CBSE Class 9 English Poem 5 ‘Nine Gold Medals’, Line by Line Explanation along with Difficult Word Meanings from Kaveri Book
“Nine Gold Medals” is a deeply inspiring and emotionally moving poem from the Class 9 English Kaveri Book as Poem 5. The poem is based on a true incident from the Special Olympics where nine athletes with special needs participated in a hundred-yard dash. When the smallest runner stumbled and fell, instead of continuing to race for their individual medals, all eight other runners stopped, turned back and helped him to his feet. Together they walked hand in hand to the finish line and all nine received gold medals. The poem teaches us that compassion, kindness and humanity are far greater than any individual victory or personal achievement. It reminds us that true winning is not about crossing the finish line first but about lifting others up when they fall.
Question: What are the Important Keywords / Value Points of ‘Nine Gold Medals’?
Ans. The keywords of the poem are-
- Determination and Hard Work: All nine athletes had trained for many weeks and months before the Special Olympics. They had come from all over the country with great dreams and strong determination. Their hard work and dedication represent the spirit of every person who works tirelessly toward a goal despite facing challenges and difficulties in life. Their story reminds us that the journey of preparation is just as important and valuable as the final result.
- The Fall, A Moment That Changed Everything: The smallest runner’s stumble and fall is the turning point of the entire poem. In a regular race this moment would have meant defeat and disappointment for just one person while others continued. But here this single moment of vulnerability became the catalyst for one of the most extraordinary acts of collective compassion ever witnessed on a sports field. It shows us that our most difficult moments can sometimes bring out the very best in the people around us.
- The Eight Runners, Compassion Over Competition: The most powerful moment in the poem is when all eight other runners stop, turn around and go back to help the fallen boy. They had trained for months and were just moments away from winning their medals. Yet not one of them hesitated to give up their personal victory for the sake of a fellow human being. This extraordinary act of selflessness shows us that true sportsmanship and true humanity always value people over prizes.
- Joining Hands, Unity and Togetherness: After helping the fallen boy to his feet all nine runners joined hands and walked together to the finish line. This simple yet profoundly powerful act transformed a competitive race into a beautiful celebration of unity and togetherness. It shows us that when human beings choose to stand together rather than compete against each other the result is something far more beautiful and meaningful than any individual victory could ever be.
- Nine Gold Medals, True Victory: The title of the poem is deeply significant. In a normal race only one person wins the gold medal. But here all nine athletes received gold medals because they all demonstrated the highest and most admirable quality a human being can possess, selfless compassion for another person in need. Their gold medals represent not athletic speed but something far more precious, the gold of human kindness and the gold of a truly generous heart.
- Special Olympics, Celebrating Every Human Being: The banner reading “Special Olympics” in the poem is deeply meaningful. The Special Olympics is a movement that celebrates the abilities and achievements of people with special needs. This poem perfectly captures the true spirit of the Special Olympics, which is not just about winning races but about celebrating the dignity, courage and humanity of every single participant. The poem shows us that every human being deserves to be celebrated and supported.
Nine Gold Medals Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Poem Title | Nine Gold Medals |
| Book | Class 9 English Kaveri Book |
| Poem Number | Poem 5 |
| Author | David Roth |
| Narrator | First Person Observer |
| Setting | Special Olympics Athletic Field |
| Theme | Compassion, Unity, True Sportsmanship and Human Kindness |
- Nine Gold Medals Summary
- Nine Gold Medals Theme based Questions
- Nine Gold Medals Explanation
- Nine Gold Medals Literary Devices
- Nine Gold Medals Summary in Hindi
Related:
Question: Give a Summary of the Class 9 English Poem ‘Nine Gold Medals’.
Ans. “Nine Gold Medals” is a beautifully written and deeply touching poem that celebrates the power of compassion and human kindness over personal ambition and competition.
Nine athletes had come from all over the country to participate in a hundred-yard dash at the Special Olympics. They had trained for many weeks and months and were fully prepared and determined to give their best. Spectators had gathered around the field and excitement was at its peak as the final event of the day was about to begin.
The signal was given and the pistol fired. All nine runners charged ahead with full energy and determination. But the smallest among them suddenly stumbled and staggered and fell hard on the asphalt track. He cried out in frustration and anguish as he felt that all his dreams and hard work had been destroyed in that single moment.
Then something extraordinary and deeply moving happened. All eight other runners stopped immediately. They pulled up on their heels, turned around one by one and went back to where the young boy had fallen. Together they helped him to his feet. Then all nine runners joined hands and walked together to the finish line completing the hundred-yard dash not as a race but as a beautiful and powerful act of unity and compassion.
All nine athletes received gold medals that day. The standing ovation from the crowd and the nine beaming and joyful faces said more than any words ever could. The banner above the field reading “Special Olympics” could not have been more perfectly fitting for this extraordinary and heartwarming moment.
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Questions Based on the Themes of ‘Nine Gold Medals’
Question: How does the poem show compassion over competition?
Ans. The poem beautifully shows that when given a choice between personal victory and helping another human being, all eight runners chose compassion without any hesitation. They gave up their chance of winning individual medals to help a fallen fellow athlete. This powerful choice shows us that true greatness lies not in defeating others but in lifting them up when they need help the most.
Question: What is the significance of all nine runners receiving gold medals?
Ans. In a normal race only the fastest person receives a gold medal. But here all nine athletes received gold medals because they all demonstrated something far more valuable than speed, selfless human kindness. Their gold medals represent the highest achievement a human being can reach, choosing compassion over personal ambition and unity over individual glory.
Question: How does the poem justify its title “Nine Gold Medals”?
Ans. The title works on two levels. Literally it refers to the nine gold medals given to all the athletes at the end of the race. Symbolically it represents nine golden hearts, nine human beings who chose kindness, unity and compassion over personal victory. The title beautifully captures the central message that the truest and most valuable gold is always found in the human heart.
Question: Describe the writing style of the poem.
Ans. The poem is written in a simple, warm and deeply narrative style. It reads almost like a story being told by an eyewitness which makes it feel immediate, personal and deeply real. The language is clear and accessible yet the emotions it carries are profound and universal. The poem builds tension gradually through the race and then releases it beautifully through the extraordinary act of compassion making it an unforgettable and deeply moving reading experience.
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Nine Gold Medals Explanation
Stanza
The athletes had come from all over the country
To run for the gold, for the silver, and bronze
Many weeks and months of training
All coming down to these games.
Word Meanings
athletes: people trained in sports
gold, silver, bronze: medals for first, second, and third place
training: practice to improve skills
coming down to: leading up to or depending on
Explanation: The poet describes athletes from across the country who had gathered to compete in games. Their goal is to win medals, gold, silver, or bronze.
The stanza highlights the hard work and dedication of the athletes, who have spent many weeks and months preparing for this moment. All their effort and training now depend on their performance in these games.
Overall, it shows the importance of determination, preparation, and the spirit of competition.
Questions related to the stanza above-
Question: From where had the athletes gathered for the competition?
Ans. The athletes came from all over the country to compete for gold, silver, and bronze medals in the games.
Question 2. What does the stanza emphasize about the athletes’ preparation?
Ans. It highlights many weeks and months of training, all coming down to their performance in these crucial games.
Question 3. What is the ultimate goal of the athletes in the poem?
Ans. The athletes aim to run for the gold, silver, and bronze, showcasing the spirit of competition and determination.
Stanza
The spectators gathered around the old field
To cheer on all the young women and men
The final event of the day was approaching
Excitement was high to begin.
Word Meanings
spectators: people who watch an event
gathered: came together
cheer: shout in support
approaching: coming near
excitement: feeling of joy and eagerness
Explanation: The poet describes the scene at the sports field where people have come together to watch the event. The spectators are there to encourage and support the young athletes.
The final event of the day is about to begin, creating a sense of anticipation and excitement among everyone present. The atmosphere is lively and full of energy.
Overall, the stanza captures the enthusiasm of the crowd and the thrilling moment before the last competition starts.
Questions related to the stanza above-
Question: Who gathers around the old field and why?
Ans. Spectators gather to cheer on the young women and men athletes as the final event of the day approaches with high excitement.
Question: What builds anticipation in the second stanza?
Ans.The final event approaching heightens excitement among spectators cheering the young athletes on the old field.
Question: How does the stanza describe the atmosphere before the final competition?
Ans. The atmosphere is lively with spectators’ cheers and high excitement as the day’s final event nears
Stanza
The blocks were all lined up for those who would use them
The hundred-yard dash and the race to be run
These were nine resolved athletes in the back of the starting line
Poised for the sound of the gun.
Word Meanings
blocks: starting blocks used by runners
hundred-yard dash: a short sprint race
resolved: determined
starting line: the line where the race begins
poised: ready and prepared
sound of the gun: signal to start the race
Explanation: The poet describes the moment just before the race begins. The starting blocks are set, and the race is the hundred-yard dash, a fast sprint competition.
Nine determined athletes stand at the starting line, fully prepared and focused. They are waiting in a ready position for the gunshot that will signal the start of the race.
The stanza captures the tension, focus, and anticipation just before the competition begins.
Questions related to the stanza above-
Question: What race is about to begin with the nine athletes?
Ans. The hundred-yard dash, a short sprint, with nine resolved athletes poised at the starting line behind the blocks, awaiting the gunshot signal.
Question: How are the nine athletes described at the starting line?
Ans.The nine resolved athletes are poised and ready at the back of the starting line for the hundred-yard dash gun signal.
Question: What heightens tension in the third stanza of Nine Gold Medals?
Ans. The scene with starting blocks lined up, hundred-yard dash imminent, and nine determined athletes poised for the gun’s sound, heightens tension.
Stanza
The signal was given, the pistol exploded
And so did the runners all charging ahead
But the smallest among them, he stumbled and staggered
And fell to the asphalt instead.
Word Meanings
signal: a sign to start
pistol exploded: the starting gun fired
charging ahead: running forward quickly
stumbled: tripped or lost balance
staggered: moved unsteadily
asphalt: the hard road surface
Explanation: The race begins as the starting gun is fired, and all the runners rush forward with great speed and energy.
However, one runner, the smallest among them, loses his balance. He stumbles, struggles to stay steady, and eventually falls onto the hard track.
This moment introduces a sudden problem in the race, showing how quickly things can change despite preparation and determination.
Questions related to the stanza above-
Question: What happens to the smallest runner immediately after the race starts?
Ans.The smallest athlete stumbles and staggers, falling onto the asphalt while others charge ahead after the pistol explodes.
Question: How does the fourth stanza contrast the race’s start with the incident?
Ans. Explosive gun signal launches runners charging ahead, but the smallest suddenly stumbles, staggers, and falls, turning triumph into tragedy.
Question: What sudden challenge disrupts the hundred-yard dash?
Ans. The smallest runner loses balance, stumbles and staggers to the asphalt right after the starting pistol fires.
Stanza
He gave out a cry of frustration and anguish
His dreams and his efforts dashed in the dirt
But as sure as I’m standing here telling this story
The same goes for what next occurred.
Word Meanings
frustration: feeling of disappointment
anguish: great pain or suffering
dashed: destroyed suddenly
efforts: hard work
occurred: happened
Explanation: The fallen runner cries out in pain and disappointment. All his hard work and dreams seem to be ruined as he lies on the ground.
However, the poet hints that something unexpected and important is about to happen next. The line suggests that what follows will be just as certain and memorable as the story being told.
Overall, the stanza shows the runner’s sadness but also builds curiosity and anticipation for what will happen next.
Questions related to the stanza above-
Question: How does the fallen runner react emotionally after his fall?
Ans. He cries out in frustration and anguish as his dreams and efforts lie dashed in the dirt.
Question: What does the poet emphasize about the fallen runner’s loss?
Ans. The runner’s dreams and hard efforts are suddenly destroyed, scattered in the dirt with his heartbreaking cry.
Question: How does the stanza build suspense after the runner’s fall?
Ans. The poet assures that what happens next is as certain as the story itself, heightening anticipation beyond the runner’s anguish.
Stanza
The eight other runners pulled up on their heels
The ones who had trained for so long to compete
One by one they all turned round and went back to help him
And brought the young boy to his feet.
Word Meanings
pulled up: stopped suddenly
compete: take part in a contest
turned round: turned back
brought to his feet: helped him stand up
Explanation: Something unexpected and touching happens. The other eight runners, who had been competing in the race, suddenly stop running.
Even though they had trained hard to win, they choose kindness over competition. One by one, they turn back to help the boy who had fallen.
Together, they lift him up and help him stand again. This shows true sportsmanship, compassion, and humanity, valuing helping others more than winning.
Questions related to the stanza above-
Question: What surprising action do the eight other runners take after the smallest falls?
Ans.The eight runners who trained for so long to compete suddenly pull up on their heels, turn around, and return to help the fallen boy to his feet.
Question: How does the stanza contrast competition with compassion?
Ans. Despite long training to compete, all eight runners turn round from victory pursuit to collectively bring the young boy to his feet.
Question: What defines true sportsmanship in this pivotal stanza?
Ans.The eight competitors abandon the race, one by one turning back to lift their fallen rival, choosing humanity over individual glory.
Stanza
Then all the nine runners joined hands and continued
The hundred-yard dash now reduced to a walk
And a banner above that said (Special Olympics)
Could not have been more on the mark.
Word Meanings
joined hands: held each other’s hands
continued: went on
reduced: made less
banner: a large sign or flag with words
on the mark: exactly right or appropriate
Explanation: All nine runners show unity and kindness by holding hands and moving together towards the finish line. Instead of competing, they choose to support one another.
The race, which was meant to be a fast sprint, turns into a slow walk because helping their fellow runner becomes more important than winning.
The banner reading “Special Olympics” is described as “on the mark” because it perfectly represents the true spirit of the event—compassion, teamwork, and inclusion over competition.
Overall, the stanza highlights that real victory lies in humanity and togetherness, not in coming first.
Questions related to the stanza above-
Question: How do the nine runners demonstrate unity after helping the fallen athlete?
Ans. All nine runners joined hands and continued the race together, transforming the hundred-yard dash into a slow walk symbolizing compassion over competition.
Question: What change occurs in the race’s nature due to the runners’ collective action?
Ans. The competitive hundred-yard dash gets reduced to a walk as the nine athletes prioritize unity and support over individual victory.
Question: Why is the “Special Olympics” banner described as perfectly fitting?
Ans. The banner reading (Special Olympics) proves “on the mark”, perfectly capturing the event’s true spirit of inclusion, teamwork, and humanity triumphing over rivalry.
Stanza
That’s how the race ended, with nine gold medals
They came to the finish line holding hands still
And a standing ovation and nine beaming faces
Said more than these words ever will.
Word Meanings
finish line: the end point of a race
standing ovation: people standing and clapping to show respect
beaming: smiling brightly
said more than these words ever will: expressed feelings beyond what words can describe
Explanation: The race ends in a unique and heartwarming way. Instead of one winner, all nine runners are treated as winners and receive gold medals.
They cross the finish line together, still holding hands, showing unity and kindness. The audience gives them a standing ovation, appreciating their compassion and sportsmanship.
Their happy, smiling faces express deep emotions that words cannot fully describe. The stanza highlights that true victory lies in humanity, teamwork, and kindness rather than competition.
Questions related to the stanza above-
Question: How does the race uniquely conclude in the final stanza?
Ans. The race ends with nine gold medals awarded as all runners cross the finish line holding hands, celebrating collective humanity over individual victory.
Question: What replaces competitive triumph in Nine Gold Medals’ conclusion?
Ans. A standing ovation and nine beaming faces honor the runners’ unity, expressing emotions that surpass any words.
Question: Why do the runners’ smiling faces speak louder than words?
Ans. Their beaming faces and standing ovation convey profound sportsmanship and joy beyond verbal description as they finish together.
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Question: What Figures of speech have been used in the class 9 English poem Nine Gold Medals
- 1. Alliteration Alliteration is the repetition of a consonant sound at the start of 2 or more consecutive words like stumbled and staggered.
- Metaphor “His dreams and his efforts dashed in the dirt” The poet compares the runner’s dreams and efforts to something physical that can be thrown and broken in the dirt. This powerful metaphor beautifully captures the deep pain and devastation felt by the fallen runner in that moment.
- Personification “The pistol exploded” The pistol is given a human quality of exploding with great force and energy. This personification creates a vivid and dramatic picture of the starting signal and adds great excitement to the beginning of the race.
- Hyperbole “Said more than these words ever will” This is an exaggeration used to emphasize that the expressions on the nine beaming faces and the standing ovation of the crowd were so powerful and meaningful that no words could ever fully describe or capture that extraordinary moment.
- Imagery “Fell to the asphalt instead” The poet creates a very vivid and painful visual image of the smallest runner falling hard on the rough asphalt track. The reader can almost feel the impact of the fall making this moment deeply real and emotionally powerful.
“Nine beaming faces” This beautiful image of nine bright and joyful faces at the finish line creates a warm, uplifting and deeply satisfying picture in the reader’s mind at the end of the poem. - Simile “As sure as I’m standing here telling this story” The narrator compares the certainty of what happened next to the certainty of his own physical presence. This simile makes the poem feel like a genuine and honest eyewitness account of a real and extraordinary event.
- Repetition “For the gold, for the silver, and bronze” The repetition of the word “for” emphasizes the importance and value of each medal and the strong desire of every athlete to win one for all their hard work and months of dedicated training.
- Symbolism “Nine Gold Medals” The nine gold medals are a powerful symbol of compassion, unity and selfless humanity. They do not symbolize athletic speed or individual victory but rather the golden quality of nine human hearts that chose kindness over personal glory and competition.
“Joined Hands” The image of all nine runners joining hands is a beautiful symbol of unity, togetherness and the triumph of human compassion over individual ambition and competitive spirit.
- Irony “The hundred-yard dash now reduced to a walk” There is a beautiful irony here. A race that was meant to be run at full speed ended up being completed as a slow and gentle walk. Yet this walk was far more powerful, meaningful and memorable than any fast race could ever have been.
- Antithesis “The hundred-yard dash now reduced to a walk” The sharp contrast between “dash” and “walk” creates a powerful antithesis that highlights the transformation of a competitive race into a beautiful act of unity and compassion making this one of the most memorable lines in the entire poem.
Nine Gold Medals FAQs
Question: What is the poem Nine Gold Medals about?
Ans. It is about nine Special Olympics athletes who stop their race to help the smallest runner who stumbled and fell. Together they walk hand in hand to the finish line and all nine receive gold medals.
Question: What is the theme of Nine Gold Medals?
Ans. The central theme is that compassion and human kindness are far greater than personal victory. True winning means lifting others up when they fall rather than simply crossing the finish line first.
Question: What is the moral of the poem?
Ans. The moral is that humanity and compassion must always come before personal ambition. When we choose to help others instead of chasing individual glory we achieve something far more precious and lasting than any medal.
Question: What is the significance of the Special Olympics in the poem?
Ans. The Special Olympics represents the celebration of every human being’s dignity and ability. The poem perfectly captures its true spirit, not just winning races but supporting, celebrating and uplifting every single participant with kindness and compassion.
Question: Why did all nine runners receive gold medals?
Ans. All nine received gold medals because they all demonstrated the highest human quality, selfless compassion. By stopping to help a fallen teammate they showed that their hearts were made of pure gold far more valuable than any athletic achievement. All nine runners finished the race together.
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Summary of the Poem Nine Gold Medals in Hindi
“नौ स्वर्ण पदक” एक बेहद प्रेरणादायक और भावुक कविता है जो हमें यह सिखाती है कि सच्ची जीत व्यक्तिगत सफलता में नहीं बल्कि दूसरों की मदद करने में होती है। यह कविता स्पेशल ओलंपिक्स की एक सच्ची घटना पर आधारित है जो हर पढ़ने वाले के दिल को छू जाती है।
नौ एथलीट पूरे देश से स्पेशल ओलंपिक्स में भाग लेने आए थे। वे सभी सोने, चांदी और कांसे के पदक के लिए सौ गज की दौड़ में हिस्सा लेने वाले थे। उन सभी ने कई हफ्तों और महीनों तक कड़ी मेहनत और अभ्यास किया था। दर्शक मैदान के चारों ओर इकट्ठा हो गए थे और उत्साह अपने चरम पर था क्योंकि यह दिन का आखिरी और सबसे महत्वपूर्ण कार्यक्रम था।
पिस्तौल की आवाज़ हुई और सभी नौ धावक पूरी ताकत से आगे की ओर दौड़ पड़े। लेकिन उनमें से सबसे छोटा धावक अचानक लड़खड़ाया और डामर की सड़क पर गिर पड़ा। वह दर्द और निराशा से चिल्लाया क्योंकि उसे लगा कि उसके सारे सपने और महीनों की मेहनत एक ही पल में मिट्टी में मिल गई।
तभी कुछ ऐसा हुआ जो सबने देखा लेकिन किसी ने उम्मीद नहीं की थी। बाकी आठों धावक अचानक रुक गए। उन्होंने पीछे मुड़कर देखा और एक-एक करके वापस उस गिरे हुए लड़के के पास गए। सभी ने मिलकर उसे उठाया और उसके पैरों पर खड़ा किया। यह देखकर पूरा मैदान हैरान रह गया।
इसके बाद सभी नौ धावकों ने एक-दूसरे का हाथ थामा और साथ मिलकर धीरे-धीरे चलते हुए फिनिश लाइन की ओर बढ़े। सौ गज की दौड़ अब एक दौड़ नहीं रही थी, वह एक साथ मिलकर चलने की एक खूबसूरत और शक्तिशाली यात्रा बन गई थी। ऊपर लगा बैनर जिस पर लिखा था “स्पेशल ओलंपिक्स” इस पल को और भी सार्थक बना रहा था।
सभी नौ धावक हाथ थामे हुए एक साथ फिनिश लाइन पर पहुंचे और सभी नौ को स्वर्ण पदक दिए गए। दर्शकों ने खड़े होकर तालियां बजाईं और नौ चमकते हुए चेहरों की खुशी ने वह सब कह दिया जो शब्दों में कहना मुमकिन नहीं था।
यह कविता हमें सिखाती है कि सच्ची जीत वह नहीं होती जब हम अकेले पहले स्थान पर आते हैं। सच्ची जीत वह होती है जब हम किसी गिरे हुए इंसान को उठाते हैं और उसका हाथ थामकर साथ चलते हैं। इन नौ धावकों के नौ स्वर्ण पदक उनकी दौड़ की गति के लिए नहीं बल्कि उनके सुनहरे दिलों के लिए थे।
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