A test of endurance and determination

🏃‍♀️ MARATHON 

A marathon is much more than just a long race—it's a powerful symbol of human endurance, determination, and spirit. Covering a distance of 42.195 kilometers (26.2 miles), the marathon is one of the most demanding and respected athletic events in the world.

🏛️ Historical Origin

The marathon has its roots in ancient Greece. According to legend, in 490 BCE, a Greek soldier named Pheidippides ran from the battlefield in the town of Marathon to Athens—a distance of about 40 km—to deliver news of a military victory against the Persians. After announcing the victory, he collapsed and died from exhaustion. In his honour, the marathon was introduced in the first modern Olympic Games held in Athens in 1896.

📏 How Long is a Marathon?

The official distance of a marathon is 42.195 km. This specific length was established during the 1908 London Olympics so the race could start at Windsor Castle and finish in front of the royal family’s viewing box.

There are also variations:

Half Marathon – 21.097 km

Ultra Marathon – Any race longer than a full marathon

Mini-Marathon / Fun Run – Shorter distances, often for charity or beginners

🏃‍♂️ A Race of Preparation and Perseverance

Running a marathon is not just about speed—it’s about stamina, consistency, and mental strength. Participants usually train for several months, gradually increasing their distance. Along with physical fitness, hydration, nutrition, and rest play a major role in preparing for the race.

Many marathon runners say that the real challenge is not the distance, but the mental battle to keep going when the body feels like giving up.

🌍 Marathons Around the World

Today, marathons are held in cities across the globe, with thousands of runners and millions of spectators:

Boston Marathon – Oldest annual marathon, started in 1897

New York City Marathon – One of the largest, with over 50,000 runners

London Marathon, Berlin Marathon, and Tokyo Marathon – Part of the prestigious "World Marathon Majors"

India also hosts popular events like:

Tata Mumbai Marathon

Delhi Half Marathon

Kolkata Marathon

These events often raise money for charitable causes and promote health awareness.

💡 Why Do People Run Marathons?

People run marathons for many reasons:

To test their limits

To support a cause

To stay fit and motivated

To experience the joy of achieving something extraordinary

Crossing the finish line is not just a physical achievement—it’s a deeply emotional and personal victory.

✨ Conclusion

A marathon teaches us valuable life lessons: discipline, patience, courage, and resilience. Whether you’re a professional athlete or a beginner, participating in a marathon is a celebration of what the human body and mind can achieve together. It reminds us that with the right mindset and preparation, no distance is too far, and no goal is impossible.

The Bouncing Ball of Fun and Skill

PINBALL 🎮

Have you ever seen a shiny ball bouncing inside a glass-covered table with flashing lights and ringing sounds? That’s pinball — a classic arcade game that combines fun, fast reflexes, and a bit of luck. It may look simple, but there’s more to it than meets the eye!

🕹️ What is Pinball?

Pinball is a game where a small metal ball is launched into a sloped playing field filled with bumpers, targets, ramps, and obstacles. The player uses flippers (paddle-like buttons) to keep the ball from falling and to hit different objects that give points. The goal is to score as high as possible before the ball falls into the drain at the bottom.

🛠️ Parts of a Pinball Machine

A typical pinball machine includes:

Plunger: A spring-loaded rod used to launch the ball.

Flippers: Controlled by the player to hit the ball back into play.

Bumpers & Targets: These bounce the ball and score points.

Scoreboard: Displays the player's score.

Tilt Mechanism: Stops the game if someone tries to shake the machine unfairly.

🕰️ A Quick Look at History

Pinball has a long and interesting past:

The idea of pinball comes from bagatelle, a French game from the 1700s.

In the 1930s, pinball machines became popular in the United States.

Flippers were added in 1947, making the game more skill-based.

In some cities, pinball was banned for years as people thought it was gambling!

Today, pinball is enjoyed both in arcades and in competitive tournaments.

🎵 Pop Culture and Pinball

Pinball machines often feature exciting themes like:

Movies (e.g., Star Wars, Avengers)

Rock bands (e.g., The Beatles, KISS)

TV shows and cartoons

These designs, music, and effects make the game even more fun!

💡 Why is Pinball Still Loved?

Even in the digital age, pinball remains a favorite because:

It’s a mix of skill, timing, and excitement.

Every game is different — no two ball paths are exactly alike.

It improves reflexes and hand-eye coordination.

It teaches patience and focus in a fun way.

🧠 Fun Facts About Pinball

The first pinball machine with flippers was called Humpty Dumpty.

There are pinball museums around the world.

Pinball has its own World Championship!

🏁 Conclusion

Pinball is more than just a game — it’s a piece of history, a skill builder, and a whole lot of fun! Whether you're playing it in an old arcade or on a virtual screen, pinball continues to flip its way into the hearts of game lovers everywhere.

So the next time you hear a “ding!” or see a ball bouncing around a glowing board, remember: you’re witnessing a timeless game that has entertained people for nearly a century.

A Magical String Instrument

THE VIOLIN 🎻

Have you ever heard the sweet, emotional sound of a violin? It’s one of the most popular musical instruments in the world. Whether in a grand orchestra, a Bollywood song, or an Indian classical concert, the violin finds its place everywhere. Let’s explore the amazing world of this beautiful instrument!

🎼 What is a Violin?

The violin is a small, wooden string instrument. It has four strings and is played using a stick called a bow. It makes soft, bright, and powerful sounds that can express many emotions—joy, sadness, excitement, or calmness.

The violin is held under the chin and played by moving the bow across the strings or by plucking them with fingers.

🕰️ A Peek into History

The violin we see today was born in Italy around 500 years ago. Great violin makers like Antonio Stradivari and Andrea Amati created violins that are still famous today. Some of these old violins are worth millions of rupees!

Main Parts of a Violin

Let’s break down the violin into its important parts:

Body: The hollow wooden part that produces sound.

Strings: Four strings are stretched from top to bottom—G, D, A, and E.

Tuning Pegs: Used to tighten or loosen the strings to tune the violin.

Fingerboard: Where you press the strings with your fingers.

Bridge: Holds up the strings and sends their vibrations to the body.

Chinrest: Where you rest your chin while playing.

Bow: A wooden stick strung with horsehair, used to play the strings.

🎵 How is it Played?

The violin is played by:

Moving the bow across the strings to make sound.

Using the left hand fingers to press the strings and change the pitch.

Plucking the strings with fingers (called pizzicato) for a different sound.

It takes a lot of practice to play the violin well, but it’s worth it!

Where is the Violin Used?

The violin is used in:

Classical music (like in orchestras and solo concerts)

💃 Folk and traditional music

🎬 Movie music (including Bollywood!)

🎧 Pop, jazz, and fusion music

Indian Classical music – It plays an important role in Carnatic and Hindustani music too!

In Indian classical concerts, violinists sit on the floor and hold the violin differently compared to the Western style.

Famous Violinists You Should Know

🎩 Niccolò Paganini – A magical Italian violinist known for his fast playing.

🇮🇱 Itzhak Perlman – A world-famous violinist known for his soulful music.

🇮🇳 Dr. L. Subramaniam – An Indian maestro who blends Indian and Western styles.

🇮🇳 N. Rajam – A top Hindustani classical violinist known for her emotional style.

💡 Fun Facts!

The violin is sometimes called the fiddle, especially in folk music.

🐑 Early violin strings were made from sheep gut!

🧠 Playing the violin uses both sides of your brain—great for mental growth!

💰 Some old violins (like the Stradivarius) are worth crores of rupees!

Why Should You Learn Violin?

Learning the violin is like learning a new language of music. It helps in:

Improving concentration and memory

Boosting coordination and discipline

Expressing your feelings through music

Building confidence and creativity

✨ In Short…

The violin is not just a musical instrument—it’s a tool for storytelling through sound. Whether you want to play soft lullabies or fast tunes, the violin has something for everyone. With patience and practice, you too can become a great violinist!

Where Cricket Meets Entertainment

Indian Premier League (IPL)🏏

The Indian Premier League, popularly known as the IPL, is more than just a cricket tournament — it’s a celebration of sport, energy, and excitement! Launched in 2008 by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the IPL has grown to become one of the biggest sporting events in the world.

📜 A Brief History

The IPL began with the vision of making cricket more exciting and accessible to a wide audience. It adopted the Twenty20 (T20) format — a fast-paced version of cricket where each team plays 20 overs — making matches shorter and more thrilling. The first match was held in 2008, and since then, the league has become a yearly summer spectacle.

🏙️ Teams and Format

The IPL is made up of 10 franchise teams, each representing a major Indian city such as Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, and others. These teams are a mix of Indian and international cricket stars, giving fans a chance to watch their heroes play together.

The tournament is played in two stages:

League Stage: Every team plays against all others twice (home and away).

Playoffs and Final: The top four teams advance to the playoffs, with one emerging as the IPL champion.

🌟 What Makes IPL Special?

Star Power: Cricket legends like MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and foreign stars like David Warner and Glenn Maxwell have all graced the IPL.

Entertainment: With music, cheerleaders, colorful jerseys, and dramatic finishes, IPL blends cricket with showbiz.

Opportunities for Young Talent: IPL gives young Indian cricketers a chance to play alongside international stars and prove their skills on a big stage.

Global Reach: The IPL is watched in over 100 countries and has fans across the world!

🏆 Amazing Records and Achievements so far 

Most Runs: Virat Kohli – Over 8,600 runs

Most Wickets: Yuzvendra Chahal – Over 220 wickets

Most Titles: Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings – 5 wins each

Fastest Century: Chris Gayle – 100 in just 30 balls!

💡 Fun Fact!

In 2023, IPL became one of the most-watched leagues in the world, with JioCinema offering free streaming in multiple languages — a big hit among young fans!

🎯 Why Should Students Know About IPL?

The IPL is not just about cricket — it teaches us many life lessons:

Teamwork

Time management

Handling pressure

Celebrating success and accepting defeat

It also shows how sports can unite people and provide entertainment, career opportunities, and international recognition.

📝 In Conclusion

The IPL has changed the face of Indian cricket. From thrilling matches and superstar players to inspiring young talents and uniting fans, it’s a league that brings joy to millions.

So the next time someone talks about the IPL, you'll know it's not just a game — it's an experience!

Game of hand gestures

THE FASCINATING HISTORY OF ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS (Stone, Paper, Scissors)

Have you ever been in an argument that could only be settled with a quick game of Rock, Paper, Scissors (RPS)? You’re definitely not alone. This simple hand game has been used to make decisions, settle scores, and even determine tournament outcomes for over 2,000 years! Today, it’s played by children and adults alike, all around the world. But where did this clever little game begin?

Ancient Beginnings: The Chinese Roots

The earliest known version of Rock, Paper, Scissors can be traced back to ancient China, around 206 BCE, during the Han Dynasty. The game was called “shoushiling”, meaning “hand command.” Unlike today’s version, the hand gestures represented animals:

The thumb was a frog

The little finger was a slug

The index finger was a snake

Just like modern RPS, the animals followed a non-linear pattern where no one gesture dominated all the others—making it a fair way to settle disagreements.

The Japanese Twist: Jan-Ken

The game made its way to Japan in the 17th century, where it evolved into “Jan-Ken.” This version is much closer to what we know today. Instead of animals, Jan-Ken used the now-familiar:

Guu (Rock)

Paa (Paper)

Choki (Scissors)

Jan-Ken became deeply embedded in Japanese culture and was used in games, decisions, and even TV game shows. It’s still incredibly popular in Japan today.

Going Global: Rock, Paper, Scissors Takes Over

By the early 20th century, the game had spread beyond Asia and become popular across Europe and eventually North America. It was around this time that the name “Rock, Paper, Scissors” became widely used in English-speaking countries.

Today, it's hard to find a country where the game isn’t known. There’s even an official World Rock Paper Scissors Association, and in 2002, a World RPS Championship was held in Toronto, attracting players from all over the globe!

Fun Facts and Variations

Strategic Thinking: Believe it or not, there are strategies to this “random” game! Studies show people tend to start with Rock, so leading with Paper might give you an edge. Experienced players look for patterns and psychological tendencies in their opponents.

Cultural Variants: Around the world, the game takes on different forms. Some versions swap in gestures like water, fire, well, dragon, or lightning. For example, Indonesia has a version using elephant, man, and ant!

Pop Culture Fame: The game even got a fun twist in The Big Bang Theory with “Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lizard, Spock,” which added two more gestures to spice things up.

Serious Business: In 2005, a Japanese businessman used Rock, Paper, Scissors to choose which auction house would handle a multi-million-dollar art collection. That’s how seriously some people take it!

A Simple Game with a Rich History

What makes Rock, Paper, Scissors so special is its simplicity. No equipment, no setup—just your hands and a moment of decision. But behind those quick gestures is a history stretching across continents, cultures, and centuries.

So the next time you play a round, remember: you’re taking part in a global tradition that’s more than just child’s play—it's a tiny, timeless piece of human history.

Coconut snatching game of Manipur

YUBI LAKPI

Yubi Lakpi is a traditional contact sport from Manipur, India, often likened to rugby but with unique cultural significance.  The term "Yubi Lakpi" translates to "coconut snatching" in the Meitei language. 

🏉 What Is Yubi Lakpi?

Yubi Lakpi is played with an oiled coconut instead of a ball, making it slippery and challenging to handle.  The game involves two teams of seven players each, competing on a 45x18 meter field.  The objective is to carry the coconut across the goal line at the opponent's end.  Players are barefoot and often shirtless, with their bodies smeared in oil to make tackling more difficult.  

🕉️ Cultural Significance

Yubi Lakpi is traditionally played during the Yaoshang festival (Manipur's version of Holi) at the Shree Shree Bijoy Govindaji Temple grounds.  The game symbolises the mythological event of Samudra Manthan, where gods and demons fought over a pot of nectar.  In the game, players are divided into 'Team God' and 'Team Evil,' and the outcome is believed to predict the land's prosperity for the year.  

⚙️ Gameplay Highlights

Equipment: An oiled coconut serves as the ball.

Attire: Players wear minimal clothing, typically just a pair of shorts or a traditional wrap.

Objective: Individually carry the coconut across the goal line to score.

Scoring: Though played in teams, each player competes individually, and the one who scores the most is declared the winner.

Tradition: The winner presents the coconut to the temple's deity, symbolising offering and gratitude.  

Yubi Lakpi is more than just a sport; it's a blend of physical prowess, cultural heritage, and religious tradition, making it a unique and cherished game in Manipur. 

Sport that gives pure joy

SKATEBOARDING 

Imagine zooming down a road, the wind rushing through your hair as you pull off a trick you just mastered. Skateboarding is all about pure joy—as it offers you a chance to chart your own path, literally! Plus, the new friends that you make at the skate park are an added bonus. But that’s not all—skateboarding is exercise in disguise! It is actually a full-body workout that strengthens your core muscles, upper body and legs without you even realising it. And, every time you land a tricky move you have been practising, you get an amazing sense of accomplishment—like you can conquer the world!

Balancing gracefully while adjusting your speed and weight gives you a huge boost of confidence. And, there is an important life lesson to learn too—it is okay to stumble and fall as long as you get up and keep going. Skateboarding is also a social activity—it is way more fun when you race your friends on a skateboard, right? So, what are you waiting for? Find a skate park near you and get rolling! 

What is skateboarding?A skateboard is a small, flat board (81 cm long and 23 cm wide) with wheels attached to the bottom. The back end of a modern skateboard curves upward—this part is called the kicktail. A skateboarder stands on the board as it rolls, staying balanced by shifting the feet and body.

There are two main styles of skateboarding: vertical (or vert) and street style. Vert skaters perform tricks in the air by launching off ramps or riding in U-shaped structures called half-pipes. Street skaters use urban landscapes as their playground—riding over steps, railings and ledges to perform cool tricks.

Science behind the Sport: Skateboarding isn’t just fun, it is science in action. Every time you skate, you are using science to stay in control. 

● Motion and Inertia – When you push off, your board keeps moving until friction slows it down.

● Gravity – It pulls you down after a jump, helping you to land smoothly.

● Friction – The friction between the wheels and the ground offers a firm grip, helping you to manoeuvre the turns and stop. 

● Balance – To stay on the board, you must keep your weight centred. If you lean forward or backward too much, you will tip over.

So whether you’re dreaming of mastering complex tricks or just cruising down the street, skateboarding offers something for everyone. It’s not just about the cool moves—it’s about building confidence, making friends, and discovering the thrill of rolling on four wheels. Remember to wear your safety gear, start slow, and most importantly, have fun! The skateboarding world is waiting for you—grab your board and join the ride!

Famous Indian Skateboarders

● Atita Verghese is India’s first professional female skateboarder. She founded Girl Skate India, inspiring and empowering young girls to take up the sport. 

● At just eight years old, Zarah Ann Gladys of Kochi, Kerala, became the youngest competitor at the World Skateboarding Tour 2024 in Dubai. She won titles at UAE’s Aljada Skate Jam and Circuit X.

● Shivam Balhara was just ten when he represented India at the 2018 Park World Championships Nanjing (China).

● Mumbai skateboarder Sagar Waghela is one of the early enthusiasts who focuses on building skate communities in India.

Words to Know

Ollie: A jump where the skater pops the board into the air using the back foot.

Kickflip: A trick where the skater kicks the edge of the skateboard with the front foot to make the board spin horizontally. 

Pop Shove-it: A trick where the board spins 180 degrees without flipping.

Manual: Balancing on just the front or back wheels while riding.

Grind: Sliding along an edge or rail using the trucks (metal parts under the board).

Slide: Sliding along a surface using the board’s deck (instead of the trucks).

Oldest team sport in North America

LACROSSE

 

Lacrosse is the oldest team sport in North America, which dates back to 1100s. It was originally played by the ethno-linguistic Iroquois people from eastern North America, from what now is New York and areas in Canada bordering the state. 

The early versions of lacrosse played by Native American nations included 100 to 1,000 men or more, using wooden sticks, sometimes with net baskets made from deer's tendon, and small deer-hide-wrapped balls. 

Men from opposing villages or tribes would participate in borderless fields that spanned for miles, and the game lasted for days together. Regional variations influenced the rules of play, as there were no timekeepers, penalties or refrees. Lacrosse was played mainly to prepare them for war, and it was considered more of a social event where tribes got together for trade and sports. It was sometimes also used to settle disputes. 

While preparing for a game of lacrosse, players used paint and charcoal to decorate their faces and bodies. 

European influence on Lacrosse: In the 1600s, in Qubec, Canada, the French missionaries, who first witnessed the native Americans playing lacrosse, played the game barefoot, with no equipment and a loose set of regulations. European settlers established more stringent rules for the sport. 

Lacrosse evolved in Canada, where it was named the National Sport in 1859. In 1867, the first official rule book was published. A team of white and First Nation lacrosse players were taken to England, to play before Queen Victoria, in whose diary, the game was appreciated, according to the National Museum and Hall of Fame. 

Lacrosse, at present: Lacrosse was played at the Olympics in 1904 and 1908 and as an exhibition sport in 1928, 1936 and 1948. In 2021, the International Olympic Committee granted the sport a full recognition, paving the way for a possible Olympics return in 2028.

Musical instrument

XYLOPHONE 

The xylophone is a colourful and fun instrument that makes happy sounds! It consists of wooden or metal bars of different sizes. When you hit the bars with small small sticks called mallets, they make music. Bigger bars make deeper sounds, and smaller bars make higher sounds. 

Playing the xylophones is easy and exciting for kids. You can play songs by tapping the bars in the right order. Many xylophones for kids are colourful, making it easy to know which bar to tap.

Xylophones are used in music all around the world. They are great for making cheerful tunes and learning about music. 

Did you know? The word "xylophone" means "wood sound" because "xylo" means wood and "phone" means sound. It's the perfect instrument for learning music and having fun at the same time!

Bumpy science behind golf balls

 WHY DO GOLF BALLS HAVE DIMPLES?

Golf balls haven’t always sported hundreds of tiny dimples. Originally, golf balls were smooth wooden balls, which evolved into feather-filled leather-sewn spheres called ‘featherie’ golf balls. Over time, golfers noticed that well-used balls travelled further than new ones. This was because with every strike of the golf club, balls were acquiring dinks and dents. In any other sport, old and damaged balls are quickly replaced, but it turned out that in golf, using battered balls can give golfers a great advantage. Unknown to early golfers, each dent was interrupting the airflow around a travelling ball and reducing the amount of aerodynamic drag it experienced. Drag is a force that opposes motion and reduces an object’s speed when it’s moving through air or a fluid. When a golf ball is struck and sent flying through the air, it separates the airflow around it, causing a vacuumous zone of drag in the area behind the ball to form. Dimples work to reduce the size of that zone, and therefore the amount of drag that slows the ball down. Less drag means the ball can fly further and faster before gravity takes hold and brings the ball back to the ground. Having discovered the benefits of dimples, in the early 1900s golf ball manufacturers began making them standard. Modern golf balls are designed and manufactured to exploit the aerodynamic effects of dimples, varying their size, shape, distribution and patterns on the ball.

DIFFERENT DIMPLES: The dimpled surface of the golf ball has gone through many iterations. In 1848, the gutta-percha ball sported inverted dimples and was covered in a pattern of protruding squares to minimise drag. In 1899, American inventors Coburn Haskell and Bertram Work patented a gutta-percha golf ball with a rubber core. Their design lasted until the early 1900s, when more robust plastics were being developed. Manufacturers found that balls with concave dimples would fly better than a gutta-percha ball. Although it might be hard to differentiate between modern-day golf balls, the number of dimples and the shape of dimples can differ.

Golf ball dimples are created by filling moulds with plastic around rubber cores

Do you know:

● The average golf ball dimple depth is 0.25 millimetres.

● A golf ball with dimples can travel almost twice as far as a smooth ball.

The artful sport of China

JIANZI 

When people think of sports in China, they often envision table tennis, badminton or martial arts. However, there is a captivating and lesser-known sport that has been played for centuries--- Jianzi or Chinese shuttlecock kicking. This traditional game combines skill, agility and creativity, making it a thrilling activity for participants and a fascinating spectacle for onlookers. 

What is Jianzi?

Jianzi (pronounced "jee-an-zuh") is a sport that involves the feet and other parts of the body, except the hands, to keep a heavy shuttlecock airborne. The game is believed to have originated over 2,000 years ago, during the Han dynasty and has evolved from a simple pastime into a competitive sport with dedicated athletes and tournaments. 

The shuttlecock itself is unique, often consisting of feathers attached to a heavy base. This design allows for a slow, graceful flight that players can control with an impressive precision. 

How is Jianzi played?

Jianzi can be played both recreationally and competitively. Informal games may involve a group of friends trying to keep the shuttlecock in the air for as long as possible, while more structured matches include rules and scoring systems similar to those of volleyball or badminton. Competitive Jianzi is usually played on a court with a net, where two teams face off to score points by sending the shuttlecock over the net using acrobatic kicks and well-practiced maneuvers.

Why should you try Jianzi?

Jianzi isn’t just a sport; it’s a testament to co-ordination and ingenuity. It encourages players to build agility, balance and leg strength, making it an excellent addition to any training routine. Unlike many sports that require specialised equipment or facilities, Jianzi only requires a small space and a shuttlecock, making it accessible to anyone willing to give it a try. 

Beyond the physical benefits, Jianzi carries with a cultural significance, offering insight into the communal and artistic spirit of Chinese society. It fosters teamwork, perseverance and the joy of playful competition. 

Where can you watch or play Jianzi?

While Jianzi might not be the mainstream in many countries, there are international organisations and clubs dedicated to the sport. Videos showcasing professional Jianzi players are also available online, displaying jaw-dropping performances that blend elements of martial arts, dance and football. 

For those eager to try Jianzi, all it takes is a few friends, an open space and a shuttlecock. High school students in particular may find it a fun and engaging way to enhance fitness and build community through friendly matches. 

So, next time you’re looking for a new sport to learn or share it with friends, consider giving Jianzi a go. You may find yourself mastering spins and kicks while becoming a part of a centuries-old tradition that's as enriching as it is exciting. 

KNOW YOUR ENGLISH

What is the meaning and origin of the expression ‘bucket list’?

A ‘bucket list’ consists of a list of things that you have never done, but would like to before you leave this world. It comes from the idiom ‘kick the bucket’, meaning ‘to die’. 

A ‘bucket list’ is your personal wish list, and it may include anything — climbing Mt. Everest, going sky diving, getting a picture taken standing in front of the Taj, eating your favourite dish in a well­ known hotel in the city, having a conversation with a famous author, winning a chess tournament etc. These are mostly things that you have not experienced or achieved till now, but would like to before dying. 

The expression was coined and made popular by Justin Zackham, the man who wrote the screenplay for the Hollywood film, The Bucket List, starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. 

Publishing more than 5000 posts on my blog! That’s one more item to add to my bucket list.

What is your bucket list?

TRADITIONAL JAPANESE LONGBOW

Yumi 

The Yumi, a traditional Japanese longbow, is a symbol of both ancient craftsmanship and marital prowess. This elegantly designed bow, often referred to as the "bow of samurai," has a rich history dating back centuries. It’s unique asymmetrical shape, with one limb longer than the other, allows for powerful and accurate shooting. 

Craftsmen dedicated to the art of Yumi-making meticulously select materials select materials such as bamboo and wood, ensuring flexibility and strength. The bowstring, traditionally made from hemp, is a testament to the bow's durability. Used in Japanese archery, or Kyudo, the Yumi embodies discipline and precision. 

Today, the Yumi is not only a revered artifact of Japan’s heritage but also a symbol of cultural resilience. It stands as a reminder of the nation's deep-rooted reverence for tradition and the enduring legacy of the samurai. 

MASTERING THE COURT

Basketball 

Basketball is a very popular sport enjoyed by millions of people around the world. From professional players to young kids just starting out, a basketball game offers a fun and exciting way to stay active and competitive.

Basketball was invented by Dr. James Naismith in December 1891 in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA. The first game was played with a soccer ball and two peach baskets as goals.

The concept of dribbling wasn’t originally a part of basketball. When the game was first created, players could only pass the ball, and it was only later that dribbling became a fundamental skill.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) was founded in 1946. There are currently 30 teams in the NBA, with famous teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls.

The three-point line:- This was introduced to the NBA in the 1979-1980 season. The first player to make a three-point shot in an NBA game was Chris Ford of the Boston Celtics.

The free-throw line is 15 feet away from the basket in the NBA. Players get awarded free throws after certain fouls, and the opposing team must stay behind the three-point line during these shots.

The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, commonly known as March Madness, is one of the most exciting events in college basketball. It features a single-elimination format, and the championship game is held in April.

Basketball has been part of the Summer Olympics since 1936. The United States has been highly successful in Olympic basketball, winning numerous gold medals.

The official ball used in NBA games is manufactured by Spalding. It has a distinctive orange colour and is made of leather.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all times, Michael Jordan won six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls and earned five MVP awards.

The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) is the premier professional women’s basketball league in the world. It was established in 1996.

Basketball players need to be quick on their feet – the average NBA player runs about 2-3 miles per game!

The 2022 Tokyo Olympics marked the 30th anniversary of the debut of basketball as an official Olympic sport!

HISTORY BEHIND MOST POPULAR SPORTS PLAYED WORLDWIDE

The History Of Football

Football is undeniably one of the most popular sports played worldwide.

Around 2500 BC, the Greeks, Egyptians, and Chinese played games involving a ball and feet. Most of these games included the use of hands, feet, and even sticks to control a ball.

The most relevant of these ancient games to our modern-day 'Association Football' is the Chinese game of Tsu'Chu, meaning kicking the ball. Records of the game began during the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD), and it may have been a training exercise for the soldiers.

Tsu'Chu involved kicking a small leather ball into a net strung between two bamboo poles, and the use of hands was not permitted. The main difference between Tsu'Chu and football was the height of the goal, which hung about 30 feet from the ground.

Football began to evolve in modern Europe from the medieval period onwards, around the 9th Century. Most towns in England would kick a pig's bladder from one landmark to another. However, it was banned during some periods of Britain's history.

Records trace the history of football to ancient China. But, it was England to transform football into the game we know today. The English are credited with recording the first rules for the sport, including forbidding tripping opponents and touching the ball with hands.

As the sport developed, more rules were implemented and more historical landmarks were set. For example, the penalty kick was introduced in 1891, and red and yellow cards were introduced during the 1970 World Cup finals. In 1930, the first ever FIFA World Cup was held in Uruguay. There were 41 members of FIFA at that time. Today, it boasts of over 200 members and the World Cup is one of the biggest events which happens every 4 years.

Football Facts 

● There are more than 265 million players worldwide, and an estimated 4 billion people are actively watching the sport from time to time, which without a doubt makes it the most popular sport in the world.

● Sheffield FC is the oldest professional football club in the world and it was founded in 1857.

● A professional game is always 90 minutes long, divided into two halves of 45 minutes + stoppage time. The stoppage time is usually between 1 to 5 minutes, depending on injuries and breaks in each half of the game.

● Nawaf Al-Abed scored after just 2.4 seconds and is usually credited as the fastest goal ever scored.

● Sialkot in Pakistan is famous for making the balls for the FIFA World Cup since 1982. And, some of the best balls are manufactured by hand-stitching in Pakistan. Adidas and other high-quality balls are made here.

● The FIFA World Cup has been ongoing every fourth year since 1930, and despite 21 tournaments being played since the first one in Uruguay, only 8 different countries have won the tournament.

● Brazil has won the FIFA World Cup 5 times, which makes it the most successful national team of all time.

● Canadians and Americans are the only ones in the world who call it soccer instead of football.

● The Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in Pyongyang is the biggest stadium (having an area of 20.7 hectares) in the world with a capacity of up to 150,000 people.

● Football players run on average 9.65 km every game.

● Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Luis Suarez are the only 3 players to ever have scored a goal in every single minute from 1 to 90 minutes.

THE BOARD GAME

Mastermind 

The board game Mastermind is designed to be played by two persons above the age of eight. One of the players creates a code and the other tries to decipher it with the help of the clues. 

The game consists of a decoding board, code pegs and key pegs. The board has twelve rows, each with four large and eight small holes. At the two ends of the board are four large holes covered by a shutter. This is where the player creates a secret code using any of the six coloured pegs.

The code-breaker has to guess the colours of the code pegs and their exact positions. He gets twelve chances to do so. After each attempt, the code-maker provides a clue and the code-breaker responds by filling in a row of code pegs on the board. The code-maker indicates which part of the guess is right or wrong by placing flat key pegs on the board. 

The game continues until the code-breaker cracks the code or completes twelve guesses.

HOBBY

The art and joy of reading 📚 

Reading or writing is an art. When you are at it, the kind of joy that both provide has to be experienced by oneself. And when you get a book of your preference, and that too after a long wait, it evokes in you a bubbling and child-like enthusiasm. Reading may be a compulsory exercise for a student, past-time for a retired person, but a pleasure for many. 

Reading disturbs the mind, and good reading generates waves of thinking and emotion, thus the pleasure is instant, and it continues to linger in the mind. Good reading lifts you up from the harsh realities of life into the world of imagination. A motivational book impels and helps to transmute grief into joy, failure into success, pain into pleasure and fear into hope. While we read from top, an inspiring book elevates us from bottom up.

To a book-lover, nothing can be more fascinating than a favourite book, and one who is interested and absorbed in his daily occupation, wants occasionally to escape out of his drudgery into the wonderland for recreation and enjoyment. Living in an era where virtually everything has turned into 'e' mode, there are certain old and die-hard habits that will never go into oblivion, and a book in print is one such. 

THE LANGUAGE OF NUMBERS

Sanskrit 

Sanskrit, the ancient language of India, is revered not only for its literary and philosophical richness but also for its profound influence on mathematics. The term ‘ganita,’ which means mathematics, originates from the Sanskrit root ‘gana,’ signifying ‘to count’ or ‘to enumerate.’ This connection underscores the deep relationship between Sanskrit and the development of mathematical thought in India.

Mathematical Foundations in Vedic Period: The seeds of mathematical inquiry were sown as early as the Vedic period. The Vedas, foundational scriptures of Indian knowledge, contain references to numbers, arithmetic progressions, and geometry. The intricate designs of Vedic altars, which required precise mathematical calculations, are evidence of this early engagement with mathematical concepts.

Pioneering Mathematicians: Indian mathematicians such as Aryabhata and Brahmagupta later elevated these early concepts to unprecedented heights. Aryabhata’s Aryabhatiya is a landmark work that covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. Brahmagupta’s Brahma-sphutasiddhanta expanded on these ideas, introducing quadratic equations and the concept of zero. 

Interplay of Language and Logic in Sanskrit Mathematics: The precision and conciseness of Sanskrit make it an ideal language for expressing complex mathematical ideas. The structure of Sanskrit grammar, with its patterns and symmetries, mirrors the underlying principles of mathematics. This linguistic framework enabled Indian scholars to articulate sophisticated mathematical concepts with clarity and elegance.

India’s Mathematical Contributions: India’s contributions to global mathematics are unparalleled, particularly the concept of zero, known as ‘shunya’ in Sanskrit, meaning void. This numeral revolutionized mathematics and introduced the concept of infinity. India also pioneered the decimal system, algebra, algorithms, square and cube roots, centuries before these ideas reached the rest of the world.

As we seek to revitalize Sanskrit today, it is crucial to recognize its invaluable role in the history of mathematics. By studying ancient Sanskrit texts, we not only honor the intellectual brilliance of our ancestors but also gain new insights into contemporary mathematical challenges. The deep connection between Sanskrit and mathematics offers a unique perspective on the evolution of human knowledge and innovation.

ANCIENT LANGUAGES RICH IN LITERATURE

Classical Languages

The Union Cabinet has recently approved giving the status of ‘classical language’ to five more languages - Marathi, Bengali, Pali, Prakrit, and Assamese. With this cabinet decision, the number of languages that have the status will nearly double from six to 11. The languages that had the tag earlier were Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia. Tamil was granted the status in 2004 and the last language to get it was Odia, in 2014. Prakrit and Pali are two distinct languages that have been derived from Sanskrit.

What is the criteria for a language to be recognised as classical?

The following criteria have to be met:

● High antiquity of the language’s early texts/recorded history over a period of 1,500-2,000 years.

● A body of ancient literature/texts, which is considered a heritage by generations of speakers.

● Knowledge texts, especially prose texts in addition to poetry, epigraphical and inscriptional evidence.

● The classical languages and literature could be distinct from their current form or could be discontinuous with later forms of their offshoots.