Individual GamesClass 11 Health And Physical Education NCERT Solutions

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Q1Athletics

Explain the meaning and history of athletics.

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Meaning of Athletics

Athletics refers to a collection of sporting events that involve competitive running, jumping, and throwing. These activities are natural and universal forms of human physical expression, and the track and field events in modern athletics are improved versions of these basic movements.

History of Athletics

  • Ancient Origins: The history of organised athletics dates back to the Ancient Olympic Games. The first recorded event was the stadion footrace in 776 B.C. in Olympia, Greece. The scope of the games later expanded to include the pentathlon, which comprised five events: discus throw, long jump, javelin throw, the stadion foot race, and wrestling.
  • Medieval Development: Track and field events continued in the PanHellenic Games and spread to Rome. During the middle ages, competitions like the stone put and weight throw, popular in Celtic societies, became predecessors to modern shot put and hammer throw.
  • Modern Era: In the late 19th century, modern track and field competitions were established, separate from general festivals. They were often organised by educational and military institutions. The Amateur Athletic Association (AAA) was established in England in 1880, becoming the first national body for the sport. The USA also began holding annual national competitions in 1868.
  • Olympic Revival and Governance: The establishment of the modern Olympic Games in 1896 marked a new height for athletics, which became a central part of the games. The International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) was founded in 1912 as the international governing body for track and field.
  • Indian History: In India, the Amateur Athletics Federation of India (AAFI) was established in 1946 to manage the sport. Initially, events were held on grass, but now synthetic tracks are used, improving the sport with technology.