SUMMER BREAK HOMEWORK
TOPIC 1: ATHLETICS
Introduction
Athletics is a collection of sporting events that involve competitive running,
jumping, throwing, and walking. It is considered the foundation of all physical
sports and is practiced worldwide.
History
Athletics began in ancient Greece in 776 BC with the Olympic Games. Over time,
it developed into organized competitions. The International Association of
Athletics Federations (IAAF), now known as World Athletics, was founded in
1912.
Fundamental Skills
- Running: Sprinting, middle-distance, long-distance
- Jumping: Long jump, high jump, triple jump, pole vault
- Throwing: Javelin, discus, shot put, hammer throw
- Walking: Racewalking with rules to maintain contact with the ground
Rules and Regulations
- Athletes must stay within lanes in track events.
- One false start leads to disqualification.
- For field events, measurements must follow official methods.
- All athletes must wear proper gear and follow event-specific rules.
Athletic Track
- Standard 400-meter oval-shaped track
- Divided into 6–8 lanes
- Track events take place on the track; field events take place inside
Famous Tournaments
- Olympic Games
- World Athletics Championships
- Asian Games
- Commonwealth Games
Renowned Personalities
- Usain Bolt – World record holder in 100m & 200m
- Neeraj Chopra – Olympic Gold Medalist in Javelin (India)
- Carl Lewis – American legend in sprinting and long jump
Records
- Usain Bolt – 100m in 9.58 seconds
- Neeraj Chopra – Javelin throw 89.94m (personal best)
Conclusion
Athletics is an essential sport that develops speed, strength, and discipline. It
builds a solid foundation for overall fitness and competitive spirit.
TOPIC 2: FAVORITE SPORT – BADMINTON
Introduction
Badminton is a high-speed indoor racket sport played with a shuttlecock. It can
be played as singles or doubles and is popular for its combination of skill, agility,
and strategy.
History
Badminton evolved from an ancient game called "Poona" in India and was
formalized in England in the 19th century. The Badminton World Federation
(BWF) governs the sport today.
Fundamental Skills
- Grip: Correct racket holding technique
- Footwork: Swift movements for positioning
- Serve: Short, long, and flick serves
- Smash: Aggressive attacking shot
- Drop Shot: Light touch over the net
- Clear: Deep shot to push the opponent back
Rules and Regulations
- Best of 3 games, each to 21 points
- Rally scoring system (each rally gives 1 point)
- Change sides after each game
- Two-point lead required to win a game
- Faults include shuttle landing outside or touching the net
Famous Tournaments
- BWF World Championships
- All England Open
- Thomas Cup (Men)
- Uber Cup (Women)
- Olympic Badminton
Renowned Personalities
- P. V. Sindhu – Olympic silver & bronze medalist (India)
- Saina Nehwal – First Indian woman to be world no. 1
- Kidambi Srikanth – Former world no. 1 (India)
- Lin Dan – Legendary Chinese player
- Lee Chong Wei – Malaysian badminton icon
Records
- Fastest Smash – 332 km/h by Fu Haifeng
- P. V. Sindhu – First Indian woman to win an Olympic silver in badminton
- Saina Nehwal – First Indian to win a medal at Olympics in badminton (2012)
Conclusion
Badminton is my favorite sport because it is fun, challenging, and keeps me
active. It teaches speed, focus, and strategy while improving overall fitness.
TOPIC 3: YOGA
Introduction
Yoga is a practice that unites the mind, body, and spirit. It includes physical
postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditation for a
healthier life.
History
Yoga originated in ancient India over 5,000 years ago. It was mentioned in the
Rig Veda and developed further by sages like Patanjali in the "Yoga Sutras."
Five Asanas and Their Procedure
1. Tadasana (Mountain Pose): Stand straight, raise arms overhead, stretch the
body. Hold for 10–20 seconds.
2. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose): Lie on stomach, place palms under shoulders, lift
chest upward. Hold for 15–30 seconds.
3. Vrikshasana (Tree Pose): Stand on one leg, place other foot on inner thigh,
hands in prayer position. Hold for 10–30 seconds.
4. Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend): Sit with legs extended, bend
forward, and hold feet. Hold for 20–30 seconds.
5. Shavasana (Corpse Pose): Lie flat on the back, arms relaxed, eyes closed.
Stay in this position for 5–10 minutes.
Benefits of Each Asana
- Tadasana – Improves posture and balance
- Bhujangasana – Strengthens spine and relieves stress
- Vrikshasana – Boosts concentration and stability
- Paschimottanasana – Stretches spine and calms the brain
- Shavasana – Relaxes body and mind
Contraindications
- Tadasana – Avoid with low blood pressure
- Bhujangasana – Not suitable for back injuries
- Vrikshasana – Avoid if suffering from vertigo or leg injuries
- Paschimottanasana – Avoid in case of slipped disc
- Shavasana – Should be avoided in extreme depression unless guided
Conclusion
Yoga is a powerful practice that improves mental and physical health. It helps in
stress relief, flexibility, and overall wellness, making it a valuable part of daily life.