NCERT Class 8 Physical Education and Well Being Khel Yatra (Sanskrit): Chapter 4 — 4. **प्रकरणम् ४ – क्रीडानां मूलभूताः दक्षताः – फलककन्दुकम् (टेबिल टेनिस)**
This chapter from NCERT's Khel Yatra (Sanskrit) for Class 8 introduces the fundamental skills of Table Tennis, known as 'Phalak Kandukam'. It highlights the game's speed, the equipment used (a 40mm ball and a net-divided table), and the essential strokes like forehand and backhand drives. The chapter emphasizes the need for quick reflexes, hand-eye coordination, agility, precision, and concentration, making it appealing to all ages and genders. It also touches upon the game's historical names like 'Ping-Pong' and 'Gossima'. The text aims to help students understand the importance of speed, power, reaction time, and their coordination, while also exploring the physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual benefits derived from playing the sport. The chapter begins by detailing the 'Hastagrah' (grip), a crucial skill for any racket sport, and its importance in hitting the ball effectively. It describes basic wrist exercises and hand movements to improve grip strength and flexibility, essential for mastering the game.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Physical Education and Well Being |
| Book | Khel Yatra (Sanskrit) |
| Chapter | Chapter 4 — 4. **प्रकरणम् ४ – क्रीडानां मूलभूताः दक्षताः – फलककन्दुकम् (टेबिल टेनिस)** |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 252 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the basic rules and equipment of Table Tennis.
- Learn and practice fundamental grips (Hastagrah) for Table Tennis.
- Develop hand-eye coordination and quick reflexes.
- Appreciate the physical, mental, and social benefits of playing Table Tennis.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| फलककन्दुकम् | Table Tennis |
| दक्षताः | Skills |
| कन्दुकम् | Ball |
| जालताडनी | Racket sport |
| अग्रहस्ताभिघातः | Forehand drive |
| पृष्ठहस्ताभिघातः | Backhand drive |
| प्रतिक्रिया | Reaction |
| समन्वयः | Coordination |
| हस्तग्राहः | Grip |
| मणिबन्ध | Wrist |
| बलम् | Strength |
| आनम्यता | Flexibility |
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Practice questions
- What is the Sanskrit name for Table Tennis mentioned in the chapter? Answer: फलककन्दुकम्
- What are the two main strokes used in Table Tennis? Answer: Forehand drive (अग्रहस्ताभिघातः) and Backhand drive (पृष्ठहस्ताभिघातः).
- What is considered the first and foremost technique for improving skills in racket sports like Table Tennis? Answer: Hastagrah (हस्तग्राहः) or Grip.
- What qualities are needed for playing Table Tennis effectively? Answer: Quick reaction, hand-eye coordination, agility, precision, and concentration.
Frequently asked questions
What is the chapter about?
The chapter introduces the fundamental skills of Table Tennis (Phalak Kandukam), its equipment, essential strokes, and the physical and mental attributes required to play it.
What are the key skills needed for Table Tennis?
Key skills include quick reaction, hand-eye coordination, agility, precision, concentration, and effective use of forehand and backhand strokes.
What is 'Hastagrah' in the context of Table Tennis?
'Hastagrah' refers to the grip used to hold the racket, which is a fundamental technique for hitting the ball effectively in racket sports.
What are the benefits of playing Table Tennis?
Playing Table Tennis offers physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual benefits, contributing to overall well-being and holistic development.
What equipment is used in Table Tennis?
Table Tennis uses a 40mm ball, a net-divided table, and a racket (Jaltadni).
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 8 Physical Education and Well Being — Khel Yatra (Sanskrit) — Chapter 4 — 4. **प्रकरणम् ४ – क्रीडानां मूलभूताः दक्षताः – फलककन्दुकम् (टेबिल टेनिस)**. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.