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.
Section II – Usha Rani (Kabaddi): The second section presents a report on Usha Rani, a cop-cum-kabaddi champion from the shanty town of Subedarpalaya near Bengaluru, Karnataka. Driven by her mother's unfulfilled dream to become an athlete, Usha practised at Kanteerava Stadium every morning, rain or shine. She grew up watching kabaddi at a local club, joined it, and started playing at the national level in the sub-junior category. She sold flowers to support her family and later secured a job in the Karnataka State Police Force due to her sporting excellence. At just 29 years old, she won a Gold Medal in kabaddi and is acclaimed for her raiding skills. She became a role model for her siblings and fellow sportspersons.
Section III – P.V. Sindhu (Badminton): The third section is a biography of Pusarla Venkata Sindhu, one of India's greatest badminton players. Despite her parents being professional volleyball players, Sindhu chose badminton at the age of eight, inspired by Pullela Gopichand (the 2001 All England Open Badminton Champion). She learned the basics from Mehboob Ali and later trained at Gopichand's Badminton Academy, travelling 56 km daily. Her coach Gopichand praised her "never-say-die spirit." She balanced academics and sports, completing her B.Com degree through correspondence after Class 9. Sindhu won the Olympic Silver Medal in 2016 and received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (2016), Padma Shri (2015), and Arjuna Award (2013).
Key Personalities in the Lesson
| Personality | Sport | Key Achievement | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mithali Dorai Raj | Cricket | Highest run scorer in Women's International Cricket; first to score 7 consecutive 50s; surpassed 6,000 ODI runs | Padma Shri |
| Usha Rani | Kabaddi | Gold Medal winner; expert raider; youngest in Karnataka State Police women's kabaddi team | Gold Medal in Kabaddi |
| P.V. Sindhu | Badminton | Olympic Silver Medal (2016); among top 5 shuttlers in women's singles | Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (2016), Padma Shri (2015), Arjuna Award (2013) |
| Pullela Gopichand | Badminton (Coach/Player) | 2001 All England Open Badminton Champion; P.V. Sindhu's coach | — |
| Smriti Mandhana | Cricket | Hit a stylish half century alongside Mithali in a T20I vs South Africa | — |
| Saina Nehwal | Badminton | Bronze Medal in 2012 Olympics | — |
Glossary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Recognised | Known |
| Acknowledged | Accepted |
| Privilege | Honour |
| Consecutive | One after another |
| Identity | Who or what a person is; how a person is known |
| Inspiration | A person one looks up to |
| Passion | Desire; strong enthusiasm |
| Shanty town | A poor area |
| Unfulfilled | Unrealised |
| Prominent | Noticeable; important |
| Determined | Will-powered; having strong resolve |
| Correspondent | Reporter |
| Commitment | Dedication |
| Never-say-die | Don't stop trying; persistent spirit |
| Civilian | Ordinary people (non-military) |
Themes Covered
- Gender Equality in Sports: The lesson strongly challenges the stereotype that certain sports are only for men. All three featured personalities are women who excelled in traditionally male-dominated sports.
- Hard Work and Determination: Each sports star demonstrates that consistent effort, dedication, and a never-give-up attitude lead to success regardless of one's background.
- Overcoming Adversity: Usha Rani's story of rising from poverty and Sindhu's daily 56 km commute show that obstacles can be overcome with determination.
- Family Support and Inspiration: Mithali was inspired watching her father practise, Usha carried her mother's dream, and Sindhu was inspired by Gopichand — showing how role models shape success.
- Balancing Academics and Passion: P.V. Sindhu balanced her education (completing B.Com) with her intense badminton training, showing students the importance of both.
- National Pride and Recognition: All three sportswomen have received national recognition through prestigious government awards for their contributions to Indian sports.
Important Facts for Exam Preparation
- Women's Cricket World Cup (first held in 1973 in England) is older than Men's Cricket World Cup (first held in 1975).
- India has won all six Women's Kabaddi World Cups played from 2012 to 2017.
- The second most popular sport in the world is Badminton; the first is Football.
- The idiom "rain or shine" means "whatever the circumstances."