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class 9 khel praveen unit 3 notes

Unit 3 – Olympism

Khel Praveen

Chapters 9, 10 & 11

Olympic Values • Ancient Olympic Games • Modern Olympic Games

Chapter 9 • Pages 77–81

Olympic Values

Short Notes
Olympism is a philosophy of life that brings together sport, culture and education. It aims to develop the body, mind and willpower and promote peace, unity, friendship and respect.
Goal of Olympism: To place sport at the service of human development and peace and to build a better world through sport.
Excellence Giving your best effort, setting goals and continuously improving.
Friendship Showing kindness, trust, cooperation and support towards others.
Respect Valuing yourself, others, rules, diversity and the environment.
Olympic Educational Values: Joy of effort, fair play, and balance of body, mind and willpower.
Joy of Effort: Enjoying the process of trying, learning and improving, whether we win or lose.
Fair Play: Playing honestly, following rules and respecting teammates, opponents and officials.
Balance of Body, Mind and Willpower: Physical fitness, mental strength and emotional balance help a person perform well and live a healthy life.
Olympic Movement: A worldwide movement connecting athletes, coaches, officials and nations through sport.
Remember: The Olympic Movement teaches that participation, honest effort, respect and friendship are more important than winning alone.
Olympic Motto: “Citius, Altius, Fortius—Communiter” means “Faster, Higher, Stronger—Together.”
Olympic Flag: It has five interlaced rings on a white background. The rings represent the coming together of athletes and nations from around the world.
Important Example
The friendship between Jesse Owens and Luz Long during the 1936 Olympics is remembered as an example of friendship, respect and fair play despite competition.
Let Us Find Out
Why do you think the place where participating athletes of the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, National Games, etc., stay is called the Games Village?
It is called the Games Village because athletes from different countries and regions stay together there during the Games. It creates a feeling of friendship, unity and community.
Let Us Reflect
How does the idea of Olympism go beyond sport?
Olympism teaches values such as respect, friendship, fair play, discipline and peaceful cooperation. These values can be used in everyday life, not only in sports.
Can you recall a situation in which effort was more important to you than winning?
Sample answer: During a school race, I tried my best even though I did not win. I felt happy because I completed the race honestly and improved my performance.
Let Us Discuss
Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympics, believed that sport is the fourth branch of education, along with science, art, and morality. What does this mean? How does sport educate us differently from classroom subjects?
Sport teaches practical lessons such as teamwork, discipline, courage, fairness, leadership and handling success or failure. Classroom subjects mainly develop knowledge, while sport develops both physical abilities and life skills.
Let Us Share
Your favourite sportstar’s act of excellence, friendship, and respect.
Sample answer: My favourite sportstar shows excellence through hard work, friendship by supporting others and respect by following rules and appreciating opponents.
Let Us Recall
Think of a moment when you experienced one of these values —joy of effort, fair play, pursuit of excellence, or balance. What activity were you doing? What did you learn about yourself?
Sample answer: During a school sports competition, I showed fair play by following the rules. I learned that honesty and respect are more important than winning.
Activity – Olympic Values Tree
Draw a large tree and write “Olympism” on the trunk. Write Excellence, Friendship, Respect, Joy of Effort and Fair Play on the branches. Add leaves showing personal examples of these values.

Exercises

1. What do the five rings on the Olympic flag symbolise?
They symbolise the coming together of athletes and nations from the world’s continents in the Olympic Movement.
2. What is the current Olympic motto?
“Citius, Altius, Fortius—Communiter”, meaning “Faster, Higher, Stronger—Together.”
3. How can the three core values of the Olympic Movement be achieved by participating in different games and sports?
Excellence is developed by giving our best and improving. Friendship is developed through teamwork and cooperation. Respect is developed by following rules and respecting teammates, opponents and officials.
Chapter 10 • Pages 83–87

The Ancient Olympic Games

Short Notes
The Ancient Olympic Games began in ancient Greece. The first recorded Games were held in 776 BCE at Olympia. They were held in honour of Zeus, the chief Greek god.
The Games combined physical excellence, religious traditions, discipline, fair competition and honour. Athletes aimed for arête, meaning excellence of character.
The Games were held every four years. The Hellanodikai acted as judges. Athletes had to follow rules and take an oath to compete fairly.
Ancient events included: stadion race, diaulos, dolichos, wrestling, boxing, pankration, pentathlon and chariot racing.
Pentathlon: running, long jump, discus throw, javelin throw and wrestling.
Kotinos: A wreath made from wild olive leaves. It was given to winners at Olympia and represented honour, purity, hard work and peace.
Ancient Olympic winners received honour and fame rather than modern gold, silver and bronze medals. Victors were celebrated by their cities.
Olympic Truce: During the Games, conflicts were stopped so that athletes and visitors could travel safely to Olympia. It showed how sport could encourage peace.
The Games continued for more than a thousand years. In 393 CE, Roman Emperor Theodosius I banned the pagan festivals, including the Olympic Games.
The ancient Olympic site was later rediscovered. The ideals of ancient Olympia inspired Pierre de Coubertin, whose efforts led to the revival of the Modern Olympic Games in 1896 in Athens.
Let Us Reflect
Write a paragraph comparing the values emphasised in the ancient and modern Olympic Games. What similarities and differences do you notice?
Both ancient and modern Games value effort, excellence, fair competition, discipline and honour. The ancient Games were closely connected with Greek religion and mainly allowed free-born Greek men to compete. Modern Games are international and promote equality, inclusion and participation of people from different nations and backgrounds.
Activity
Write a letter to your parents as if you just witnessed the first Olympic opening ceremony. Describe what you saw, heard, and felt.
Sample answer:
Dear Parents,
Today I witnessed the first Olympic opening ceremony. I saw athletes gathering together and felt excited to see people celebrating sport and friendship. The ceremony made me understand that sports can bring people together. I felt proud and inspired by the Olympic spirit.
Your loving child
Let Us Reflect
What values from the ancient Games are still relevant today?
Fair play, discipline, respect, courage, excellence, friendship and peace are still important today.
How do modern sports promote peace like the Olympic Truce did?
Sports bring people from different countries together, encourage friendship and teamwork and create opportunities for peaceful interaction.

Exercises

1. Name any four events held in the Ancient Olympic Games.
Running, wrestling, boxing and chariot racing.
2. What was the kotinos? What did it symbolise? What does the Greek word arête mean?
The kotinos was a wreath made from wild olive leaves given to Olympic winners. It symbolised honour, purity, hard work and peace. Arête means excellence of character.
3. Why were athletes required to take an oath before competing?
They took the oath to promise that they would follow the rules, compete fairly and show honesty and discipline.
Chapter 11 • Pages 89–93

The Modern Olympic Games

Short Notes
Pierre de Coubertin believed that sport could educate young people and bring nations together. In 1894, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) was established.
The first Modern Olympic Games were held in Athens in 1896. Athletes from 13 countries competed in 43 events. Greek athlete Spyridon Louis won the marathon.
The Games grew over time, with more countries, athletes, sports and better facilities. Women first participated in the modern Olympics in 1900 in Paris.
India’s Olympic journey: Norman Pritchard won two silver medals in 1900. India participated as a team in 1928, when the Indian men’s hockey team won gold under the leadership of Dhyan Chand.
Winter Olympics: Began in 1924 and include winter sports such as skiing and ice hockey.
Paralympic Games: Began in 1960 and provide a global platform for athletes with disabilities.
Youth Olympic Games: Began in 2010 and encourage young athletes to learn Olympic values through sport.
India’s Journey – Let Us Explore
Create a list of Indian athletes who have won medals in the Olympics in the following order—events, year, position, score, and the sport in which Indian contingent participated as a team.
Sample examples:
  • Men’s Hockey – 1928 – Gold – Indian team – Hockey
  • Abhinav Bindra – 2008 – Gold – 10 m Air Rifle – Shooting
  • Neeraj Chopra – 2020 – Gold – 87.58 m – Javelin Throw
  • Mirabai Chanu – 2020 – Silver – 202 kg total – Weightlifting
  • PV Sindhu – 2016 – Silver – Badminton – Singles
Let Us Reflect
How did the modern Olympics bring the world together after many wars?
They gave countries a peaceful place to meet, compete and cooperate. Athletes could build friendships and respect despite differences between their nations.
Why do you think women’s inclusion in the Games was a turning point?
It promoted equality and gave women greater opportunities to participate and show their abilities in international sport.
The Olympic Creed
The Olympic Creed teaches that taking part, making an honest effort and fighting well are more important than simply winning. It highlights courage, fair play and personal excellence.
The Olympic Symbol – Five Rings
The Olympic symbol contains five interlaced rings on a white background. They represent the coming together of athletes and nations from around the world.
The Olympic Flag
The Olympic Flag has five interlaced rings on a white background. It is used during the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and represents unity, peace and friendship.
The Olympic Motto
“Citius, Altius, Fortius—Communiter” means “Faster, Higher, Stronger—Together.” The word “Together” highlights teamwork, solidarity and shared effort.
The Olympic Oath
The Olympic Oath is a promise made by athletes, coaches and judges to respect the rules and participate in the spirit of fair play, inclusion, equality and solidarity.
Olympic Emblems
Each Olympic Games has its own emblem. It combines the Olympic identity with ideas, colours or symbols connected with the host country and city.
Olympic Anthem
The Olympic Anthem expresses peace, friendship and unity. It was composed by Spyros Samaras with lyrics by Kostas Palamas and was officially adopted by the IOC in 1958.
Let’s Explore
International Olympic Committee
International Federations
National Olympic Committee
National Sports Federation
State Olympic Association

Explore the protocols, liabilities, election procedures of each units and their constituents shown in the above organogram, and create a similar organogram of the International Paralympic Committee.
The student should research the roles and responsibilities of the International Paralympic Committee and present them in a similar organogram. A simple structure may show:

International Paralympic Committee → National Paralympic Committees → National Sports Federations → State/Regional Associations → Clubs/Athletes.

The exact structure may vary by country.
Let Us Reflect
Which Olympic symbol do you connect with the most and why?
Sample answer: I connect most with the Olympic rings because they represent unity and friendship among people from different countries.
How do symbols and flags help unite people across countries?
Symbols and flags create a shared identity. They remind people of common values such as peace, friendship, respect and unity.

Exercises

1. What is the Olympic Creed?
The Olympic Creed is a message that says participation, effort and struggle are more important than simply winning. It promotes courage and fair play.
2. What do the five Olympic rings symbolise?
They symbolise the coming together of athletes and nations from around the world.
3. What is the meaning of the Olympic motto “Citius, Altius, Fortius–Communiter”?
It means “Faster, Higher, Stronger—Together.”
Unit 3 • Check Your Progress

Check Your Progress

Answer in brief
1. If you were an athlete in ancient Greece, how would you prepare for the Games?
I would train regularly, practise my event, follow a healthy diet, develop discipline and follow the rules of the Games.
2. Compare the rewards given to ancient Olympic winners and modern Olympic winners.
Ancient winners received a wild olive wreath, honour and fame. Modern winners receive medals and recognition, along with public honour and celebration.
3. How can the idea of arête be applied in school life today?
Arête can be applied by trying to become the best version of ourselves, working honestly, improving our skills and showing good character.
4. How does the structure of the IOC and National Olympic Committees ensure smooth organisation of the Games?
Different organisations have different responsibilities. The IOC guides the Olympic Movement, while National Olympic Committees coordinate Olympic participation within their countries. Cooperation between organisations helps the Games run smoothly.
5. If you were designing an Olympic emblem for your country, what elements would you include and why?
Sample answer: I would include the national colours, a symbol of peace, the Olympic rings and a traditional cultural symbol. These would represent national identity, unity and friendship.
Answer the following in detail
1. Compare the Ancient Olympic Games with today’s Olympic Games. Highlight at least three similarities and three differences.
Similarities:
  • Both promote physical excellence and effort.
  • Both encourage fair competition and respect.
  • Both bring people together through sport.
Differences:
  • Ancient Games were held in Olympia, while modern Games are hosted by different cities.
  • Ancient Games mainly allowed free-born Greek men, while modern Games promote international participation and inclusion.
  • Ancient winners received olive wreaths, while modern winners receive medals.
2. How has the Olympic Movement evolved to promote equality and inclusion (for example, Paralympics, Youth Olympics)?
The Olympic Movement has gradually opened participation to more people. Women became participants, the Paralympic Games created opportunities for athletes with disabilities, and the Youth Olympic Games encourage young athletes. These developments promote equality, inclusion and respect.
3. Why is participation considered more important than winning according to the Olympic Creed?
Participation teaches us to make an honest effort, face challenges and learn from experience. Winning is temporary, but courage, discipline, fair play and personal improvement are valuable throughout life.
4. How do Olympic symbols (flag, motto, oath, anthem) strengthen the identity of the Games and promote other characteristics of humanity?
The flag represents unity, the motto encourages continuous improvement and togetherness, the oath promotes fair play and equality, and the anthem expresses peace and friendship. Together they create a common identity and remind people of respect, cooperation, dignity and humanity.

Quick Revision – Unit 3

Olympism A philosophy of life combining sport, culture and education.
Core Values Excellence, Friendship and Respect.
Educational Values Joy of Effort, Fair Play and Balance of Body, Mind and Willpower.
Ancient Olympics First recorded in 776 BCE at Olympia.
Modern Olympics Revived in Athens in 1896 through Pierre de Coubertin’s vision.
Motto “Faster, Higher, Stronger—Together.”
Remember: The Olympic spirit is not only about winning. It is about giving your best, respecting others, playing fairly, building friendship and working together for a better world.
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Khel Praveen • Unit 3 – Olympism • Chapters 9–11