Given below is a conversation script between Milkha Singh and an interviewer. Reading this conversation can help students to improve their English speaking skills. You can work on your comprehensive abilities by answering the questions that follow the conversation.
Read the conversation and answer the questions. (Marks – 05)
Interviewer: Good morning, Milkha Singh! It’s an honour to have you here today. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Milkha Singh: Good morning. Sure, I am a former Indian track and field sprinter, and I am often referred to as “The Flying Sikh.”
Interviewer: That’s amazing! Can you tell us what inspired you to become a sprinter?
Milkha Singh: Well, as a child, I saw my parents being killed during the partition of India, and I had to flee from my village. This motivated me to become strong and independent. I started running and found out that I was good at it.
Interviewer: That’s really inspiring. What was your greatest achievement as a sprinter?
Milkha Singh: My greatest achievement was winning gold medals in the 1958 and 1962 Asian Games. I also broke the national record for the 200m and 400m races.
Interviewer: That’s fantastic! What was your training routine like when you were preparing for competitions?
Milkha Singh: I used to train for six hours a day, which included running, weightlifting, and practising different techniques. I also followed a strict diet to keep myself fit.
Interviewer: That sounds intense! Do you have any advice for young athletes who want to become successful like you?
Milkha Singh: My advice is to have a strong determination and a never-give-up attitude. You should also have a good coach who can guide you properly and help you improve your skills.
Interviewer: That’s great advice. Can you tell us about any upcoming projects or events that you are involved in?
Milkha Singh: I am currently involved in promoting sports and fitness among the youth of our country. I believe that sports can bring about a positive change in society, and I want to encourage more people to take up sports.
Interviewer: That’s a wonderful initiative. Thank you so much for your time and for sharing your inspiring story with us.
Milkha Singh: Thank you. It was my pleasure to be here.
Answer the following questions based on the conversation –
Q: What is Milkha Singh known as?
A: Milkha Singh is known as “The Flying Sikh.”
Q: What was Milkha Singh’s childhood like? A: Milkha Singh’s childhood was marked by the traumatic loss of his parents during the partition of India.
Q: What motivated Milkha Singh to become a sprinter?
A: His parents’ died tragically during the partition of India. So, Milkha had to run away. He realised that he was good at running. This moment of grief motivated him to become a sprinter.
Q: What was Milkha Singh’s training routine like when he was preparing for competitions? A: Milkha Singh trained for six hours a day, which included running, weightlifting, and practising different techniques. He also followed a strict diet to keep himself fit.
Q: What impact does Milkha Singh believe sports can have on society?
A: Milkha Singh believes that sports can bring about a positive change in society.
Q: What is the importance of having a good coach, according to Milkha Singh?
A: Milkha Singh believes that having a good coach is essential for young athletes, as they can guide them properly and help them improve their skills.
Vocabulary-based questions –
Q: What does the term “partition” mean in the context of Milkha Singh’s childhood?
A: In the context of Milkha Singh’s childhood, “partition” refers to the division of India into 2 separate countries in 1947.
Q: What does the term “determination” mean in the context of Milkha Singh’s advice to young athletes?
A: In the context of Milkha Singh’s advice to young athletes, “determination” means having a strong will or resolve to achieve one’s goals.
Q: What does the term “national record” mean in the context of Milkha Singh’s achievements?
A: In the context of Milkha Singh’s achievements, “national record” refers to the fastest time ever recorded by an Indian athlete in a particular race.
Q: What does the term “positive change” mean in the context of Milkha Singh’s views on sports?
A: In the context of Milkha Singh’s views on sports, “positive change” means the improvement or advancement of society through the promotion of sports and fitness.
Q: What does the term “intense” mean in the context of Milkha Singh’s training routine? A: In the context of Milkha Singh’s training routine, “intense” means requiring great effort or exertion, and involving a high degree of physical and mental focus.
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