NCERT Khel Yatra Textbook of Physical Education and Well‑Being for Class 8 (Code 887)—with vibrant colours and dynamic design capturing the essence of movement, health, and holistic fitness.
Overview: Khel Yatra – Physical Education & Well‑Being for Class 8 (Code 887)
1. Curriculum Framework & Vision
This textbook aligns with NCF‑SE 2023 and NEP 2020, marking Physical Education and Well‑Being as a core curricular area at the middle school stage. It aims to promote holistic development through fitness, sports, and self-awareness.
2. Content Structure & Unit Breakdown
“Khel Yatra” for Grade 8 presents a structured progression across six comprehensive units:
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Foundations of Physical Education and Well-Being
— Introduces PE concepts, safety measures, physical literacy, and holistic health through games, discussions, and movement-based explorations. -
Physical and Motor Fitness
— Develops fitness components like endurance, strength, flexibility, and balance—essential for physical prowess and injury prevention. -
Fundamental Skills of Athletics
— Covers track and field skills such as sprinting, jumping, reaction drills, broad and high jump techniques, and more— blending foundational skills with gameplay context. -
Fundamental Skills of Table Tennis
— Teaches gripping, footwork, varied strokes (forehand/backhand, spins, smashes), and gameplay dynamics to develop coordination and control. -
Fundamental Skills of Volleyball
— Focuses on team sport techniques like underhand/overhead passing, serving, setting, spiking, blocking, and strategic drills. -
Yoga
— Encourages physical, mental, and emotional well-being through asana, pranayama, dhyana, and exploration of values like yama and niyama.
3. Pedagogical Approach & Core Values
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Holistic Well‑Being: Combines physical activity with emotional and social learning, teaching values like teamwork, discipline, and fair play.
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Inclusivity & Cultural Context: Embraces gender equality, cultural rootedness, and peer learning within the activities.
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Interactive Learning: Activities feature gamified drills, collaborative sessions, safety protocols, physical and bio-concept integration, and group discussions to enrich classroom experience.
4. Educational Significance
This textbook not only builds motor skills and sports competencies but also nurtures self-regulation, emotional resilience, and social awareness. By blending physical activity with reflections on health, ethics, and teamwork, Khel Yatra equips students for lifelong well-being.
In a Nutshell
The NCERT Khel Yatra Textbook for Class 8 provides much more than physical training—it’s an engaging, values-infused learning journey. From mastering sport-specific skills to nurturing mindfulness and cooperation, the book is a key resource for developing well-rounded, healthy, and resilient students.

