Question

List and explain different types of competitions that are being organised at International level.

Answer 1

1. Olympic Games: Ancient Olympic Games began in 776 B.C. and were held every four years; the series was stopped in 394 A.D.
   Modern Summer Olympic Games were founded by Baron Pierre de Coubertin and first held in Athens in 1896. They are held every four years. The IOC, formed in 1894, is the supreme controlling body, with headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland. India has participated since 1900 and has won several medals.
2. Winter Olympic Games: Started in Chamonix, France in 1924. Included sports are figure skating, ice hockey, ski jumping, speed skating, alpine skiing and freestyle skating.
3. Paralympic Games: These are the Olympic Games for para athletes, started in Rome in 1960. Athletes are grouped by physical impairment, visual impairment and intellectual disability. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) governs them.
4. Commonwealth Games: Founded by Melville Marks Robinson, first held in Hamilton, Canada in 1930. Held every four years except during World War II. India has taken part regularly and achieved top ranks.
5. Asian Games: Also called Asiad, first held in New Delhi, India in 1951. They are held every four years.