NCERT Book: Physical Education | NCERT Books & Solutions for Humanities - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

 Page 1


Physical Education 1
In modern times, Physical Education is one of the most 
exciting and dynamic subjects. This subject has changed 
dramatically during the last 50 years. It has expanded in 
different areas from school to non-school setting and from 
school-aged children to people of all ages. Earlier, physical 
education was generally understood as physical activities 
either in school time table or some free hand exercises, 
games, sports, racing, swimming, etc. If we look at the Indian 
history of physical education after Independence, a number 
of schemes were launched by the Government of India for 
schools, where every student must participate in physical 
activities. We can witness the growing interest in games and 
sports exemplified by the fitness boom and the wellness 
movement. Sports events receive worldwide coverage. In 
schools, students like sports and other forms of physical 
activities, which help to achieve and maintain their health 
and well-being.
Meaning and d efinition Physical Education is an education which brings improvement  
in human performance with the help of physical activities. 
Physical activities range from simple walking to jogging, 
running, sprinting, hopping, jumping, climbing, throwing, 
pushing, pulling, kicking, etc. Education without physical 
activities is like body without soul. There is no controversy 
in giving due place to physical education and different forms 
of exercises in the total set-up of education. All teachings in 
human education begin with physical education. Physical 
education is also considered as movement education as the life 
begins from movement only. In general life is characterised 
by movement. The movement starts from the birth of a child, 
till the end of life.
Do You Know?
 • Sharir Madhyam Khalu 
Dharma Sadhnam means 
physique is the prime source 
of performing all duties.
 • Swami Vivekananda and 
other philosophers like 
Socrates, Aristotle, and 
Plato were of the opinion 
that physical training was 
necessary for the youth. 
Chap-1.indd   1 31-07-2020   15:24:29
2024-25
Page 2


Physical Education 1
In modern times, Physical Education is one of the most 
exciting and dynamic subjects. This subject has changed 
dramatically during the last 50 years. It has expanded in 
different areas from school to non-school setting and from 
school-aged children to people of all ages. Earlier, physical 
education was generally understood as physical activities 
either in school time table or some free hand exercises, 
games, sports, racing, swimming, etc. If we look at the Indian 
history of physical education after Independence, a number 
of schemes were launched by the Government of India for 
schools, where every student must participate in physical 
activities. We can witness the growing interest in games and 
sports exemplified by the fitness boom and the wellness 
movement. Sports events receive worldwide coverage. In 
schools, students like sports and other forms of physical 
activities, which help to achieve and maintain their health 
and well-being.
Meaning and d efinition Physical Education is an education which brings improvement  
in human performance with the help of physical activities. 
Physical activities range from simple walking to jogging, 
running, sprinting, hopping, jumping, climbing, throwing, 
pushing, pulling, kicking, etc. Education without physical 
activities is like body without soul. There is no controversy 
in giving due place to physical education and different forms 
of exercises in the total set-up of education. All teachings in 
human education begin with physical education. Physical 
education is also considered as movement education as the life 
begins from movement only. In general life is characterised 
by movement. The movement starts from the birth of a child, 
till the end of life.
Do You Know?
 • Sharir Madhyam Khalu 
Dharma Sadhnam means 
physique is the prime source 
of performing all duties.
 • Swami Vivekananda and 
other philosophers like 
Socrates, Aristotle, and 
Plato were of the opinion 
that physical training was 
necessary for the youth. 
Chap-1.indd   1 31-07-2020   15:24:29
2024-25
Health and Physical Education - XI 2
Mental, intellectual, emotional and social development of 
a growing child is dependent and closely related to physical 
development. A physically fit individual possesses a well-
balanced personality which is, mentally sharp, emotionally 
stable and socially well-adjusted.
Physical education teaches how to acquire ability to develop 
strength, speed, endurance and coordination abilities. It also 
emphasises on achieving social qualities, such as, empathy, 
cooperation, friendliness, team spirit, and respect for rules, 
which are essential for healthy social relations with others. 
In this era of technological advancement, physical education 
and sports are considered essential for health, fitness, 
wellness, vigour and strength. 
The concept of physical education is not new. The fact is 
that it has its roots in the ancient period. At various stages in 
history, different people have associated different meanings to 
the word ‘Physical Education’. Physical Education in simple 
words is understood as learning with the help of movements 
of body and realising the benefits at mental level. It simply 
means education through the use of physique and physical 
movements and deriving the advantage for social gain. Some 
of the definitions given by well known authors are given here 
to understand and for the ready reference of the students.
Fig. 1.1: Children participating in physical activities and excercise
Definitions of Physical Education
In ancient India, a sanskrit adage stated that “Sharir 
Servarth Sambhavo Dehe”. The National plan of physical 
Chap-1.indd   2 31-07-2020   15:24:30
2024-25
Page 3


Physical Education 1
In modern times, Physical Education is one of the most 
exciting and dynamic subjects. This subject has changed 
dramatically during the last 50 years. It has expanded in 
different areas from school to non-school setting and from 
school-aged children to people of all ages. Earlier, physical 
education was generally understood as physical activities 
either in school time table or some free hand exercises, 
games, sports, racing, swimming, etc. If we look at the Indian 
history of physical education after Independence, a number 
of schemes were launched by the Government of India for 
schools, where every student must participate in physical 
activities. We can witness the growing interest in games and 
sports exemplified by the fitness boom and the wellness 
movement. Sports events receive worldwide coverage. In 
schools, students like sports and other forms of physical 
activities, which help to achieve and maintain their health 
and well-being.
Meaning and d efinition Physical Education is an education which brings improvement  
in human performance with the help of physical activities. 
Physical activities range from simple walking to jogging, 
running, sprinting, hopping, jumping, climbing, throwing, 
pushing, pulling, kicking, etc. Education without physical 
activities is like body without soul. There is no controversy 
in giving due place to physical education and different forms 
of exercises in the total set-up of education. All teachings in 
human education begin with physical education. Physical 
education is also considered as movement education as the life 
begins from movement only. In general life is characterised 
by movement. The movement starts from the birth of a child, 
till the end of life.
Do You Know?
 • Sharir Madhyam Khalu 
Dharma Sadhnam means 
physique is the prime source 
of performing all duties.
 • Swami Vivekananda and 
other philosophers like 
Socrates, Aristotle, and 
Plato were of the opinion 
that physical training was 
necessary for the youth. 
Chap-1.indd   1 31-07-2020   15:24:29
2024-25
Health and Physical Education - XI 2
Mental, intellectual, emotional and social development of 
a growing child is dependent and closely related to physical 
development. A physically fit individual possesses a well-
balanced personality which is, mentally sharp, emotionally 
stable and socially well-adjusted.
Physical education teaches how to acquire ability to develop 
strength, speed, endurance and coordination abilities. It also 
emphasises on achieving social qualities, such as, empathy, 
cooperation, friendliness, team spirit, and respect for rules, 
which are essential for healthy social relations with others. 
In this era of technological advancement, physical education 
and sports are considered essential for health, fitness, 
wellness, vigour and strength. 
The concept of physical education is not new. The fact is 
that it has its roots in the ancient period. At various stages in 
history, different people have associated different meanings to 
the word ‘Physical Education’. Physical Education in simple 
words is understood as learning with the help of movements 
of body and realising the benefits at mental level. It simply 
means education through the use of physique and physical 
movements and deriving the advantage for social gain. Some 
of the definitions given by well known authors are given here 
to understand and for the ready reference of the students.
Fig. 1.1: Children participating in physical activities and excercise
Definitions of Physical Education
In ancient India, a sanskrit adage stated that “Sharir 
Servarth Sambhavo Dehe”. The National plan of physical 
Chap-1.indd   2 31-07-2020   15:24:30
2024-25
Physical Education 3
education (1956) states that, “Physical education 
should aim at making the child physically, mentally and 
emotionally fit and developing personal and social qualities 
which will help to live happily with others and build a 
good citizen”. It further emphasises that the development 
of the total personality and achievement of worthy 
citizenship motivated for service should be the outcomes of  
physical education.
According to the Ministry of Education and National 
Planning for Physical Education and Recreation, “The aim of 
physical education must be to make every child physically, 
mentally and emotionally fit and also to develop in him 
personal and social qualities that will help to live happily 
with others. Physical education programme should also aim 
to build good citizens of the country.”
According to the Central Advisory Board of Physical 
Education and Recreation, “Physical education is the 
process of education through physical activities. It is the 
development of the total personality of the child to its fullness 
and perfection in body, mind and spirit.”
Sports and physical education are an integral part 
of the learning process, and need to be included in the 
evaluation of performance. A nation-wide infrastructure 
for physical education, sports and games are required 
in the educational field. The infrastructure consists of 
playfields, equipments, coaches and teachers of physical 
education. Available open spaces in urban areas can be 
used for playgrounds. Efforts should be made to establish 
sports institutions and hostels where specialised attention 
can be given to sports activities and sports-related studies, 
along with normal education. Appropriate encouragement 
should be given to those who have talent in sports 
and games. Due focus should be given on indigenous  
traditional games.
Fig. 1.2: Physical exercise
Chap-1.indd   3 31-07-2020   15:24:31
2024-25
Page 4


Physical Education 1
In modern times, Physical Education is one of the most 
exciting and dynamic subjects. This subject has changed 
dramatically during the last 50 years. It has expanded in 
different areas from school to non-school setting and from 
school-aged children to people of all ages. Earlier, physical 
education was generally understood as physical activities 
either in school time table or some free hand exercises, 
games, sports, racing, swimming, etc. If we look at the Indian 
history of physical education after Independence, a number 
of schemes were launched by the Government of India for 
schools, where every student must participate in physical 
activities. We can witness the growing interest in games and 
sports exemplified by the fitness boom and the wellness 
movement. Sports events receive worldwide coverage. In 
schools, students like sports and other forms of physical 
activities, which help to achieve and maintain their health 
and well-being.
Meaning and d efinition Physical Education is an education which brings improvement  
in human performance with the help of physical activities. 
Physical activities range from simple walking to jogging, 
running, sprinting, hopping, jumping, climbing, throwing, 
pushing, pulling, kicking, etc. Education without physical 
activities is like body without soul. There is no controversy 
in giving due place to physical education and different forms 
of exercises in the total set-up of education. All teachings in 
human education begin with physical education. Physical 
education is also considered as movement education as the life 
begins from movement only. In general life is characterised 
by movement. The movement starts from the birth of a child, 
till the end of life.
Do You Know?
 • Sharir Madhyam Khalu 
Dharma Sadhnam means 
physique is the prime source 
of performing all duties.
 • Swami Vivekananda and 
other philosophers like 
Socrates, Aristotle, and 
Plato were of the opinion 
that physical training was 
necessary for the youth. 
Chap-1.indd   1 31-07-2020   15:24:29
2024-25
Health and Physical Education - XI 2
Mental, intellectual, emotional and social development of 
a growing child is dependent and closely related to physical 
development. A physically fit individual possesses a well-
balanced personality which is, mentally sharp, emotionally 
stable and socially well-adjusted.
Physical education teaches how to acquire ability to develop 
strength, speed, endurance and coordination abilities. It also 
emphasises on achieving social qualities, such as, empathy, 
cooperation, friendliness, team spirit, and respect for rules, 
which are essential for healthy social relations with others. 
In this era of technological advancement, physical education 
and sports are considered essential for health, fitness, 
wellness, vigour and strength. 
The concept of physical education is not new. The fact is 
that it has its roots in the ancient period. At various stages in 
history, different people have associated different meanings to 
the word ‘Physical Education’. Physical Education in simple 
words is understood as learning with the help of movements 
of body and realising the benefits at mental level. It simply 
means education through the use of physique and physical 
movements and deriving the advantage for social gain. Some 
of the definitions given by well known authors are given here 
to understand and for the ready reference of the students.
Fig. 1.1: Children participating in physical activities and excercise
Definitions of Physical Education
In ancient India, a sanskrit adage stated that “Sharir 
Servarth Sambhavo Dehe”. The National plan of physical 
Chap-1.indd   2 31-07-2020   15:24:30
2024-25
Physical Education 3
education (1956) states that, “Physical education 
should aim at making the child physically, mentally and 
emotionally fit and developing personal and social qualities 
which will help to live happily with others and build a 
good citizen”. It further emphasises that the development 
of the total personality and achievement of worthy 
citizenship motivated for service should be the outcomes of  
physical education.
According to the Ministry of Education and National 
Planning for Physical Education and Recreation, “The aim of 
physical education must be to make every child physically, 
mentally and emotionally fit and also to develop in him 
personal and social qualities that will help to live happily 
with others. Physical education programme should also aim 
to build good citizens of the country.”
According to the Central Advisory Board of Physical 
Education and Recreation, “Physical education is the 
process of education through physical activities. It is the 
development of the total personality of the child to its fullness 
and perfection in body, mind and spirit.”
Sports and physical education are an integral part 
of the learning process, and need to be included in the 
evaluation of performance. A nation-wide infrastructure 
for physical education, sports and games are required 
in the educational field. The infrastructure consists of 
playfields, equipments, coaches and teachers of physical 
education. Available open spaces in urban areas can be 
used for playgrounds. Efforts should be made to establish 
sports institutions and hostels where specialised attention 
can be given to sports activities and sports-related studies, 
along with normal education. Appropriate encouragement 
should be given to those who have talent in sports 
and games. Due focus should be given on indigenous  
traditional games.
Fig. 1.2: Physical exercise
Chap-1.indd   3 31-07-2020   15:24:31
2024-25
Health and Physical Education - XI 4
Charles A. Bucher has defined Physical Education as 
an “Integral part of total educational process, is a field of 
endeavour which has its aim — the development of physically, 
mentally, emotionally and socially fit citizens through the 
medium of physical activities which have been selected with 
a view to realise these outcomes.”
According to American Alliance for health, physical 
education, recreation and dance, “Physical Education is 
education through physical activities which are selected and 
carried as with regard to value in human growth, development 
and behaviour”.
Finally, it can be concluded that the development of all 
personality traits like, physical, social, mental, emotional, 
and moral takes place through various programmes of 
physical education.
a i Ms and o bjectives If you are doing physical exercises or playing any game 
regularly, you must have realised their importance. The 
aim of physical education is to target the total development 
of human personality. In physical education, the final aim  
is to make every human being physically, mentally and 
emotionally fit and also to provide each kind of opportunity 
to them, so that they can develop such personal and social 
qualities which will help them to live happily with others and 
shape themselves as true citizens of the country. 
Efforts are needed to provide adequate facilities and 
ample time for the individuals and the groups to participate 
in situations that are physically wholesome, mentally 
stimulating and socially sound. Through physical education 
one can strive to achieve the following aims and objectives.
Motor Development
The objective of motor development refers to the 
neuromuscular relationship of nerve or nerve fibre to the one 
that connects the central nervous system with muscles. This 
in turn enables the movement of the body. To enhance the 
ability of the body to act, react and interact, it is necessary 
to exercise the muscles and nerves. In other words, physical 
development of a person is the foremost objective of physical 
education. Physical education is related to physical activities, 
which when performed, have an effect on various organ 
systems of our body. It leads to the improvement in size, 
shape, efficiency, etc., of various organs of these systems.  
An individual who is having good motor movements may 
perform daily routine work very effectively without undue 
Activity 1.1
 • Prepare a chart on the steps 
taken by the Government of 
India to promote games and 
sports in India and discuss 
with your classmates.
 • Prepare a chart on the 
Importance of Physical 
Activities on health and 
discuss in the class.
 • Discuss Fit India Movements 
and its benefits.
Chap-1.indd   4 31-07-2020   15:24:31
2024-25
Page 5


Physical Education 1
In modern times, Physical Education is one of the most 
exciting and dynamic subjects. This subject has changed 
dramatically during the last 50 years. It has expanded in 
different areas from school to non-school setting and from 
school-aged children to people of all ages. Earlier, physical 
education was generally understood as physical activities 
either in school time table or some free hand exercises, 
games, sports, racing, swimming, etc. If we look at the Indian 
history of physical education after Independence, a number 
of schemes were launched by the Government of India for 
schools, where every student must participate in physical 
activities. We can witness the growing interest in games and 
sports exemplified by the fitness boom and the wellness 
movement. Sports events receive worldwide coverage. In 
schools, students like sports and other forms of physical 
activities, which help to achieve and maintain their health 
and well-being.
Meaning and d efinition Physical Education is an education which brings improvement  
in human performance with the help of physical activities. 
Physical activities range from simple walking to jogging, 
running, sprinting, hopping, jumping, climbing, throwing, 
pushing, pulling, kicking, etc. Education without physical 
activities is like body without soul. There is no controversy 
in giving due place to physical education and different forms 
of exercises in the total set-up of education. All teachings in 
human education begin with physical education. Physical 
education is also considered as movement education as the life 
begins from movement only. In general life is characterised 
by movement. The movement starts from the birth of a child, 
till the end of life.
Do You Know?
 • Sharir Madhyam Khalu 
Dharma Sadhnam means 
physique is the prime source 
of performing all duties.
 • Swami Vivekananda and 
other philosophers like 
Socrates, Aristotle, and 
Plato were of the opinion 
that physical training was 
necessary for the youth. 
Chap-1.indd   1 31-07-2020   15:24:29
2024-25
Health and Physical Education - XI 2
Mental, intellectual, emotional and social development of 
a growing child is dependent and closely related to physical 
development. A physically fit individual possesses a well-
balanced personality which is, mentally sharp, emotionally 
stable and socially well-adjusted.
Physical education teaches how to acquire ability to develop 
strength, speed, endurance and coordination abilities. It also 
emphasises on achieving social qualities, such as, empathy, 
cooperation, friendliness, team spirit, and respect for rules, 
which are essential for healthy social relations with others. 
In this era of technological advancement, physical education 
and sports are considered essential for health, fitness, 
wellness, vigour and strength. 
The concept of physical education is not new. The fact is 
that it has its roots in the ancient period. At various stages in 
history, different people have associated different meanings to 
the word ‘Physical Education’. Physical Education in simple 
words is understood as learning with the help of movements 
of body and realising the benefits at mental level. It simply 
means education through the use of physique and physical 
movements and deriving the advantage for social gain. Some 
of the definitions given by well known authors are given here 
to understand and for the ready reference of the students.
Fig. 1.1: Children participating in physical activities and excercise
Definitions of Physical Education
In ancient India, a sanskrit adage stated that “Sharir 
Servarth Sambhavo Dehe”. The National plan of physical 
Chap-1.indd   2 31-07-2020   15:24:30
2024-25
Physical Education 3
education (1956) states that, “Physical education 
should aim at making the child physically, mentally and 
emotionally fit and developing personal and social qualities 
which will help to live happily with others and build a 
good citizen”. It further emphasises that the development 
of the total personality and achievement of worthy 
citizenship motivated for service should be the outcomes of  
physical education.
According to the Ministry of Education and National 
Planning for Physical Education and Recreation, “The aim of 
physical education must be to make every child physically, 
mentally and emotionally fit and also to develop in him 
personal and social qualities that will help to live happily 
with others. Physical education programme should also aim 
to build good citizens of the country.”
According to the Central Advisory Board of Physical 
Education and Recreation, “Physical education is the 
process of education through physical activities. It is the 
development of the total personality of the child to its fullness 
and perfection in body, mind and spirit.”
Sports and physical education are an integral part 
of the learning process, and need to be included in the 
evaluation of performance. A nation-wide infrastructure 
for physical education, sports and games are required 
in the educational field. The infrastructure consists of 
playfields, equipments, coaches and teachers of physical 
education. Available open spaces in urban areas can be 
used for playgrounds. Efforts should be made to establish 
sports institutions and hostels where specialised attention 
can be given to sports activities and sports-related studies, 
along with normal education. Appropriate encouragement 
should be given to those who have talent in sports 
and games. Due focus should be given on indigenous  
traditional games.
Fig. 1.2: Physical exercise
Chap-1.indd   3 31-07-2020   15:24:31
2024-25
Health and Physical Education - XI 4
Charles A. Bucher has defined Physical Education as 
an “Integral part of total educational process, is a field of 
endeavour which has its aim — the development of physically, 
mentally, emotionally and socially fit citizens through the 
medium of physical activities which have been selected with 
a view to realise these outcomes.”
According to American Alliance for health, physical 
education, recreation and dance, “Physical Education is 
education through physical activities which are selected and 
carried as with regard to value in human growth, development 
and behaviour”.
Finally, it can be concluded that the development of all 
personality traits like, physical, social, mental, emotional, 
and moral takes place through various programmes of 
physical education.
a i Ms and o bjectives If you are doing physical exercises or playing any game 
regularly, you must have realised their importance. The 
aim of physical education is to target the total development 
of human personality. In physical education, the final aim  
is to make every human being physically, mentally and 
emotionally fit and also to provide each kind of opportunity 
to them, so that they can develop such personal and social 
qualities which will help them to live happily with others and 
shape themselves as true citizens of the country. 
Efforts are needed to provide adequate facilities and 
ample time for the individuals and the groups to participate 
in situations that are physically wholesome, mentally 
stimulating and socially sound. Through physical education 
one can strive to achieve the following aims and objectives.
Motor Development
The objective of motor development refers to the 
neuromuscular relationship of nerve or nerve fibre to the one 
that connects the central nervous system with muscles. This 
in turn enables the movement of the body. To enhance the 
ability of the body to act, react and interact, it is necessary 
to exercise the muscles and nerves. In other words, physical 
development of a person is the foremost objective of physical 
education. Physical education is related to physical activities, 
which when performed, have an effect on various organ 
systems of our body. It leads to the improvement in size, 
shape, efficiency, etc., of various organs of these systems.  
An individual who is having good motor movements may 
perform daily routine work very effectively without undue 
Activity 1.1
 • Prepare a chart on the steps 
taken by the Government of 
India to promote games and 
sports in India and discuss 
with your classmates.
 • Prepare a chart on the 
Importance of Physical 
Activities on health and 
discuss in the class.
 • Discuss Fit India Movements 
and its benefits.
Chap-1.indd   4 31-07-2020   15:24:31
2024-25
Physical Education 5
fatigue and laziness and feels confident in life. It also promotes 
sound health which enables an individual to become a valuable 
asset for the society and nation.
Fig. 1.3: Children participating in physical activities and excercise
Motor development can be possible through participating 
in different kinds of physical activity programmes like, games, 
sports, yoga, dance, etc. 
Mental Development 
Mental development refers to the ability to think and solve 
problems effectively. Knowledge received by participating in 
physical activities about body movement, health, fitness, 
sanitation, nutrition, disease prevention and others 
may contribute to an individual’s mental development. 
A mentally developed person takes wise decisions at 
the right time and in a right spirit. Mental development 
objectives deal with a person’s ability to think correctly, 
act wisely and skillfully in all situations of life. Various 
activities conducted in physical education classes not 
only require physical strength but also need mental 
alertness, deep concentration, and precise movements.  
In this manner, physical education also sharpens the mind 
and makes it more efficient.
Emotional Development 
This refers to a psychological situation of body and mind. 
Emotion is a drive to do something. Emotion covers 
Chap-1.indd   5 31-07-2020   15:24:32
2024-25