Chapter 5 – Children and Sports
Chapter 5 – Children and Sports (Overview)
Factors Affecting Women’s Participation in Sports
Social: lack of family support, gender discrimination, safety concerns
Cultural: traditional beliefs, sports seen as male-oriented, dress restrictions
Economic: lack of funds, costly equipment, fewer sponsorships
Psychological: low confidence, fear of failure, social pressure
Biological: menstruation issues, lower muscle mass, iron deficiency
Facilities & Opportunities: fewer centres, less media coverage, fewer female coaches
Female Athlete Triad
Meaning: medical condition in female athletes with three interrelated components
Components:
Low Energy Availability: low calorie intake vs high training load
Menstrual Dysfunction: irregular/absent periods due to hormonal imbalance
Low Bone Mineral Density: weak bones, fracture risk
Prevention: balanced diet, adequate rest, medical check-ups, awareness
Sports for Differently-Abled (Divyangs)
Meaning: adapted sports enabling participation of persons with disabilities
Objectives: fitness, inclusion, confidence, skill development, emotional well-being
Types:
Paralympic Sports (athletics, swimming, wheelchair basketball, etc.)
Deaflympics
Special Olympics
Importance: better health, coordination, self-esteem, social interaction, independence
Adaptations: modified rules, special equipment, trained coaches, individualised training
Factors Affecting Women’s Participation in Sports
Women’s participation in sports is influenced by social, cultural, economic, psychological and biological factors.
1. Social Factors
Lack of family support
Gender discrimination
Safety concerns
Less encouragement compared to boys
2. Cultural Factors
Traditional beliefs and customs
Society considering sports as “male-oriented”
Restrictions on dress and movement
3. Economic Factors
Lack of financial support
Expensive sports equipment
Fewer sponsorship opportunities
4. Psychological Factors
Low self-confidence
Fear of failure
Social pressure and criticism
5. Biological Factors
Menstruation-related problems
Lower muscle mass compared to men
Early fatigue due to iron deficiency
6. Lack of Facilities and Opportunities
Fewer training centres for girls
Less media coverage
Fewer female coaches
Female Athlete Triad
Meaning
Female Athlete Triad is a medical condition commonly seen in female athletes.
It consists of three interrelated problems:
Low Energy Availability (with or without eating disorder)
Menstrual Dysfunction
Low Bone Mineral Density (Osteoporosis)
1. Low Energy Availability
Occurs when calorie intake is less than energy expenditure
Caused by excessive training and inadequate diet
Effects
Weakness
Fatigue
Poor performance
2. Menstrual Dysfunction
Irregular or absent menstrual cycle
Caused by hormonal imbalance due to low energy intake
Effects
Hormonal problems
Reproductive health issues
3. Low Bone Mineral Density
Weak and brittle bones
Higher risk of fractures
Effects
Stress fractures
Osteoporosis at early age
Prevention of Female Athlete Triad
Balanced diet with sufficient calories
Proper rest and recovery
Regular medical check-ups
Awareness among athletes and coaches
Sports for Differently-Abled (Divyangs)
Meaning
Sports for differently-abled are modified or adapted sports activities designed to allow people with disabilities to participate effectively.
Objectives
Physical fitness
Social inclusion
Confidence building
Skill development
Emotional well-being
Types of Sports for Differently-Abled
1. Paralympic Sports
International sports competition for athletes with disabilities
Includes athletics, swimming, wheelchair basketball etc.
2. Deaflympics
Sports competition for athletes with hearing impairment
3. Special Olympics
For athletes with intellectual disabilities
Importance of Sports for Differently-Abled
Improves physical health
Develops coordination and motor skills
Enhances self-esteem
Promotes social interaction
Encourages independence
Adaptations in Sports for Differently-Abled
Modified rules
Special equipment (wheelchairs, sound balls)
Trained officials and coaches
Individualised training programmes
Conclusion
Participation of women and differently-abled individuals in sports can be improved by:
Equal opportunities
Supportive environment
Awareness and education
Proper facilities and training
✍️ Top 10 Short Question–Answers
Q1. What are the main factors affecting women’s participation in sports?
👉 Social, cultural, economic, psychological and biological factors.
Q2. Write one social factor affecting women’s participation in sports.
👉 Lack of family support.
Q3. What is meant by cultural factors in sports participation?
👉 Traditional beliefs and customs that restrict women’s involvement in sports.
Q4. Write one economic factor affecting women in sports.
👉 Lack of financial support.
Q5. What is Female Athlete Triad?
👉 A medical condition seen in female athletes involving three interrelated problems.
Q6. Name the three components of Female Athlete Triad.
👉 Low energy availability, menstrual dysfunction and low bone mineral density.
Q7. What is low energy availability?
👉 When calorie intake is less than energy expenditure.
Q8. Who are differently-abled (Divyangs)?
👉 People with physical, mental or intellectual disabilities.
Q9. Name any one type of sports competition for differently-abled.
👉 Paralympic Games.
Q10. Write one objective of sports for differently-abled.
👉 Physical fitness.
📝 Long Answer Questions
Q1. Explain the factors affecting women’s participation in sports.
Women’s participation in sports is affected by several factors:
Social factors: Gender discrimination, lack of encouragement, safety concerns
Cultural factors: Traditional beliefs, restrictions on dress and movement
Economic factors: Expensive equipment, lack of sponsorship
Psychological factors: Low self-confidence, fear of failure
Biological factors: Menstruation problems, early fatigue, iron deficiency
Lack of facilities: Fewer training centres, coaches and media coverage
Q2. Explain Female Athlete Triad and its components.
Female Athlete Triad is a medical condition seen in female athletes. It includes:
Low Energy Availability:
Caused by excessive training and poor diet
Leads to weakness and poor performance
Menstrual Dysfunction:
Irregular or absent menstrual cycle
Causes hormonal imbalance
Low Bone Mineral Density:
Weak bones and higher fracture risk
May lead to osteoporosis at early age
Q3. Explain prevention methods of Female Athlete Triad.
Female Athlete Triad can be prevented by:
Balanced diet with adequate calories
Proper rest and recovery
Regular medical check-ups
Awareness among athletes and coaches
Q4. Explain sports for differently-abled with their importance.
Sports for differently-abled are adapted activities designed for people with disabilities.
Importance:
Improves physical health
Develops coordination and motor skills
Enhances self-esteem and confidence
Promotes social interaction
Encourages independence
📝 Previous Years’ Questions (PYQs ONLY)
🔹 Very Short Answer Questions (1 Mark)
Name any one factor affecting women’s participation in sports.
What is meant by economic factors in sports participation?
What is Female Athlete Triad?
Name any one component of Female Athlete Triad.
What is low energy availability?
What is menstrual dysfunction?
Who are differently-abled (Divyangs)?
Name any one sports event for differently-abled athletes.
Write one objective of sports for differently-abled.
What is meant by cultural factors affecting women in sports?
🔹 Short Answer Questions (2–3 Marks)
Write any two social factors affecting women’s participation in sports.
Explain any two psychological factors affecting women in sports.
Write any two economic factors affecting women’s participation in sports.
Explain low energy availability as a component of Female Athlete Triad.
What is menstrual dysfunction? Write its effects.
Explain low bone mineral density.
Write any two preventive measures of Female Athlete Triad.
What are sports for differently-abled?
Write any two objectives of sports for differently-abled.
Mention any two adaptations required in sports for differently-abled.
🔹 Long Answer Questions (4–5 Marks)
Explain the factors affecting women’s participation in sports.
Explain Female Athlete Triad and its components in detail.
Explain the causes and prevention of Female Athlete Triad.
What are sports for differently-abled? Explain their objectives and importance.
Explain various adaptations needed in sports for differently-abled athletes.
Explain the role of sports in promoting social inclusion of differently-abled persons.
❓ FAQs (5)
FAQ 1. Why do girls participate less in sports compared to boys?
👉 Due to social pressure, cultural beliefs and lack of support.
FAQ 2. How does low energy intake affect female athletes?
👉 It leads to fatigue, poor performance and health problems.
FAQ 3. What are Paralympic Games?
👉 International sports competitions for athletes with disabilities.
FAQ 4. Why are adaptations needed in sports for differently-abled?
👉 To ensure safe and effective participation.
FAQ 5. How can participation of women and Divyangs in sports be improved?
👉 By providing equal opportunities, facilities and awareness.

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