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

Section – A

A.1. (i) List a few qualities that you think a good sportsperson should possess.

Answer- Qualities of a good Sportsperson

Discipline – Consistent training, following rules, and maintaining focus.

Teamwork – Ability to work well with teammates and support others.

Determination – Strong willpower to keep going despite challenges or failures.

Sportsmanship – Respect for opponents, fair play, and graciousness in victory or defeat.

Confidence – Belief in one’s abilities without being arrogant.

Resilience – Bouncing back from injuries, losses, or setbacks.

Leadership – Inspiring and guiding teammates both on and off the field.

Patience – Willingness to improve gradually and stay calm under pressure.

Focus – Staying mentally sharp during competitions and practice.

Humility – Acknowledging the efforts of others and staying grounded even after success.

(II) Name a few players you think have true sportsmanship. Support your choice with reasons.

1. Roger Federer (Tennis)

• Why: Always respectful to opponents, never argues with umpires, and praised even by rivals for his grace on and off the court.
• Example: He often compliments his opponents after losing and stays calm under pressure.

2. MS Dhoni (Cricket)

• Why: Known for his calmness, fairness, and honesty in the game.
• Example: In a match, he called back a batsman who had been wrongly given out, showing integrity over winning.

3. Lionel Messi (Football)

• Why: Humble despite being one of the greatest, rarely dives or complains, and treats opponents respectfully.
• Example: Even after tough tackles or fouls, he usually gets up without protest.

4. Simone Biles (Gymnastics)

• Why: Honest about mental health, supportive of teammates, and never blames others.
• Example: She withdrew from Olympic events to protect her mental health, showing courage and responsibility.

5. Rahul Dravid (Cricket)

• Why: Known as “The Wall,” he played with integrity, rarely sledged, and respected the spirit of the game.
• Example: He often walked off before being given out if he knew he was out — a rare gesture in professional sports.

A.2. Hockey is our national game*. Do you know the meaning of the followoing common terms associated with it?

dribbling

bully

loading the hockey sticks

Answer – 1. Dribbling

Meaning:
Dribbling is the skill of controlling and moving the ball with the hockey stick while running across the field.

• It allows a player to dodge opponents and maintain possession of the ball.
• It’s similar to dribbling in basketball but done with a stick and ball.

2. Bully

Meaning:
A bully is used to restart the game when play has been stopped accidentally.

• Both players face each other with the ball between them, tap their sticks on the ground and each other’s stick three times, then try to win the ball.
• It promotes fairness and equal chance.

3. Loading the hockey sticks

Meaning:
This refers to preparing to strike or hit the ball by putting force or pressure on the hockey stick (especially in modern, composite sticks).

• The “load” creates power when the player releases the stick in a push or flick.
• Commonly used in drag flicks during penalty corners.

A.3. Summary in English: Dhyan Chand, The Hockey Wizard

Major Dhyan Chand is remembered as one of the greatest hockey players in the world. Born in Allahabad in 1905, he gained the name ‘Chand’ (meaning moon) because he used to practice in moonlight. From humble beginnings—using palm tree branches as sticks and rags as balls—he rose to international fame.

He joined the Indian Army and became a part of the Army Hockey Team, traveling to New Zealand in 1926, where he scored 100 goals out of 192. He led India to Olympic gold medals in 1928, and later in 1932 and 1936, establishing India’s dominance in hockey.

Dhyan Chand’s skill was legendary—people believed he had magnets in his stick! Even Don Bradman and Adolf Hitler admired him. Hitler once offered him a position in the German army, which he declined, proudly stating, “India is my India.”

He played till the age of 42 and was awarded the Padma Bhushan for his unmatched contribution to Indian hockey.

हिन्दी में सारांश:

ध्यानचंद को हॉकी का जादूगर कहा जाता है। उनका जन्म 29 अगस्त 1905 को इलाहाबाद में हुआ था। वे रात को चाँदनी में हॉकी का अभ्यास करते थे, इसलिए उन्हें ‘चंद’ कहा गया।

उन्होंने सेना में नौकरी की और सेना की हॉकी टीम में शामिल होकर न्यूजीलैंड में भारत का प्रतिनिधित्व किया। वहाँ 21 मैचों में उन्होंने 100 गोल किए। 1928 के ओलंपिक में भारत ने नीदरलैंड को हराकर पहला स्वर्ण पदक जीता।

ध्यानचंद की हॉकी की कला इतनी प्रभावशाली थी कि लोगों को लगता था उनकी स्टिक में चुंबक है। डॉन ब्रैडमैन ने कहा कि वे गोल ऐसे करते हैं जैसे क्रिकेट में रन बनते हैं। हिटलर ने भी उन्हें जर्मन सेना में शामिल होने का प्रस्ताव दिया, जिसे उन्होंने ठुकरा दिया और कहा, “इंडिया इज माय इंडिया।” उन्हें पद्म भूषण से सम्मानित किया गया।

Word Meanings (English to Hindi Table)

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What was Dhyan Chand’s original name?
   a) Dhyan Kumar
   b) Dhyan Singh
   c) Dhyan Chand
   d) Dev Singh
   Answer: b) Dhyan Singh
2. Why was he named ‘Chand’?
   a) He loved stars
   b) He practiced in moonlight
   c) It was his father’s name
   d) He played well at night
   Answer: b) He practiced in moonlight
3. Which country did India defeat to win its first Olympic gold in hockey?
   a) Germany
   b) Australia
   c) Holland
   d) England
   Answer: c) Holland
4. How many goals did Dhyan Chand score during the 1926 New Zealand tour?
   a) 192
   b) 24
   c) 100
   d) 42
   Answer: c) 100
5. What honour did India give Dhyan Chand for his contributions?
   a) Bharat Ratna
   b) Arjuna Award
   c) Padma Shri
   d) Padma Bhushan
   Answer: d) Padma Bhushan

Short Questions and Answers

Q1. When and where was Dhyan Chand born?
Ans: He was born on August 29, 1905 in Allahabad.

Q2. Why is Dhyan Chand called the “Hockey Wizard”?
Ans: Because of his magical control over the ball and unmatched skill in hockey, people believed his stick had a magnet!

Q3. What was Dhyan Chand’s major achievement in the 1928 Olympics?
Ans: He led India to win its first Olympic gold medal in hockey, defeating Holland.

Q4. What was Hitler’s offer to Dhyan Chand, and what did he say?
Ans: Hitler offered him a high position in the German army, but Dhyan Chand refused, saying, “India is my India.”

Q5. Which honour was awarded to Dhyan Chand by the Indian government?
Ans: He was awarded the Padma Bhushan.

A.4. Given below are some incidents from Dhyan Chand’s life. Write them in chronological order (time sequence) in the space provided

Here is the chronological order of events in Dhyan Chand’s life:

1. Born on August 29, 1905
2. Played hockey with improvised date palm branches and balls made of rags
3. Inducted into Children’s Platoon
4. Joined army as a sepoy in 1922
5. Represented India in New Zealand as a member of the Indian Army Hockey Team
6. Won Olympic gold in 1928
7. Retired from hockey at the age of 42
8. Awarded Padma Bhushan

A.5. Complete the following web chart by quoting anecdotes about Dhyan Chand’s wizardry with the hockey stick.

Now add the following to Dhyan Chand Hockey Prowess

1. ✅ Played hockey with a lady’s walking stick
2. 🟣 Scored two goals when given a chance during a British officers’ match
3. 🟣 Scored 100 goals out of 192 during the New Zealand tour
4. 🟣 Officers in Tokyo broke his stick thinking it had a magnet
5. 🟣 Don Bradman said, “He scores goals like runs in cricket”
6. 🟣 An artist painted him with eight arms to show his skill

A.6. Answer the following questions in about 40 words each.

(a) How did Dhyan ‘Singh’ become Dhyan ‘Chand’?
Answer – Dhyan Singh often practiced hockey at night under moonlight. His British officers noticed this and began calling him “Chand,” which means “moon” in Hindi. Thus, he became popularly known as Dhyan Chand instead of Dhyan Singh.

(b) How did this new name prove to be prophetic?
Answer – The name “Chand” means “moon,” which shines brightly. Dhyan Chand lived up to the name by becoming a shining star in the world of hockey, admired across the globe for his extraordinary skill and contribution to the sport.

(c) How was Dhyan Chand inducted into the British officers’ ‘Children’s Platoon’?
Answer – While watching a match between British officers, Dhyan confidently claimed he could turn the losing team into winners. Amused, an officer let him play. He scored two goals, impressing everyone, and was immediately inducted into the Children’s Platoon.

(d) Why was the Olympic win (1928 Gold Medal) very special for the Indian team?
Answer – The 1928 Olympic gold was India’s first-ever in hockey and also the first Olympic gold medal for any Asian country in modern Olympics. It marked the beginning of India’s dominance in international hockey and a proud moment for the nation.

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 – Qualities of Dhyan Chand That Reflect True Sportsman Spirit

1. Patriotism and Dedication:
   Dhyan Chand considered representing India in hockey as an act of national pride. Even while running a high fever during the 1928 Olympic final, he chose to play for his country, comparing the match to a battlefield.
2. Courage and Determination:
   Despite illness, he didn’t back out or make excuses. His sense of duty as a soldier and sportsperson gave him the strength to step onto the field and perform.
3. Discipline and Responsibility:
   As a disciplined army man, he viewed sports as a serious commitment. He understood the weight of expectations on him and took full responsibility, refusing to let his team or nation down.
4. Team Spirit:
   Dhyan Chand always played for the team and the country, not for personal fame. His unselfish play and willingness to push himself for the team’s success inspired those around him.
5. Endurance and Selflessness:
   He put his team’s and nation’s needs ahead of his own comfort and health. This act showed not just physical endurance but moral strength and selflessness.

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 compete at the national level. Two of your most dependable players have taken ill suddenly. Without them, odds are against you. Your school’s reputation is at stake. Also this win is very important for your own career in the field of cricket. One of your team-mates suggests that your team can win by fixing the match. The success or defeat of your team depends on your decision. What will you do in such a situation? Would you like to be a loser or a winner? Justify your stand.

Answer – My Stand as Team Captain:

As the captain of my school’s cricket team, I believe that true success is built on honesty, hard work, and sportsmanship, not shortcuts or cheating. Even though two of our best players are unwell and the odds are against us, fixing the match would be wrong and go against everything that sport stands for.

Winning by unfair means may give temporary fame, but it will leave a lifelong burden of guilt and damage the reputation of the school, the team, and my own future in cricket. A captain is a leader, and a leader must set the right example.

I would choose to play with integrity, motivate my team to give their best, and face the challenge with courage. Even if we lose, we will walk away with our heads held high, knowing we upheld the spirit of the game.

“It is better to fail with honour than to win by cheating.”

Justification:

• Fixing matches is unethical and illegal.
• It disrespects the efforts of every honest player.
• True sportsmanship is about facing challenges fairly.
• Losing honestly is better than winning dishonestly.
• The experience will make us stronger and more united as a team.

So yes, I would rather be a loser with dignity than a winner with shame.

A.9. Find words from the text which mean the same as the following.

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 Bradman…’ 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.

For The Teachers

Encouragement for Students:

Using idioms in writing and speaking makes the language more colourful and expressive. Try using them in your essays, letters, and diary entries to enhance your style!

A.11. Dhyan Chand Scripts a Stupendous Success Story

By: Staff Reporter
Holland, May 26, 1928

In a breathtaking display of skill and sportsmanship, India clinched the gold medal in the final hockey match of the 1928 Olympics, defeating Holland 3–0 at the Sports Stadium in Holland. The match was witnessed by an enthusiastic crowd of over 50,000 spectators.

The star of the show was undoubtedly Major Dhyan Chand, who scored 2 out of the 3 goals, leaving the opposition stunned with his agility and near-magical control over the ball. His effortless style and unstoppable strikes earned him global admiration and the nickname “The Magician of Hockey.”

This victory marked India’s first Olympic gold medal and announced its arrival as a global hockey powerhouse. Dhyan Chand’s performance was hailed as one of the finest moments in sporting history, and this day shall be remembered as the beginning of a golden era in Indian hockey.