I. Fill in the Blanks

1. __________ between the members is the strength of team.

2. It is important to __________ each member of team.

3. Even if every player is excellent, the team can __________ a match.

4. People today expect that __________ can play different games.

5. While playing a game, play as a __________ never think you are girl or a boy.

6. A good team is one that is __________.

7. Players are recognised by their __________ rather than by their caste or economic status.

8. Ranking and __________ competition should be avoided amongst players.

9.  __________ was the coach of Afsana’s team.

10.  If you have a wish or dream, have __________ to speak about it. If you don’t do this now, you may regret later.

Answer:

             1. cooperation
     
             2. encourage
 
             3. lose

             4. girls
 
            5. player

            6. united

            7. ability

            8.  unhealthy

            9. Noor Khan

          10. courage  

II. Answer the following.

1. Do girls and boys play different types of games in your school or neighbourhood? If yes, then which games do the boys play and which do the girls play?

Both girls and boys play almost all games but some games are preferred by boys and some others are preferred by girls. For example; boys prefer to play cricket, hockey and football; while girls prefer to play badminton, basketball and table tennis.

2. Do you think that there is any difference between the games and the way they are played by boys and girls?

Yes, there are some difference between the games played by boys and girls. Boys prefer those games which requires more physical activity and are tougher. On the other hand, girls play those games which need  less physical activity.

3. While playing in a team would you like to play for yourself or for the team?Why?

While playing in a team game I would like to play for the team and not for myself. This is because the team needs to win. Team's performance is more important than personal performance.

4. Is your team like the team Afsana played with at Sholapur or like the Nagpada team? How?

Our team is like the Nagpada team. Members of the Nagpada team respect and encourage each other. They don't insult any member on his/her weakness. There is great understanding and cooperation among the team members. Like the Nagpada team, we want our team to excel in all conditions and be successful.

5. What would happen if girls are not allowed to play games, to study or do some other work of their choice?

If girls are not allowed to play games, to study or to do some work of their choice, it will not be good for girls. The girls will not be able to realise their potential as their talent will be suppressed. It will also hamper their mental and physical growth.

6. Have you heard of any women players? Name them and the games they play.

I have heard about many women players. Some of them are as follows:

              1. Sania Nehwal : Badminton

              2. Sania Mirza : Tennis

              3. P T Usha : Athletics

              4. Karnam Malleshwari : Weightlifting

              5. Jwala Gutta. Badminton

7. In which areas other than sports have you heard of women getting recognition?

Women are getting recognition in many areas, apart from sports. Some examples are as follows:

             1. Kiran Bedi : Police Officer

             2. Kalpana Chawla : Astronaut

             3. Indira Gandhi  : First woman Prime Minister of India

             4. Pratibha Patil : First woman President of India

             5. Bacchendri Pal : First Indian woman to climb the Mount Everest.

8. Are these women less known than men ? Why ?

These women are equally popular and recognised in our country. I think people have begun to realise that both men and women are equal and can excel in their chosen field.

9. How would you find the world to be, if girls never got a chance to take part in games, drama or dance? How would you feel if such a thing happened to boys?

If girls never got a chance to take part in games, drama or dance, it would make  for an uneven world where only men will get all the facilities and attention. 

10. The newspaper report said, "Afsana has jumped over the wall. The gender wall that her mother had put up for her". Think and write in your own words what was this wall? What do you understand by 'gender bias'?

Gender bias means differential treatment for boys and girls. In many families, in India, girls are not allowed to study, to play and opt a career of their choice. Afsana has also suffered some degree of gender bias. Her mother wants her to do household chores only. By managing to go play in an act of bravery by Afsana. She is trying to cross the symbolic wall of gender bias. The wall has been put by her mother.

11. Should the games for boys and girls be different? Think and write what you feel.

I think there should be no difference in the games for boys and girls, Physical activity is equally important for both girls and boys. Playing different kinds of games helps in proper physical and mental development of a child. Both girls and boys need proper physical and mental development. Hence they should play similar types of games.

12. If you are made the leader of a team, how will you prepare your team ?

If I were made the leader of a team, I would prepare my team like the Nagpada team. For this, we will focus on following things:

a) Team members will be encouraged to play with hard-work and honesty.

b) They should understand and respect each other and maintain unity.

c) They should support each other.

d) They should never insult team members even if someone does a mistake.

e) They should understand the value of co-operation and team spirit.

f) They should exercise and practice on a regular basis.