COMPETITIVE ENGLISH

English Language & Literature

Reading Comprehension • Class XII Level • Max Marks: 12

The Daily Chronicles | Sports Feature | By Sarah Jenkins

The Digital Athlete: How Technology is Rewriting the Rules of Sport

The image of the solitary athlete, relying solely on grit and determination, is quickly fading into history. Today's sports arena is as much a battleground for engineers and data scientists as it is for players. From the amateur fields to the Olympic podium, technology has fundamentally altered how sports are played, officiated, and consumed.

At the forefront of this revolution is wearable technology. Devices sewn into jerseys or worn as vests now track thousands of data points per second. Coaches no longer guess if a player is fatigued; they know. GPS trackers monitor distance covered, while accelerometers measure impact forces. This data serves two critical purposes: optimizing performance and preventing injury. By analyzing biomechanical loads, trainers can predict when an athlete is at risk of a muscle tear before it happens, potentially saving careers.

Officiating has also undergone a seismic shift. The introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in football and the Decision Review System (DRS) in cricket has aimed to eliminate human error. While purists argue these systems disrupt the "flow" and emotion of the game, the pursuit of fairness has largely won out. A millimeter difference in a tennis ball’s trajectory, detected by Hawk-Eye cameras, can now determine the winner of a Grand Slam.

However, this technological arms race brings ethical questions. High-tech equipment—such as carbon-plate running shoes that act like springs—creates a distinct advantage for wealthy nations and sponsored athletes, widening the gap between the elite and the amateur. Furthermore, as algorithms begin to dictate tactics, critics worry we are sacrificing the unpredictable creative spark of human genius for cold, calculated efficiency.

I. Multiple Choice Questions

4 Marks

1. According to the passage, what is the primary dual purpose of wearable technology? To broadcast data to fans and increase revenue. To optimize performance and prevent injuries. To replace human coaches with AI. To monitor the opposing team's tactics.

2. Why do some critics oppose systems like VAR and DRS? They are too expensive to implement. They are often inaccurate. They disrupt the flow and emotion of the game. They favor the defending team.

3. What ethical concern does the author raise regarding high-tech equipment? It creates an unfair advantage for wealthy athletes. It makes the sport too easy to play. It violates international doping regulations. It reduces the lifespan of the equipment.

4. The phrase "technological arms race" implies that: Sports are becoming violent. Teams are constantly competing to acquire better tech. Technology is being banned in sports. Athletes are using weapons in training.

II. Contextual Vocabulary

4 Marks

5. Find a word in paragraph 2 that means "related to the mechanics of body movement".

6. The author uses the word "____________" to describe athletes or fans who prefer traditional rules over technology. (Para 3)

7. "The pursuit of ____________ has largely won out" over the flow of the game. (Fill in the blank from Para 3)

8. According to the conclusion, algorithms might sacrifice the "____________ spark" of human genius.

III. Analytical Response

4 Marks

9. How has the role of a coach changed according to the passage? (2 Marks)

10. Explain the role of Hawk-Eye cameras in sports as mentioned in the text. (2 Marks)

Note: Objective answers have been auto-graded. Short answers require self-evaluation based on the key provided below.

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Answer Key (Short Answers):

• Q9: Coaches now rely on data/facts rather than guesswork. They use metrics like fatigue levels and impact forces to make decisions.
• Q10: Hawk-Eye cameras detect the precise trajectory of the ball (millimeter difference) to determine winners/points, ensuring accuracy in games like tennis.