Athletics

Ever since the history of the sport has started talking, since then athletics has come in every list. An athlete he trains in sporting events. An athletics competition is a specialized collection of running, jumping, throwing, and walking competitions, whether for a professional or just for fun. Athletics was introduced at the Ancient Olympic Games for the first time, and for the first time, its event was introduced through a "stadium" race.

History of Athletics

Today Like the Olympic Ancient Games also featured several events in track and field, including the Longer Foot Race, the Armor Race, and the Pentathlon event. Stadium race, long jamo, discus throw, javelin throw, and wrestling were present in these events.

Athletics is the oldest form of organized games, dating back to 776 BC. From AD 393, it was a part of the Olympic Games and other traditional games as well. The sports of boxing and wrestling were later added to the original foot races of the Olympic Games. And athletic events such as running, long jump, discus throw, and javelin throw were combined with wrestling to form the ancient pentathlon.

Similar events were attended by Greece's Isthmian, Neiman, and Pythian Games. Events such as running, jumping, and throwing used to take place during local fairs and festivals across Europe. Pedestrian event Kachalam had also come to its rank and in these, the role of betting was also important. This trend was booming in Great Britain in the 18th and 19th centuries, where there were running and running events.

As we all know, organized athletics in Asia of the 20th century started with the Far East Athletics Competition held in Manila in 1913. These games were held every two years and were expanded in 1934 with the success of these games. At the same time, a similar competition was planned in the Indian subcontinent and West Asia as well, resulting in the first West Asian Games being held in New Delhi in the same year.

The first Asian Games were held in 1951 in New Delhi under the chairmanship of Yadvendra Singh, the former Maharaja of Patiala. These were successful. India again hosted the Asian Games in 1982. Asian track and field events started in 1973 and in 1989 these events took place in New Delhi.

World Athletics

World Athletics, the sport's governing body, defines athletics as six disciplines: track and field, road running, race walking, cross country running, mountain running, and trail running. Mountain running was added in 2003 and trail running in 2015.

All types of athletics are individual sports except relay races. However, athletes' performances in international championships are often combined together by country, and in the case of cross country and road races, the final places or times of a team's top athletes may be combined to declare the team the winner.

Women in Athletics

Since the beginning of the formation of modern athletics, all competitions were focused only on men, and women were not allowed to participate in the competition, but after a century of modern marathons everything changed and "beautiful" athletics appeared. The "Queen of Sports" had a few participants at first, but over time, a larger number of women came to the sport.

Athletic Federation of India (AFI)

Athletics Federation of India is the apex body to run and manage athletics in India and is affiliated to IAAF, AAA, and Indian Olympic Association.

AFI came into existence in 1946 and the federation organizes national championships. Trained Indian Athletics national campers, selected Indian athletics teams for various international competitions. Including Olympics, Asian Games, CWG, IAAF World Championships, Asian Championships, and other international competitions.

Organizes national championships for different age groups. In addition, AFI organizes international and national competitions, the federation also conducts its activities, Oversees and assists its state units in planning and special coaching camps, coach training, development programs of Athletic in India, and initiatives to promote grassroots development.

ATHLETICS PROMINENT DOMESTIC MEETS

1. National Open Championship - Seniors and Juniors Federation Cup

2. National Inter-State Championship

3. National Open Race Walking Championship

4. National Cross Country Championships

5. National Youth Championship

6. Zonal Meet

List of Events in Athletics

Rules of Athletics

1. The players who participate in the process of jumping in athletics. They have to run away from some distance. There is a bar near the arena, from which the player has to fall into the arena by taking a long jump. If a player jumps with his feet ahead of the bar. A jump attempt is deemed unsuccessful.

2. In the high jump, the contestant has to jump over the crossbar. In which he has to jump over it without touching the crossbar. If the crossbar falls while jumping, then the player's jump is considered a failure.

3. The game of pole vault is very adventurous and challenging. If ever the pole vault is broken while jumping, then if the player's body does not touch the crossbar, then the jump is considered successful. The jump is considered unsuccessful if the player's body touches the crossbar.

4. The player has to turn around and jump forward and throw while standing in his place. If a player goes out of the circle made after throwing the discus, he is considered unsuccessful.

5. In a shot-throwing competition, the player must not come out of the circle or touch any part of his body with the circle created, that is, the place where the ball is thrown. If touched it is considered a foul.

The Track Shuttle Relay

1. The 50m shuttle relay will consist of 5 boys and 5 girls from each team. The 5 girls will begin at the starting end and 5 boys to face them.

2. The team will run up and down the 50m straight in a shuttle style. 3. The baton will be handed over to the next person round an upright pole.

4. The receiving runner will be standing waiting to receive the baton with their arm round the back of the pole.

5. The incoming runner will put the baton into their hand and the runner will then take the baton round the back of the pole before running on.

Standing Triple Jump

1. Athletes can start with their lead leg up to the line or may take a 1 step approach

2. Athletes use a one-step approach and take off with their toe up to, but not on the take-off line.

3. The order of jumps is a hop, step, and jump.

4. Measurement is made from the rearmost part of the body touching the ground.

Long Jump

1. The athlete begins running from his or her starting position and jumps, landing in a sandpit. There is a foul line, in the run-up area.

2. Jumping from beyond this line results in a 'foul jump'. Jumpers try to get as close to the foul line as legally possible before initiating their jump.

3. No part of the athlete's foot should cross the front edge of the foul line. If at the point of take-off, any part of his foot crosses the front edge of the foul line, then the jump is termed to be illegal or a 'foul jump' and does not count.

4. The long jumper has three attempts to register his or her best legal jump. A foul jump accounts for an attempt. Only the farthest legal jump counts.

5. The distance or the 'jump' is measured from the front edge of the foul line to the first landing point of the athlete, from the first point of contact.

High Jump

1. The height of the bar will start where all competitors are capable of jumping. The height the bar is raised between each round will also be geared to the ability of the competitors. The competitors shall be informed of this before the competition begins.

2. Competitors have a maximum of seven jumps.

3. Competitors may commence jumping at any of the heights above the minimum height and may jump at their discretion at any subsequent height.

4. Elimination will be after 3 consecutive failures (although they do not have to be at the same height).

5. After the competitor has won the competition and still has jumps to take, the height to which the bar is raised shall be decided after the judge of the competition has consulted the wishes of the competitor.

Shot Putt

1. The shot shall touch or be in close proximity to the chin and the hand shall not be dropped below this position during the action of putting nor should the shot be brought behind the line of the shoulders.

2. Measurement is made from the point of landing closest to the circle from where the shot is ‘putt’.

3. The shot will also not be recorded if it does not land in the designated throwing area.

Athletics Career FAQs

1. What are the different disciplines in athletics?

Ans: Athletics encompasses a wide range of sports including track and field (sprints, hurdles, long jump, high jump, pole vault, javelin, discus, shot put), middle and long-distance running, cross-country, race walking, and marathon running.

2. What does it take to become a professional athlete?

Ans: Becoming a professional athlete requires exceptional talent, dedication, and hard work. Consistent training, proper nutrition, injury prevention, and mental toughness are essential.

3. How do I find a coach?

Ans: A good coach can significantly impact an athlete's performance. You can find coaches through sports clubs, schools, or online platforms. Recommendations from other athletes can also be helpful.

4. What are the common injuries in athletics and how to prevent them?

Ans: Common injuries include muscle strains, sprains, stress fractures, and overuse injuries. Proper training, warm-up, cool-down, and cross-training can help prevent injuries.

5. How do I get sponsorships?

Ans: Building a strong reputation through competitions, social media presence, and performance records can attract sponsors. Agents can also assist in securing sponsorships.

6. What are the career options after retiring from athletics?

Ans: Many former athletes become coaches, sports commentators, or sports administrators. Others pursue careers in sports marketing, fitness, or entrepreneurship.

7. How can I balance athletics with academics or a regular job?

Ans: Time management is crucial. Effective planning, prioritizing tasks, and seeking support from coaches, family, and friends can help manage the workload.

8. What are the specific challenges in different athletic disciplines?

Ans: Each discipline has its own unique challenges. For example, sprinters focus on explosive power, while marathon runners prioritize endurance.

9. What is the typical training routine for a specific discipline?

Ans: Training routines vary depending on the athlete's level, goals, and specific discipline. A combination of strength training, speed training, endurance training, and flexibility exercises is common.