include pictures of matches, players in action, trophies, logos of teams.
  • Add quotes from players or about sportsmanship.
  • Make a timeline of India’s achievements in rugby.
  • Include drawings or cutouts of rugby balls, jerseys, and stadiums.

 

🗣️ Presentation Tips

  • Begin with a short intro about rugby’s origin.
  • Each team member presents a section.
  • Use props like a mini rugby ball or posters.
  • End with a Q&A or fun quiz about rugby.

 

 

 

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