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Gymkhana Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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gymkhana

[dʒɪmˈkɑːnə ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

sports event

Gymkhana refers to a competitive event involving a series of activities or challenges, often in the form of obstacle courses or timed races. The term is commonly associated with automotive sports, where participants navigate through a course marked by cones or other obstacles. It can also pertain to equestrian events where horse riders perform specific tasks.

Synonyms

competition, event, race.

Examples of usage

  • The gymkhana event attracted many skilled drivers.
  • She participated in a gymkhana competition with her horse.
  • The local car club hosts a gymkhana every summer.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Automobile Culture

  • Gymkhana events often combine driving skills with agility, where drivers navigate through obstacles and perform stunts.
  • A popular modern influence on gymkhana is the YouTube series by Ken Block, which showcases elaborate courses and entertaining driving maneuvers.
  • Many car enthusiasts and racers use gymkhana to display not only speed but also precision driving capabilities.

Sports and Recreation

  • Gymkhana has roots in equestrian sports and includes events like horse jumping and barrel racing.
  • Outside auto racing, gymkhanas can be organized for various sports, utilizing skills such as agility and coordination.
  • The format encourages sportsmanship, as competitors cheer each other on while still competing strongly.

Global Events

  • International gymkhana rallies often draw large crowds and feature multiple disciplines, attracting participants worldwide.
  • Some gymkhana events incorporate local cultural elements, making them unique to their regions and reflecting local traditions.
  • Notable locations for gymkhana competitions include specially designed tracks or even city streets turned into challenging driving courses.

Origin of 'gymkhana'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Hindi term 'jhānkār', meaning a place for games.
  • Originally, it referred to a gathering or competition featuring various athletic or horse-riding activities.
  • The term gained popularity in British India during the 19th century.

The word 'gymkhana' originates from the Hindi word 'jymkhāna', which means a place for athletic exercises. The term was brought to English from India during the British colonial period. It originally described a venue or facility for various sports activities, but over time evolved to represent specific forms of competition involving agility and speed. Gymkhana has been embraced in different contexts, especially in motor sports and equestrian activities, where the focus is on skillful navigation through predetermined courses.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,682, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.