Circle of Learning • New NCERT textbook "Kaveri" (2026-27) • Reflect and Respond, Check Your Understanding, Critical Reflection, Vocabulary and Structures, Listening, Speaking, Writing, Learning Beyond the Text, and the poem "Nine Gold Medals" – complete answers
Reflect and Respond
This is a picture of Sheetal Devi, a para-archer honoured with the Arjuna Award in January 2024.
Answer
Look at the picture carefully and share your observations.
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Does this personality inspire you? Explain how.
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Give a caption for this picture.
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1. Sheetal Devi has no arms, yet she is shooting an arrow. She sits on a chair, holds the bow steady with her right foot and draws the string back using her shoulder and mouth/chin. Her face shows complete concentration. A Paralympic medal is shown beside the picture.
2. Yes. She shows that a physical disability cannot stop a determined person. Instead of giving up, she found a new way to do archery and reached the top level. Her courage inspires me to face my own difficulties without making excuses.
3. Sample captions: "Aiming Beyond Limits" / "Where There Is a Will, There Is a Way" / "Determination Hits the Target".
Complete the table about Paralympics: What I know / What I want to know.
Answer
What I know | What I want to know |
• The Paralympics are international games for athletes with physical, visual or intellectual impairments. • They are held soon after the Olympics, in the same host city. • India has won medals in events like javelin, shooting, archery and high jump. | • How and when did the Paralympics begin? • How are athletes grouped into classes for fair competition? • Which Indian athletes have won Paralympic gold medals? • How can schools support para-athletes? |
Check Your Understanding
Fill in the fact table based on the interview with Dr. Deepa Malik.
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Fact | Answer |
1. diagnosed with spinal tumour at the age of | 29 |
2. result of the surgery | She was paralysed waist down and told she would be bound to a wheelchair for the rest of her life. |
3. named as one of the 10 most inspirational women para-athletes by | the International Paralympic Committee |
4. first successful Paralympic event | 2016 Rio Paralympic Games – silver medal in shot-put |
5. list of 'firsts' | (i) first Indian female para-athlete to win an Asian Games medal in athletics (ii) India's first female Paralympics medallist across any sport |
6. awards won | (i) Khel Ratna (ii) Arjuna Award (iii) Padma Shri |
7. two things supported by her | (i) strengthening the emotional health of persons with challenges and empowering women through outdoor sports and adventure (ii) persons from lower socio-economic strata, by providing equipment to para sportspersons |
Choose whether the two sets of sentences display fact-opinion or cause-effect.
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(1) Fact-opinion: (i) winning the silver medal is a fact; (ii) "I feel it was a moment of personal victory" is her opinion.
(2) Cause-effect: (i) the spine tumour is the cause; (ii) the surgery and being bound to a wheelchair are the effect.
Identify which pairs show 1. cause-effect or 2. fact-opinion.
(i) 2 – fact-opinion (her membership of the Working Group is a fact; "It is believed that she contributed greatly" is an opinion).
(ii) 1 – cause-effect (the Paralympics showcasing talent is the cause; the shift in global perception is the effect).
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Critical Reflection
Extract 1: "I had two choices—squander my life in remorse or transform it to a world of limitless possibilities ... a step forward in changing perceptions."
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(i) Give a reason: The speaker's decision to transform her life can be likened to a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly.
Just as a caterpillar goes through a difficult stage and comes out as a beautiful butterfly that can fly freely, Dr. Malik passed through the dark phase of her illness and paralysis and emerged as a successful, free-spirited athlete.
(ii) Why could the speaker switch to para-athletics quite comfortably?
Answer
Because she already loved sports and had been a swimmer, so she was used to training and competition.
(iii) The speaker calls the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games a 'breakthrough moment' because ______.
she won a silver medal in shot-put there, which was her first big international success and a step forward in changing people's perceptions about disability.
(iv) The phrase 'in hindsight' indicates the speaker is ______.
B. reflective
(v) List one likely perception the speaker might have changed.
The belief that a person in a wheelchair, especially a woman, cannot achieve success in sports at the international level.
Extract 2: "Honestly, I feel sports, especially Paralympics, have the extraordinary ability to challenge stereotypes ... helped me push boundaries."
(i) Choose the option that lists the words to describe the tone of the speaker.
(a) A and D (appreciative and optimistic)
(ii) ability : potential :: preconceived notions : ______
stereotypes
(iii) True or false: Paralympics is a platform that not only showcases the remarkable abilities of para-athletes but also questions stereotypes.
True
(iv) What does 'helped me push boundaries' tell us about the speaker?
Answer
It shows that she is ambitious and determined; she keeps challenging her own limits and aims higher instead of accepting what others think she can do.
(v) Which phrase from the extract suggests that the speaker was able to transform her life?
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"Paralympics has given me a new lease of life"
Answer the following questions.
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Explain how Dr. Malik's achievements challenge societal perceptions.
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Society often underestimated her abilities because she was in a wheelchair. By winning a Paralympic silver medal, an Asian Games medal and awards like the Khel Ratna, she proved that "physical limitations don't define one's potential". Her success shows that persons with disabilities can be as capable as, or even more capable than, others.
What can be the long-term impact of involving youth in schools and colleges in advocacy with respect to disability?
Answer
Young people who learn early about disability will grow up with respect and empathy instead of prejudice. As future citizens, leaders and professionals, they will build a more inclusive society, with accessible buildings, fair opportunities and equal treatment for persons with disabilities. As Dr. Malik says, "youth is the voice of tomorrow".
Rationalise the appropriateness of the title of this text with reference to Dr. Deepa Malik's attitude and achievements.
Answer
When she was paralysed, Dr. Malik had two choices: "squander my life in remorse or transform it to a world of limitless possibilities". She chose the second. With a positive attitude and hard work, she became a Paralympic medallist, a record-setter and an advocate for inclusion. The Paralympics, too, are a world where athletes go beyond limits. So the title "The World of Limitless Possibilities" suits both her life and the Games.
"Every setback is an opportunity to prove your strength". How might this be a life lesson for every individual, and not just sportspersons?
Answer
Everyone faces setbacks – failing an exam, losing a job, falling ill or losing a loved one. If we see such moments as chances to prove our courage and grow stronger, instead of giving up, we can turn "obstacles into stepping stones". This attitude builds resilience, confidence and success in any field of life.
Examine how Dr. Deepa Malik's recognition as one of the 10 most inspirational para-athletes globally contributes to the larger discourse on gender equality in sports.
Answer
Women, and especially women with disabilities, have long been under-represented and underestimated in sports. Dr. Malik's global recognition, along with her being India's first female Paralympic medallist, shows that women can excel at the highest level despite double barriers. It inspires girls to take up sports, encourages families and coaches to support them, and pushes sports bodies to give women equal opportunities, funding and visibility. Her work in empowering women through outdoor sports and adventure activities further strengthens the case for gender equality in sports.
How might Dr. Deepa Malik's thought, 'ability beyond disability', serve as a guideline for success for all future para-athletes?
Answer
The thought asks para-athletes to focus on what they can do rather than on what they cannot. It encourages them to discover their strengths, train hard and believe in themselves. With this mindset, a disability becomes "a unique strength waiting to be unleashed", not a reason to give up.
What have you learnt from this interview, and how can you implement these learnings in your life?
Answer
I have learnt that a positive attitude, determination and the support of family can help a person overcome even the hardest challenges. I have also learnt to respect persons with disabilities and to treat everyone with dignity. In my life, I will treat my failures as chances to improve, avoid making assumptions about people's abilities, and include classmates with disabilities in games and activities.
Vocabulary and Structures in Context
Match the phrases in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2. Use the phrases in sentences of your own.
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Column 1 | Column 2 | Sentence |
1. defy the odds | (iii) succeed in doing something when most people think it would result in failure | The small village team defied the odds and won the state championship. |
2. a new lease of life | (v) an occasion when you become more energetic and active than earlier | After the operation, my grandfather got a new lease of life. |
3. in hindsight | (iv) ability to understand something after it has happened | In hindsight, I should have started revising earlier. |
4. breakthrough moment | (i) a time of significant development or discovery | Scoring a century in the final was the breakthrough moment of his career. |
5. turn obstacles into stepping stones | (ii) overcome challenges and achieve goals | Successful people turn obstacles into stepping stones. |
Arrange the movement words on the word cline from the slowest to the fastest: crawl, amble, walk, jog, saunter, dart, sprint, stroll, run, plod, creep.
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crawl
⇒ creep
⇒ plod
⇒ amble
⇒ saunter
⇒ stroll
⇒ walk
⇒ jog
⇒ run
⇒ dart
⇒ sprint
Match the highlighted verbs in Column 1 with their functions in Column 2. There are two extra functions.
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Column 1 | Function |
1. I could hear the audience clapping. | (v) past ability |
2. It couldn't be helped. | (vi) impossibility |
3. I should give it my best shot. | (iv) obligation |
4. I knew if I tried, I would win. | (iii) prediction |
Extra functions: (i) promise and (ii) possibility
Make sentences with the modal verbs for each function given in the table.
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could
(i) It could rain this evening, so carry an umbrella. (possibility)
(ii) If I had wings, I could fly to school. (unreal ability)
(iii) Could you please pass me the salt? (request)
(iv) You could join the swimming club this summer. (suggestion)
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2. couldn't – I couldn't lift the heavy box by myself. (inability)
should
(i) The parcel should reach you by Monday. (probability)
(ii) You should drink more water in summer. (advice)
Answer
would
(i) Would you help me with this project? (request)
(ii) As a child, I would play in the park every evening. (past habit)
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The sentences given above are in ______ (Direct Speech/Reported Speech). They are ______ sentences. Now note the changes from direct to reported speech in Column 3.
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The sentences given above are in Direct Speech. The sentences given above are declarative sentences.
Direct Speech | Reported Speech | Changes Noted |
Interviewer: You've been listed as one of the ten most inspirational women para-athletes ... | The interviewer said that she had been listed ... | 1. 'said' added 2. 'that' – linking word added 3. have been |
Dr. Malik: I love sports and had been a swimmer too, and so I decided to switch to para-athletics. | Dr. Malik said that she loved sports and had been a swimmer too, and so she had decided to switch to para-athletics. | 1. 'said' added 2. 'that' – linking word added 3. I |
Interviewer: Your story is indeed a testament to the power of determination. | The interviewer said that her story was indeed a testament to the power of determination. | 1. 'said' added 2. 'that' – linking word added 3. your |
Dr. Malik: I believe youth is the voice of tomorrow. | Dr. Malik says that she believes youth is the voice of tomorrow. | 1. 'says' added (reporting verb in the present tense, so the tense of the reported words does not change) 2. 'that' added; I |
Change the conversation between Siya and Tarun to reported speech.
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Siya said that she 1. had watched a documentary on the para equestrian event on television the previous night. Tarun replied that he hadn't known that Paralympics had equestrian events. Siya added that 2. it did and that it had been so interesting to watch. Tarun remarked that it was wonderful and that para equestrians must be training for months for that. Siya replied that 3. they also had to find and develop their own style of communication with their horse. Tarun said that 4. he would watch that documentary the following weekend.
Listen and Respond
Listen to an announcement for a special assembly in school and fill in the blanks with one or two exact words.
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The venue for the special assembly is the ______.
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A presentation on inclusion will be made by the ______.
Answer
The dance performance will focus on the themes of ______ and ______.
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A ______ will be conducted by experts who support inclusion.
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The celebration will end with a ______ to encourage team work.
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1. school auditorium
2. Interact Club
3. diversity; acceptance
4. panel discussion
5. song
Speaking Activity
Interview the Sports Captain (informal) and the Sports Coach (formal) of your school.
Answer
Sample informal interview (Sports Captain):
Interviewer: Hello! I'm so glad that you agreed to meet me for this interview. Tell me about yourself and your love for sports.
Captain: Thanks! I'm Arjun from Class XI. I've loved football since I was six; I used to play with my cousins every evening.
Interviewer: Did you face any challenges? How did you deal with them?
Captain: Yes, I injured my ankle last year and missed the zonal matches. I did physiotherapy, worked on my fitness and came back stronger.
Interviewer: What are some impressive achievements you've had? How do you feel about them?
Captain: Our team won the inter-school trophy this year. I felt proud, but mostly happy for my team.
Interviewer: What would you like to say to juniors interested in sports?
Captain: Practise regularly, eat well, and never let one bad match pull you down.
Sample formal interview (Sports Coach):
Interviewer: Good morning, Sir. It is my privilege to get this opportunity to interact with you. Could you tell me how your journey in sports began?
Coach: Good morning. I began as an athlete in my school in Patiala and later represented my state in the 400-metre race.
Interviewer: Could you share something about the challenges you faced and how you overcame them?
Coach: We had very few facilities, so we trained on mud tracks. Discipline and the support of my coach helped me overcome it.
Interviewer: You've received many accolades. What do these accomplishments mean to you?
Coach: They are reminders of hard work, but my greatest reward is seeing my students succeed.
Interviewer: What advice do you have for aspiring athletes?
Coach: Be patient, respect your body, and remember that consistency matters more than talent.
Writing Task
Read the details about a notice (purpose, content and format).
Answer
A notice conveys information about an event, competition, celebration, important information or a lost/found article. Format: name of organisation, the word NOTICE, date, heading, details (what, when, where, who, how), and signature, name and designation of the writer, all within a box.
As the Sports Captain, draft a notice (not more than 50 words) asking interested students to register for selection for an Inter-school Athletic Meet.
Answer
Model answer:
GREENFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOL, PUNE
NOTICE
5 August 2026
INTER-SCHOOL ATHLETIC MEET
The Sports Club is organising an Inter-school Athletic Meet on 28 August. Selection trials for track and field events will be held on 12 August, 2 p.m., on the school ground. Interested students of Classes VI–XII may register with the undersigned by 10 August.
Rohan Kulkarni
Sports Captain
Learning Beyond the Text
Answer
Did you know? (Origin of the Paralympics)
This is an information section. Key points: the Paralympics began with Sir Ludwig Guttmann's 1948 Stoke Mandeville Games for war veterans with spinal cord injuries; the first Paralympic Games were held in Rome in 1960; Winter and Summer Games alternate every two years; and the Paralympics are held in the same city as the Olympics, shortly after them.
In groups of four, make a presentation on two lesser-known Paralympic sports or two Paralympians from India.
Answer
Sample presentation outline – Two Paralympians from India:
Slide 1 (Introduction): "Champions Beyond Limits – Two Indian Paralympians".
Slides 2–3 (Origin and history): Stoke Mandeville Games, 1948; first Paralympics, Rome 1960; India's debut in 1968 and first medal in swimming in 1972.
Slides 4–5 – Murlikant Petkar: a soldier injured in the 1965 war; won India's first Paralympic gold medal in 50 m freestyle swimming at the 1972 Heidelberg Games; Padma Shri awardee.
Slides 6–7 – Avani Lekhara: para-shooter from Rajasthan, paralysed in a car accident as a child; won gold in the 10 m air rifle at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and again at Paris 2024; Khel Ratna awardee.
Slide 8 (Conclusion): "Disability is not inability" – their journeys show courage, discipline and family support.
Nine Gold Medals (Poem) – Reflect and Respond
Discuss the difference between Olympics, Special Olympics, and Paralympics.
Answer
Olympics | Paralympics | Special Olympics |
International multi-sport games for athletes without disabilities, held every four years (Summer and Winter). | Elite international games for athletes with physical, visual or intellectual impairments, held shortly after the Olympics in the same city. | Sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities; focuses on participation, acceptance and inclusion more than on elite competition. |
Match the words 'empathy', 'sympathy', and 'compassion' to the sentences.
Answer
Sentence | Word |
"I am so sorry for what is happening to you. It is sad, do you want something to eat?" | sympathy |
"I can imagine how you feel. I understand that you are upset and why." | empathy |
"I understand why you feel terribly low. I will spend some time with you, so that you don't feel lonely." | compassion |
List the words you associate with 'empathy'.
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Understanding, kindness, caring, listening, sensitivity, compassion, support, patience, respect, putting oneself in another's shoes.
Nine Gold Medals – Check Your Understanding
Match the words and phrases in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2.
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Column 1 | Column 2 |
1. dashed in the dirt | (ii) destroyed |
2. stumbled | (iv) step awkwardly, lose balance and almost fall |
3. staggered | (i) walk or move with difficulty |
4. anguish | (v) extreme pain or suffering |
5. asphalt | (iii) a hard black substance used to make roads and paths |
Identify the gist of each stanza. Write the number of the stanza in the boxes.
Answer
Gist | Stanza |
1. Spectators cheered participants and waited enthusiastically for the final event. | 2 |
2. All runners dashed ahead at the gun shot; one athlete tripped and fell. | 4 |
3. The race finished with nine athletes holding hands and winning gold medals; smiles and a standing ovation conveyed everything. | 8 |
4. Participants got ready at the starting line; nine determined athletes waited for the gun. | 3 |
5. Athletes from various parts of the country had trained for months and dreamt of winning. | 1 |
6. The eight athletes stopped to help the fallen athlete stand up. | 6 |
7. Nine athletes walked hand in hand; this represented the ethos of Special Olympics. | 7 |
8. The young athlete felt his dreams were shattered and cried, but something unique happened. | 5 |
Let us appreciate the poem.
Answer
1. Two examples of alliteration: (i) "stumbled and staggered" (ii) "dashed in the dirt"
2. Three examples of visual imagery: (i) "The blocks were all lined up" (ii) "he stumbled and staggered / And fell to the asphalt" (iii) "nine beaming faces" (also: "all the nine runners joined hands")
3. An example of auditory imagery: "the pistol exploded" (also: "He gave out a cry of frustration and anguish", "Poised for the sound of the gun")
How does the use of imagery make the poem more appealing?
Answer
The images help us see and hear the race as if we were spectators – the athletes at the blocks, the gunshot, the small boy falling on the asphalt, the runners turning back, and the nine smiling faces at the finish. This makes the story vivid and lets us feel the athletes' excitement, pain and joy.
How does the poet's tone change from the beginning to the end of the poem?
Answer
The tone begins as excited and descriptive as the race is about to start, becomes sad and sympathetic when the boy falls, and ends warm, admiring and joyful when all nine runners finish together.
What is the overall mood created by the poem?
Answer
An uplifting, heart-warming and inspiring mood.
What is the message being conveyed by the poem?
Answer
Kindness, compassion and togetherness are greater than winning. True victory lies in helping others, and when we rise together, everyone is a winner.
Nine Gold Medals – Critical Reflection
Extract 1: "The eight other runners pulled up on their heels ... And brought the young boy to his feet."
Answer
(i) The phrase 'pulled up on their heels' means that the runners ______.
B. stopped running
(ii) Mention one character trait common to all the eight other runners.
Compassion (kindness / selflessness).
(iii) What is the tone of the poet in these lines?
Answer
Admiring and appreciative (touched and warm).
(iv) How might the young athlete have felt on being helped by the others?
Answer
He must have felt surprised, grateful and comforted; his sadness would have turned into relief and happiness.
(v) Would you consider this incident as a turning point in the poem? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Answer
Yes. Until now the poem is about a race to win medals. When the runners turn back to help the fallen boy, competition turns into compassion, and the poem's mood changes from disappointment to joy.
Extract 2: "That's how the race ended, with nine gold medals ... Said more than these words ever will."
(i) How did the nine contestants feel when they reached the finishing line together?
Answer
They felt joyful, proud and united – "nine beaming faces".
(ii) Why do you think all the nine contestants were given gold medals?
Answer
Because they all finished together, and each of them had shown the true spirit of sport – kindness and togetherness. In the eyes of the organisers and spectators, they were all equal winners.
(iii) The holding of hands signifies a feeling of ______.
unity, friendship and togetherness
(iv) The spectators giving a 'standing ovation' indicates that they were ______.
A. amazed
(v) Explain the last line of the extract.
"Said more than these words ever will" means that the smiling faces and the standing ovation expressed the beauty of that moment better than any words in the poem could. Some feelings are too deep to describe.
Answer the following questions.
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Describe how the setting established in the first two stanzas creates a vivid atmosphere for the events that follow.
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The first two stanzas describe athletes from all over the country, months of training, spectators gathered around an old field and high excitement before the final event. This builds an atmosphere of expectation and competition, so the later act of kindness stands out even more strongly.
How do you think the youngest athlete might have felt when he fell?
Answer
He must have felt shocked, hurt and heartbroken. He cried out in "frustration and anguish" because all his weeks and months of training and his dreams seemed "dashed in the dirt".
Why were the athletes eager to begin the race?
Answer
They had trained for weeks and months, and everything was "coming down to these games". They were excited to run for gold, silver and bronze in front of cheering spectators.
What does the transformation of the hundred-yard dash to a walk symbolise?
Answer
It symbolises that the runners gave up personal victory for compassion and unity. Speed and competition were replaced by care and togetherness.
How might the poem be different if the focus was solely on individual achievement rather than collective support?
Answer
The poem would be an ordinary account of a race in which one runner wins and the fallen boy is left behind in disappointment. It would lack its emotional power, the turning point, the standing ovation and the inspiring message that kindness makes everyone a winner.
How does the poet's use of language and tone enhance the reader's engagement with the poem?
Answer
The poet tells the poem like a story, in simple, conversational language ("But as sure as I'm standing here telling this story"), which draws the reader in. Vivid action words like "exploded", "charging", "stumbled and staggered" create excitement and suspense. The tone shifts from excitement to sadness to joy, carrying the reader's emotions along, so that the ending feels truly moving.
What might be the poet's purpose of writing this poem?
Answer
The poet wants to celebrate a true act of kindness at the Special Olympics and inspire readers to value compassion, empathy and togetherness over winning. He also wants to show the beautiful spirit of athletes with special needs.
Nine Gold Medals – Vocabulary in Context
Identify two other adjective–noun collocations from the poem, like 'standing ovation'.
Answer
"beaming faces", "final event" (also "starting line", "young boy", "old field", "gold medals")
Write four nouns that collocate with each adjective.
Answer
Adjective | Nouns |
1. big | disappointment, failure, surprise, decision |
2. heavy | rain, traffic, loss, burden |
3. strong | wind, coffee, opinion, influence |
4. large | amount, number, family, scale |
5. great | success, pleasure, importance, deal |
Choose the correct adjectives from the box (positive, significant, youngest, noisy, loud) for the underlined words.
Answer
1. littlest → youngest
2. smiling → positive
3. huge → loud
4. terrible → significant
5. gaudy → noisy
Nine Gold Medals – Listen and Respond
Listen to a radio-talk about Patrick Gomes, a coach of special athletes, and write true or false for the statements.
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Patrick Gomes began his career in sports with track events.
Answer
Patrick Gomes has been coaching special athletes for 10 years.
Answer
Patrick Gomes does all the household work himself.
Answer
1. True (his journey began with track events in Chennai in 1991)
2. False (he has been coaching special athletes for over 15 years)
3. True (he lives by himself and does all the daily chores at home)
Listen again and choose the correct option for each question.
Answer
1. (i) challenge themselves
2. (ii) coach of special athletes
3. (ii) turning point (it "became a milestone in his life, changing his life forever")
4. (iii) football
5. (i) a positive outlook (sports bring "positivity, fitness, and discipline")
Nine Gold Medals – Speaking Activity
In pairs, express your points of view regarding Special Olympics (importance, impact on sportspersons, creating awareness).
Answer
Sample conversation:
A: What is your opinion on the Special Olympics?
B: Personally, I believe that the Special Olympics are very important because they promote inclusion and give persons with intellectual disabilities a chance to shine.
A: How do you feel about their impact on the athletes?
B: I hold the opinion that they build confidence, fitness and friendships. It's my belief that when athletes are cheered by crowds, they feel accepted and valued.
A: What is your take on creating awareness about them?
B: From my perspective, schools can hold special assemblies, invite Special Olympics athletes as guests, organise unified sports events and share their stories on social media.
A: Do you think that society's attitude is changing?
B: I have a strong feeling that it is, slowly, but we all need to be more involved.
Nine Gold Medals – Writing Task
Write three creative slogans on Special Olympics. Then create a poster inspired by the poem.
Answer
Sample slogans:
1. Special Olympics: Every Finish Line Is a Victory
2. Run Together, Rise Together, Win Together
3. Different Abilities, Equal Dreams
Sample poster:
RUN TOGETHER, RISE TOGETHER, WIN TOGETHER
[Illustration: nine runners crossing the finish line holding hands]
Celebrate the spirit of the Special Olympics!
Unified Sports Day – 3 December (International Day of Persons with Disabilities)
School Sports Ground, 9 a.m. onwards
Cheer, include, inspire – everyone is a winner!
Organised by: Eco & Sports Club, Class IX
Nine Gold Medals – Learning Beyond the Text
Read the information about athletes in the Special Olympic Games 2023, Berlin, and find out more about other Indian achievers of Special Olympics.
Answer
Sample response: From the information given, Ravimathi Arumugam won gold in the 400 m (Level C women's race), Aanchal Goyal won gold in the 400 m (Level B women's race), and Saket Kundu won silver in the Level B mini javelin and bronze in the Level B 400 m men's race. India sent a large contingent to Berlin 2023 and won many medals in athletics, swimming, cycling, badminton, judo and other sports. Students should use newspapers and the Special Olympics Bharat website to find and present the stories of more such athletes.
Read the infographic and create an infographic on any sport.
Answer
Sample infographic – KABADDI:
• ORIGIN: An ancient contact sport from India, played in villages for centuries.
• TEAMS: Seven players on each side; a raider enters the opponent's half, tags defenders and returns while chanting "kabaddi".
• SKILLS: Strength, agility, breath control and teamwork.
• RECOGNITION: Part of the Asian Games since 1990; popularised by the Pro Kabaddi League (started in 2014).
• FUN FACT: It needs no equipment – just a flat ground and a team!
Extra Important Questions
Short Answer Questions
When did India make its Paralympic debut, and when did it win its first medal?
Answer
India made its debut in the Paralympics in 1968 and won its first medal in swimming in 1972.
What were the "two choices" Dr. Deepa Malik had after she was paralysed?
Answer
She could either "squander" her life in remorse or transform it into "a world of limitless possibilities". She chose the second.
What was the biggest challenge Dr. Malik faced, and how did she overcome it?
Answer
Her biggest challenge was society's perception, as people underestimated her abilities. She overcame it with mental resilience, family support and fortitude, treating challenges as opportunities.
What advice does Dr. Malik give to people facing setbacks?
Answer
She says every setback is an opportunity to prove one's strength; one should build a support system, believe in oneself and remember that disability is "a unique strength waiting to be unleashed".
Why did the eight runners turn back in "Nine Gold Medals"?
Answer
They turned back to help the smallest runner, who had stumbled and fallen, because they cared more for him than for winning the race.
Long Answer Questions
How does Dr. Deepa Malik's journey prove that "physical limitations don't define one's potential"?
Answer
At 29, Dr. Malik was diagnosed with a spine tumour and, after surgery, was paralysed waist down. Instead of living in remorse, she used her love for sports to switch to para-athletics. She won a silver medal in shot-put at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, became India's first female Paralympic medallist and the first Indian female para-athlete to win an Asian Games medal in athletics, and received the Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award and Padma Shri. She also works for disability rights, women's empowerment and inclusive sports. Her journey shows that with determination, a positive mindset and support, a person can reach the highest level despite physical challenges.
"Nine Gold Medals" redefines the meaning of winning. Discuss.
Answer
Usually, winning means coming first and beating others. In the poem, the runners had trained for months to win, but when the smallest runner fell, all eight turned back, helped him up, joined hands and walked to the finish line together. They received nine gold medals and a standing ovation. The poem shows that true victory lies in kindness, empathy and unity. By choosing compassion over competition, every runner became a winner, and the spectators learnt that the human spirit matters more than medals.
Compare the message of the interview with Dr. Deepa Malik and the poem "Nine Gold Medals".
Answer
Both texts celebrate the spirit of athletes with special abilities and challenge stereotypes about disability. The interview focuses on individual resilience: Dr. Malik turns her paralysis into an opportunity and proves "ability beyond disability". The poem focuses on collective compassion: the runners at the Special Olympics give up personal glory to help a fallen friend. Together, they teach us that determination helps us rise, and kindness helps us rise together – both are needed to build an inclusive society.