Indian Athletics has seen many changes, ups, and downs during its journey, so far. The history of Indian Athletics dates back to the Vedic era, when Indian people used to take part in various track and field events. With due course of time, the Indian Athletes started playing the modern day Athletics events in India like Long Jump, High Jump, Discuss Throw, Javelin Throw, distance running etc.
Foundations of Indian Athletics Associations
After Independence, the organizational work of Indian Athletics started. Various Athletics associations started to be established in India for the management of Indian Athletics. The associations in term established various Indian Athletics training centers that helped in bringing up new talents from the grass route level. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) is one such training centre that is aimed at ensuring effective and optimum utilization of various sports facilities in India. The Indian Athletics training centers also teach the Indian Athletes about various rules and terms of Athletics.
Athletic Meets in India
Apart from training and coaching the budding Indian Athletes, the Indian Athletics associations also organize various Athletic meets in India that helps the Indian Athletes to get aware about the competitive nature of Athletics. The Indian Athletes have been participating in the Olympic Games since 1948; however, the performance of the Indian Athletes in Olympics is not very mentionable, since now.
Types of Indian Athletics
There are several kinds of athletic events of India, some of which have been discussed below:
Long Jump: The long jump is a track and field event in which athletes combine speed, strength and agility in an attempt to leap as far as possible from a take off point.
High Jump: The high jump is a track and field event in which competitors must jump unaided over a horizontal bar placed at measured heights without dislodging it. In its modern most practiced format, a bar is placed between two standards with a crash mat for landing.
Discus Throw: The discus throw is a track and field event in which an athlete throws a heavy disc, called a discus in an attempt to mark a farther distance than their competitors.
Long-Distance Running: Long-distance running is a form of continuous running over distances of at least three kilometers. Physiologically, it is largely aerobic in nature and requires stamina as well as mental strength. The humans are well adapted for running significant distances, and particularly so among primates.
Javelin Throw: Javelin Throw is a track event and field event. In this game, a javelin or spear needs to be thrown to a particular point with high speed. The javelin is approximately 2.5 meters in height.