Sports & Olympic Medals — Set 11
Haryana GK · खेल और ओलंपिक पदक · Questions 101–110 of 160
The village wrestling tradition called 'Kushti' is most prevalent in which region of Haryana?
Correct Answer: D. Central and rural Haryana, particularly Jhajjar, Sonipat, and Rohtak
Kushti (traditional Indian wrestling) is most prevalent in central and rural Haryana, particularly in the districts of Jhajjar, Sonipat, Rohtak, and Bhiwani. These districts have the highest density of akharas (traditional wrestling pits) in India. The strong wrestling culture here is rooted in the region's agricultural traditions, where physical strength has always been valued.
The famous wrestler Satpal Singh, who trained Sushil Kumar, was himself a gold medallist at which international event?
Correct Answer: B. Commonwealth Games 1982
Satpal Singh won a Gold medal in wrestling at the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi. He was one of India's top wrestlers of his era and later became a renowned coach and Dronacharya awardee. As the principal coach at Chhatrasal Stadium, he mentored Sushil Kumar and numerous other Indian wrestling champions.
At the 2019 World Wrestling Championships, Bajrang Punia won which medal in 65 kg freestyle?
Correct Answer: C. Bronze
Bajrang Punia won a Bronze medal at the 2019 World Wrestling Championships in the 65 kg freestyle category. Despite being a strong contender for gold, he came away with bronze. However, this performance, along with his previous medals at World Championships and Asian Games, helped build his case for the Tokyo Olympics where he won a Bronze medal.
Naveen Goyal from Haryana is associated with which sport at the international level?
Correct Answer: C. Athletics (400m hurdles)
Naveen Goyal and several other athletes from Haryana have represented India in athletics at the international level. Haryana has been developing its athletics talent beyond javelin throw (Neeraj Chopra's event). The state's sports academies and SAI centers have been nurturing athletes across multiple track and field disciplines for national and international competitions.
How is the state of Haryana described in terms of its Olympics contribution relative to its population size?
Correct Answer: C. Disproportionately high contributor — produces far more Olympic medals than its population share would suggest
Haryana is a disproportionately high contributor to India's Olympic medal haul. With just about 2% of India's population, Haryana athletes have won more than 50% of India's total Olympic medals. This extraordinary outperformance reflects the state's deeply embedded sports culture, government support for athletes, and the akhara wrestling tradition that has been producing champions for generations.
The 'Sports Authority of India' was established in which year?
Correct Answer: C. 1984
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) was established in 1984, shortly after India hosted the 1982 Asian Games. It was created to provide systematic support for sporting infrastructure, athlete training, and sports science. SAI operates training centers across India including key facilities in Haryana that have developed the state's Olympic medal winners.
The government of Haryana recognizes athletes through which top state sports award?
Correct Answer: B. Haryana Khel Ratna Award (Bhim Award)
The Haryana state sports award is known as the 'Bhim Award' (Haryana Khel Ratna). It is the state's highest sports honor, given to outstanding sportspersons from Haryana. The award is named after the Mahabharata hero Bhima, a legendary warrior associated with Haryana's tradition of physical strength. The award includes a cash prize and citation.
The wrestling weight class of 65 kg freestyle has been dominated by Haryana wrestlers at the international level. Which wrestler currently holds this mantle?
Correct Answer: B. Bajrang Punia
Bajrang Punia currently (as of the time of writing) holds the mantle as India's top wrestler in the 65 kg freestyle category, succeeding the tradition established by Sushil Kumar (who competed at 66 kg). Bajrang has won at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and World Championships. His Olympic Bronze at Tokyo 2020 and consistent performance make him the current face of Haryana wrestling.
Yogeshwar Dutt won the Padma Bhushan for sports. He is from which district of Haryana?
Correct Answer: A. Sonipat
Yogeshwar Dutt, the Olympic medal-winning wrestler, is from Sonipat district of Haryana. He won the Padma Shri in 2013 and the Padma Bhushan in 2022. He competed in 60 kg freestyle wrestling and won medals at the Olympics (Bronze at London 2012, upgraded to Silver), Commonwealth Games, and Asian Games. He is one of Haryana's most decorated wrestlers.
In wrestling, what does the term 'freestyle' mean as opposed to 'Greco-Roman'?
Correct Answer: B. Freestyle allows the use of legs for holds and attacks, while Greco-Roman only allows upper body holds
In freestyle wrestling, competitors can hold opponents anywhere on the body and use their legs for attacks and defense. In Greco-Roman wrestling, only holds above the waist are permitted and leg attacks are prohibited. Most Haryana wrestlers like Sushil Kumar, Bajrang Punia, and Ravi Dahiya compete in freestyle. Freestyle wrestling more closely resembles traditional Indian kushti.