Q.How is the strength test administered under the SAI Khelo India Fitness Test different for boys and girls? Describe the Push-Ups (boys) and Modified Push-Ups (girls) procedures.

The SAI Khelo India Fitness Test uses different strength-test protocols for boys and girls to account for physiological differences in upper-body strength development during school years.

For boys (age 5–18 years): the strength test is the standard Push-Up.

Procedure for Push-Ups (boys):

• Start in a prone position with hands placed shoulder-width apart, fingers pointing forward, and arms fully extended.
• The body must form a straight line from head to heels; only the palms and toes touch the ground.
• Lower the body by bending the elbows until the chest nearly touches the floor (upper arms parallel to the ground).
• Push back up to the starting position with arms fully extended. This counts as one repetition.
• The back and legs remain straight throughout; sagging hips or arching the back invalidates the repetition.
• Perform as many correct repetitions as possible without rest.

For girls (age 5–18 years): the strength test is the Modified Push-Up (also called knee push-up).

Procedure for Modified Push-Ups (girls):

• Start in a prone position with hands shoulder-width apart, but the knees remain on the ground instead of the toes.
• The body forms a straight line from head to knees; only the palms and knees touch the ground.
• Lower the body by bending the elbows until the chest nearly touches the floor.
• Push back up to full arm extension. This counts as one repetition. …

Why the Khelo India Fitness Test differentiates strength assessment

The SAI Khelo India Fitness Test recognizes that upper-body strength development differs between boys and girls during school years, largely due to physiological factors like muscle mass distribution and hormonal influences. Rather than applying a single impossible standard or ignoring strength assessment for one group, the test adapts the movement pattern while preserving the training principle: both versions demand coordinated contraction of chest, shoulders, triceps, and core stabilizers. The modified push-up reduces the load by shortening the lever arm, making the assessment developmentally appropriate while still measuring genuine strength and endurance.

This differentiation serves a pedagogical purpose. It allows every student to be assessed on a challenging but achievable task, encouraging participation and progressive improvement rather than discouragement. The test is not about comparing boys to girls; it is about tracking each individual's fitness journey within a realistic framework.

Push-Ups procedure for boys

The standard push-up demands full-body tension and control.

Starting position: The boy assumes a front-support plank position with hands placed slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, fingers pointing forward. Arms are fully extended. The body forms a straight line from head to heels—no sagging at the hips, no pike at the waist. Weight is supported on the palms and toes only.

Execution:

1. Lower the body by bending the elbows until the chest nearly touches the floor (or comes within a fist's height). The elbows should track at roughly 45° to the torso, not flaring straight out to 90°.
2. Throughout the descent the body remains rigid—head, shoulders, hips, and ankles stay aligned.
3. Push back up by extending the arms fully until the starting position is regained. That completes one repetition.

Counting: Only correctly performed repetitions are counted. Common faults that invalidate a rep include letting the hips sag, raising the hips too high (breaking the plank), not lowering far enough, or pausing excessively between reps. The test continues until the student can no longer maintain proper form or chooses to stop. The total number of correct push-ups is recorded.

Modified Push-Ups procedure for girls

The modified push-up shortens the lever by moving the pivot point from the toes to the knees, reducing the percentage of body weight being lifted.

Starting position: The girl kneels on the floor (a mat is recommended for comfort). She then leans forward and places her hands on the floor slightly wider than shoulder-width, fingers forward. From the knees to the head, the body forms a straight line—shoulders, hips, and knees aligned. The lower legs may be crossed at the ankles and lifted slightly off the floor, or left relaxed; either is acceptable as long as the knees remain the pivot point. Arms are fully extended.

Execution:

1. Lower the upper body by bending the elbows until the chest approaches the floor (again, within a fist's height).
2. Maintain the straight line from knees through the torso to the head—no sagging at the hips, no jutting the chin forward.
3. Push back up to full arm extension. One repetition is complete. …