Sports and Games GK
Overview
Sports and Games GK is a high-scoring section in Railway NTPC and Group D exams. Questions focus on Olympic history, national and international sports awards, stadiums, governing bodies, and India's sporting achievements. Topics like Arjuna Award, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (now Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna), cricket records, and Asian/Commonwealth Games frequently appear. Mastering key facts, trophy names, and award winners gives aspirants a significant edge in the General Awareness section.
Typed Notes
Major Indian Sports Awards
India's highest sports honour is the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (renamed from Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna in 2021). The Arjuna Award, instituted in 1961, recognises outstanding sports performance over four consecutive years. The Dronacharya Award, started in 1985, honours coaches who produce medal-winning athletes at international events. The Dhyan Chand Award is given for lifetime contribution to sports. All these awards carry a medal, certificate, and cash prize, and are presented by the President of India on National Sports Day — August 29 (Major Dhyan Chand's birthday).
Olympic Games — Key Facts
The modern Olympic Games were revived by Pierre de Coubertin in Athens, Greece in 1896. The Olympic motto is 'Citius, Altius, Fortius — Communiter' (Faster, Higher, Stronger — Together). The Olympic flag has five interlocked rings representing five continents. India first participated in the Olympics in 1900 (Paris). India's first individual Olympic gold medal was won by Abhinav Bindra in 10m Air Rifle shooting at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Neeraj Chopra won gold in Javelin Throw at Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Paris hosted the 2024 Summer Olympics. Los Angeles will host the 2028 Olympics.
Important Trophies, Cups and Stadiums
Key cricket trophies: Duleep Trophy (zonal cricket), Ranji Trophy (domestic first-class cricket, oldest — since 1934), Irani Cup (Ranji Trophy winners vs Rest of India). Football: Durand Cup (oldest football tournament in Asia, since 1888), Santosh Trophy (national football championship). Hockey: Dhyan Chand Trophy. Tennis Grand Slams: Australian Open, French Open (Roland Garros), Wimbledon, US Open. India's largest cricket stadium is Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad (capacity ~1,32,000). Eden Gardens, Kolkata is the second largest. Wankhede Stadium is in Mumbai.
Governing Bodies and National Games
BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) is headquartered in Mumbai and governs Indian cricket. ICC (International Cricket Council) is based in Dubai, UAE. FIFA governs world football; headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland. BWF (Badminton World Federation) is in Kuala Lumpur. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) was established in 1984. India's National Sports Day is August 29. The first National Games of India were held in 1924 in Lahore. The 37th National Games 2023 were held in Goa. Khelo India Programme was launched in 2018 to promote grassroots sports.
Key Concepts
Revision ke liye ek nazar — exam se pehle yahi padhna hai.
- 01Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award is India's highest sporting honour, renamed from Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna in August 2021.
- 02India's national game is Hockey (officially recognised); Cricket is the most popular sport but NOT the national game.
- 03The Olympic Games are held every 4 years; Summer Olympics 2024 were held in Paris, France.
- 04Arjuna Award is given for outstanding performance in sports over 4 years; instituted in 1961.
- 05The ICC (International Cricket Council) headquarters is in Dubai, UAE; BCCI headquarters is in Mumbai.
Questions & Solutions
Pehle khud try karo — phir solution kholo. Yahi tariqa topper banata hai.
When was the Arjuna Award instituted and who presents it?
Why was August 29 chosen as National Sports Day in India?
Which Indian athlete won the first individual Olympic gold medal and in which event?
What is the full form of BCCI and where is it headquartered?
Name the oldest football tournament in Asia and when was it started?
Railway exams frequently test sports awards (Khel Ratna, Arjuna, Dronacharya), Olympic history, India's sporting firsts, cricket trophies, and governing bodies. Remember: National Sports Day = August 29, Khel Ratna is India's highest sports award, Abhinav Bindra won India's first individual Olympic gold in 2008, and Neeraj Chopra won gold at Tokyo 2020. Stadiums, headquarters, and trophy associations are also common question areas.
Chapter-end quiz
4 MCQsOption tap karo — turant pata chalega sahi ya galat, explanation ke saath.
Q1.India's highest sporting honour, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, was renamed from which earlier name?
Q2.Neeraj Chopra won a gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in which event?
Q3.Which is the largest cricket stadium in India by seating capacity?
Q4.The Dronacharya Award is given to recognise excellence in which field?
Mark karo — dashboard par progress dikhega.