Sports Stars
Class: 6th Standard | Subject: English | Type: Prose | Term: 2nd Term, Unit 1
Syllabus: SCERT New Syllabus (Tamil Nadu State Board)
About the Lesson
This lesson is part of the 6th Standard English textbook published by the Tamil Nadu government under the SCERT New Syllabus. It does not have a single named author, as it is a compilation prepared by the textbook committee. The chapter introduces students to three inspiring Indian women sports stars and their remarkable journeys.
Summary of the Lesson
The lesson Sports Stars is structured in three sections, each highlighting a remarkable Indian woman sportsperson who has excelled in her respective sport and broken gender barriers. The lesson is narrated partly through a diary account format and partly through biographical reports, making the content relatable for young learners.
Section I – Mithali Dorai Raj (Cricket): The first section is written as a diary entry by a school boy who learns about Mithali Raj from his teacher. Mithali Raj, born in Hyderabad with Tamil as her mother tongue, is the captain of the Indian Women's Cricket Team in Tests and ODIs. She started playing cricket at the age of 10 and was selected for the Indian team at 17. She is the highest run scorer in Women's International Cricket and the only woman cricketer to surpass the 6,000-run mark in ODIs. She is nicknamed the "Tendulkar of Indian Women's Cricket" and is the first player to score seven consecutive 50s. Mithali was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India. The boy narrator is so inspired by her story that he changes his attitude toward his little sister playing cricket.