Olympics Quiz

Notes:
Nikki Pradhan was the first female hockey player from Jharkhand to compete in the Olympics, selected for the 2016 Rio Olympics. She was born on December 8, 1993, in Hesal village, Khunti district, Jharkhand. The 2016 Olympics marked the return of women’s hockey after 36 years. Nikki Pradhan played as a midfielder and has represented India in other major tournaments, including Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Notes:
Gaurvir Kaur from Jharkhand’s Asha Kiran won a bronze medal in mixed doubles badminton at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles. She also won gold medals in singles and doubles badminton events. No records indicate her participation in table tennis, carrom, or horse riding at this event. The term “shuttler” refers to a badminton player. This medal adds to Jharkhand’s representation in international special sports events.

Notes:
Jaipal Singh Munda captained India’s hockey team at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics. India won its first Olympic gold medal in field hockey under his leadership. The team defeated the Netherlands 3-0 in the final. This was India’s maiden Olympic title in hockey. Jaipal Singh left the team after the league stage due to a dispute but the team secured the gold medal.

Notes:
Jaipal Singh Munda captained India at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics. India made its Olympic hockey debut there, winning all matches and securing the gold medal with a 3-0 victory over the Netherlands in the final. Jaipal Singh was from Khunti, now in Jharkhand. He left the team post-league due to a dispute but is credited as captain during the tournament. The 1928 Olympics marked India’s first gold in hockey.

Notes:
Abhinav Bindra, Olympic gold medallist, has been chosen as a torch-bearer for the 2026 Winter Olympics. The 2026 Winter Olympics will be held in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, from February 6 to February 22, 2026. Bindra won India’s first individual Olympic gold in the 10m air-rifle event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The 2026 Games will feature 116 medal events across 16 disciplines, increasing by seven events and one discipline from Beijing 2022. The Olympic Torch Relay symbolises unity, inspiration, and the Olympic spirit globally.

Notes:
Pawan Singh, from Maharashtra, made history as the first Indian shooting jury member to be appointed for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Before his jury role, he began his shooting career in 1995, served as coach of the Indian shooting team, and contributed significantly to the administration of the sport. His selection marked a new milestone for India in shooting sports officiating, underlining the country’s increasing influence in the global shooting community and Olympic-level sports management.

Notes:
Recently, Bastar Olympics in Chhattisgarh has been officially given national status as ‘Khelo India Tribal Games’. It is part of the “Promotion of Rural and Indigenous/Tribal Games” component under the Khelo India Scheme. Traditional tribal sports like Mallakhamb, Kalaripayattu, Gatka, Thang-Ta, Yogasana, and Silambam are already supported under this scheme. Khelo India Scheme was launched in 2016–17 to promote sports participation and excellence across India. The scheme is extended till 2025–26 with a total budget of ₹3790.50 crore.

Notes:
Mallakhamba was demonstrated at the 1936 Berlin Summer Olympics, gaining international recognition. The sport originates from Maharashtra, India. In 2019, the first World Mallakhamb Championship was held, where Maharashtra’s Himani Uttam Parab won gold, highlighting the state’s tradition in this ancient sport.

Notes:
Milkha Singh, from Punjab, was 4th in 400m at 1960 Rome Olympics and later became Punjab’s Director of Sports. He received the Padma Shri and is one of India’s most celebrated athletes. Jeev Milkha Singh, his son, is a noted professional golfer.

Notes:
Kila Raipur Sports Festival, known as Rural Olympics, is held annually near Ludhiana, Punjab. It features traditional Punjabi rural sports like bullock cart races and Kabaddi. Started in 1933, it attracts participants and spectators from across India and showcases rural sporting culture of Punjab.