Star Boys team from Gundigere emerged as the champions in the seventh annual flood-lit district-level volleyball tournament organised by Four Star Yuvaka Sangha at Edapala School grounds.
In a tough final match, the Star Boys team edged past T K Rambo team with scores of 21-19 and 26-24.
Star Boys and the host team Four Star came face to face during the first semi-final. Star Boys registered victory with scores of 21-18 and 22-20, to enter the finals.
T K Rambo of Bajagolli entered the semi-finals by beating Oasis Hodavada. T K Rambo team won with scores of 25-23 and 21-19 to enter the final match.
A total of 32 teams took part in the volleyball tournament.
Shiyab of Star Boys Gundigere won the best attacker award while Sandy from T K Rambo won the title of budding player and Ranjith from T K Rambo was declared as the best all-rounder.
Madikeri Rural CPI C N Diwaker, District Congress Minority Cell vice president Harris Muhammed and others were present.
President’s medal winner CPI C N Diwaker and a newly elected member of Nariyandada Gram Panchayat K E Muhammed were felicitated on the occasion.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / January 04th, 2021
A two-day football tournament in memory of Diego Maradona, organised by Friends Club in Suntikoppa, was flagged-off at GMP School grounds in Suntikoppa on Saturday.
District Consumer Redressal Forum president A Lokesh Kumar inaugurated the tournament.
Speaking on the occasion, he said that sports help in the physical wellbeing of an individual.
Gram Panchayat PDO Venugopal said that Suntikoppa is known for being active in football events and has produced national and international level players.
The annual Hockey Festival, competed among different Kodava families, still holds a lot of interest but the quality of talent from the district has declined over the years.
The joy was unmistakable on the faces of SV Sunil and VR Raghunath. In a country where sporting recognition – other than cricket – is hard to come by, the duo from Kodagu was delighted to see their photos on the walls of the recently-unveiled Hall Of Fame at the Karnataka Olympic Association. Sunil, the current Indian hockey team striker, and Raghunath, former ace drag-flicker turned administrator, constantly kept snapping photos, delighted to be placed amongst decorated athletes who have brought laurels to Karnataka and India.
SV Sunil is lone player from Kodagu in the Indian team at the moment.
A little later, that joy turned into deep introspection when Indian Olympic Association president Narinder Batra spoke about a painful yet plain fact. The former Hockey India president didn’t mince words when he queried about the declining state of hockey in Kodagu as well as Karnataka.
“Coorg has given national players for so many years but nowadays, I don’t see any youngsters coming up,” he lamented. “What is happening to hockey in Coorg where the sport once was so popular? They are tall, well-built and add value to the team. We have always had the best of the players coming from Karnataka and Coorg. So what’s bothering me is why now players aren’t coming from there.”
Batra’s concern was legitimate. In fact, that has been on the minds of many former hockey players from Kodagu, where the sport holds a special place in the hearts of all. From having produced several Olympians, World Cuppers and Asian Games medallists — some of them considered among the finest the country has seen — Kodagu now has barely any representation in the national team. Sunil, 31 years old and in the twilight of a decent career, is the only player from Kodagu in the senior team while there are just two in the junior probables. Youngsters SK Uthappa, Nikkin Thimmaiah and Nithin Thimmaiah, who were part of the senior core group a few years ago, have drifted away.
“The current situation is not good at all,” admitted Raghunath, vice-president of Hockey Karnataka. “The interest is still there, kids still like to play hockey in Coorg but the quality of talent coming through is not great. The coaching at the junior level is also not up to the mark. Evidence is our performance in the national championships. When we were playing, Karnataka constantly finished inside the top-3 in the nationals. A bulk of the players representing Karnataka were from Kodagu. Since we did well in the nationals, we caught the eyes of the selectors and were picked for the probables camp.
“But since 2015 our performance in the nationals — sub-junior, junior and senior — has not been up to the mark. Performances across categories have dropped considerably. We’ve not made it to the top-4 which means the selectors won’t see us. And if they don’t see, then the players don’t get picked. So firstly, performances in the nationals need to improve. Talent-wise, coaching-wise, Kodagu and Karnataka have been found wanting in the last 4-5 years. Serious course correction needs to be undertaken and we are doing that.”
One of the reasons behind the decline in talent is administrative chaos. Ever since Hockey Karnataka came into the picture a decade ago and replaced Karnataka Hockey Association (now known as Hockey Bengaluru) as the official body, things have been difficult for the players. While the administrators jostled for power and bragging rights, the players ended up losing direction in the melee. Tensions have calmed down considerably between Hockey Karnataka and Hockey Bengaluru, but the damage was done.
“Hockey Karnataka, Hockey Bengaluru, Hockey Coorg, it just became very confusing for the players,” felt Raghunath. “There was a big identity crisis. Players didn’t know who to represent. Talents got scattered. It became messy. Thankfully, that’s been sorted with just one team from state. Now, all of us are focussed on resurrecting the sport.”
AB Subbiah, secretary-general of Hockey Karnataka, felt it’s unfair to blame the administrators completely. “Yes, our issues could have led to the decline in standards of the sport in Coorg and Karnataka. But, we’ve buried the hatchet now. We are looking forward to working together. There are other reasons why talents are not coming through. Firstly, many kids who come to the hostels (DYES and SAI) end up focussing more on education than sports. The ones who excel in hockey are poached by institutional teams. Players obviously will take it up because of employment reason. Finally, the coaching levels at the grassroots level has gone down while hockey hotbeds of Punjab, Haryana and Odisha have upped the ante.
“While there’s still plenty of interest for hockey in Coorg with the Family Cup and other tournaments receiving a lot of entries, it’s not a viable career choice anymore. Parents are aware of that and force the kids to focus on academics. Earlier, the Hockey India League, just like IPL, presented them an opportunity. Now, HIL has hit a roadblock. Options are very limited now. Kids are much smarter now and are very career oriented. So, once they realise they are not extremely talented and can’t make it big in hockey, they just switch over to academics.”
Raghunath acknowledged there’s no quick fix solution to the problem and the current dispensation is very serious about bringing the glory days back. “When I entered into administration, I figured we need to start from the grassroots level. In fact it was a no-brainer. So, VS Vinay, Vikramkanth and I are coaching the sub-junior and junior lads. We’ve even sought help from national junior coach BJ Kariappa. He has shared some valuable information with us.
“We three are actively coaching the juniors and the kids are very receptive. We really need to get the kids back to the sport. Make them understand the sport can provide them a livelihood. We’ve just started and I’m confident things will improve over the next couple of years. We are keenly looking forward to the nationals next year.”
The concerns are genuine and the efforts to address them seem earnest. Hopefully, the glory days of Kodagu will be restored soon.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Sports> Other Sports / by Sidney Kiran , DHNS- Bengaluru / December 20th, 2020
Rohan Bopanna will partner Portugal’s World No 75 Joao Sousa to begin the 2021 season, including at the Australian Open.
Indian tennis ace Rohan Bopanna (File photo)
Chennai :
Rohan Bopanna will partner Portugal’s Joao Sousa (World No 75) to begin the 2021 season, including at the Australian Open. “I was going to play with Austria’s Jurgen Melzer initially but after the dates changed, that wasn’t feasible. So I have decided to play with Sousa,” he told TNIE .
The first event they will play as a pair is at an ATP 250 event in Melbourne, beginning January 31. Post that, they will play at the Australian Open. Because of the regulations, it’s not going to be easy, it’s something the 40-year-old concedes. For him to play the event beginning January 31, he has to be onsite from January 15.
“I am leaving India on January 14, serve my two weeks of quarantine, do multiple Covid-19 tests and get ready for the 250.” The one good thing is that they will be allowed to practice during the quarantine. “We can practice five hours everyday, but the five hours will include everything… gym work, physio, recovery work in the pool as well as playing on the court.”
However, World No 39 isn’t complaining. “I am just happy because playing amid the pandemic is not easy, so, yeah.” He had been subjected to about 40 Covid-19 tests while he was playing from August to November. More tests await. “There will be one before I leave, one upon arrival and five tests in two weeks before quarantine finishes.”
His plans — including finding a partner — after the Australian swing is evolving. “The one good thing is I am not defending a lot of points in that three-month stretch right to the French Open. I have to play with somebody which will enable to play in the Masters events.” Right now, though, his focus is on Melbourne. Do well there and he will begin an important year — his 23rd on the professional circuit — with the right foot forward.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Sport> Tennis / December 25th, 2020
The 10th Annual Codava National Council (CNC) Thok Namme (Gun Carnival) will be held Dec. 18 at 10.30 am at Kolakeri in Napoklu to mark “World Minorities Rights Day.”
Gun is a part and parcel of Kodavas and to showcase the valour and rich folkloric cultural heritage of the community. The Thok Namme is scheduled to be held at Cauvery Estate of Appachira Rammi Nanaiah in Kolakeri.
All participants are requested to carry their guns to the ceremony. This programme is intended to showcase warrior-hood tribal traits of the community. As pet the schedule, a mass worship of guns will be performed on the banks of River Cauvery. The ritual will be led by CNC President N.U. Nachappa, followed by Thok Paat (folkloric weapon prayer).
Later, a shooting competition for men, women and children will be held followed by a public meeting. Prize distribution will be held and traditional Kodava food will be served to all participants.
Gun right, a clarification
In the wake of Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Annies Kanmani Joy issuing orders to all gun holders in Kodagu to surrender the same due to the forthcoming Gram Panchayat elections, the CNC has clarified that gun licence is different and gun exemption is different.
During elections, under the directions from the Election Commission of India, all District administrations, Collectorates and Commissionerates will issue orders to all gun licence holders to surrender their weapons by depositing it in the nearest Police Station till the completion of election process to facilitate smooth electoral exercise as well as to maintain peace and tranquillity. “This order will not and does not apply to a Kodava community member as the community is exempted from Indian Arms Act to possess firearms or guns. This was clarified in 1994 during the period of Chief Election Commissioner of India T.N. Sheshan who reformed India’s electoral system.
Sheshan made it clear that the exemption certificate holders and also those who consider weapons as sacred and gun as an article of worship, this order of depositing the guns during elections will not apply, the CNC stated.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / December 12th, 2020
Joshna’s contemporary Dipika Pallikal has competed in 297 PSA Tour matches. England’s Alison Waters (487) and Camille Serme (France, 439) have topped the list in the women’s category.
Joshna Chinappa achieved the unique feat in the CIB-Black Ball Squash Open in Cairo (Egypt). – RITU RAJ KONWAR (FILE PHOTO)
India squashplayer Joshna Chinappabecame the first Indian female player and second (male and female) to play 400 PSA Tour squash matches.
The 34-year-old achieved the unique feat in the CIB-Black Ball Squash Open in Cairo (Egypt).
The Indian, seeded 10, defeated Julianne Courtice of England 10-12, 11-6, 11-9, 12-10 in the women’s first round.
Only Saurav Ghosal (444) has played more than Joshna.
Joshna’s contemporary Dipika Pallikal has competed in 297 PSA Tour matches. England’s Alison Waters (487) and Camille Serme (France, 439) have topped the list in the women’s category.
source: http://www.sportstar.thehindu.com / SportStar / Home> Squash / by Team SportStar / Chennai – December 09th, 2020
It is not uncommon for people to spot someone walking by the road holding a rifle in Kodagu district.
Youths practise coconut shooting while their father looks on, in Madikeri. (Photo | Express)
Madikeri :
It is not uncommon for people to spot someone walking by the road holding a rifle in Kodagu district. Guns are a part of its culture even as Jamma holders of the district and the Kodava community enjoy the privilege of exemption from the Arms Act. Gunshots are often fired in the air as part of many ritualistic practices in the district.
Further, apart from ancestral practices and rituals, the rifles are now extensively used to shoot coconuts – which has turned into a popular sport among the residents of the district. Coconut shooting competitions that used to be organised in households during Kodava festivals are now being organised more frequently by various forums and with no bar on caste or community. These competitions have gained momentum in the recent past – especially after the relaxation in the Covid-19 lockdown.
“Covid-19 situation had turned the entire world gloomy. Everyone was at home and most of them were bored of the monotonous routine. Following the relaxation of Covid norms, the Nelaji Mahila Samaj planned to host a coconut shooting competition at Nelaji,” explained Appumaniyanda Daisy Somanna, secretary of the Mahila Samaj. One of the first sport activities after the lockdown, this competition saw participation from 158 enthusiasts – including women, men and children.
Appanderanda Dinu, one of the organisers of coconut shooting competition at B Shettegeri opined that this event is one of the best sport activity options available during the pandemic. Apart from becoming the best sports huddle during the pandemic, shooting competitions are extensively promoting shooting skills among residents – especially youngsters.
“Shooting has been a part of our lives. My granddad had served in the Indian Army. My father developed interest in shooting because of his father. Now, we are being coached by my father,” explained Nilma Ponnnu Manavattira, a youngster who does not miss taking part in these shooting competitions.
Alongside her siblings Nilika and Bopanna, she participates in every shooting event and the family has won many trophies in these events.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Prajna GR / Express News Service / December 08th, 2020
MLC Veena Achaiah releases the logo of Makkanduru Kodava Samaja women’s team.
The youth should not succumb to addictions. Instead, they should work with a commitment to preserve Kodava culture, said MLC Sunil Subramani M P.
Inaugurating the ‘Puttari Urorme’ and ‘Kol Mandh’ organised by Kodava Samaja in Makkanduru recently, he said that today, the real Kodava culture is alive in rural areas and it is the duty of everyone to preserve the same.
“The youth should gather knowledge on Kodava culture and should take over the responsibility of passing the knowledge to the next generation,” he added.
Codava National Council president N U Nachappa said that there is a necessity for Kodavas to claim the tribal status, as per the Constitution, through a peaceful struggle.
Traditional ‘Kolata’ was performed after offering prayers at Sri Bhadrakaleshwari Temple in Makkanduru and taking out a procession to ‘Ummetti Kol Mandh’.
‘Kattiyatt’, ‘Bolakkatt’ and ‘Ummattatt’ were also performed.
The new logo of the women’s team of Makkanduru Kodava Samaja was released by MLC Veena Achaiah, while N U Nachappa released the logo of the youth team.
Kodava Samaja president Napanda M Kalappa presided over the programme. Entrepreneur Aichettira Bopanna and others were present.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / December 06th, 2020
The Pancharangi actor is excited to be a part of the film that will mark the directorial debut of directors Pavan and Prasad; it will be the second project bankrolled by Lohith H’s Friday Films.
Nidhi Subbaiah
Lohith H is set to present a horror film starring Nidhi Subbaiah, which will mark the directorial debut of Pavan and Prasad. This is the second project bankrolled by Friday Films after Life is Beautiful, and the movie will be made in association with Silver Train international and C K Cine Creations, and produced by Kishore Narasimhaiah, Biji Arun and Chethan Krishanappa.
The Pancharangi heroine is excited about taking up a horror subject. It will be Nidhi Subbaiah’s first attempt at this kind of a plot. “Watching a thriller or a horror film has been my daily dose of entertainment, and now I will be getting to explore one such subject,” she says, adding, “The fear of the unknown is what thrills me, and keeps me curious to know what’s next. It’s something I am looking forward to being a part of. What compounds the thrill is that I have two filmmakers directing me, and I am getting associated with the production house for the first time. All this makes it all the more interesting.”
The 15-films old actor, who has mostly worked in Kannada and Hindi projects, was last seen in Shivarajkumar’s Ayushman Bhava, in which she made a guest appearance. While the pandemic was one of the reasons for her to go slow, the actor of films like Anna Bond and Krishnan Marriage Story and Ajab Gazabb Love has also been selective about her projects.
“Post Pancharangi, I had directors coming in with similar bubbly roles, which I felt was monotonous. I felt I might as well be in a 9 to 5 job rather than doing the same role over and over again. I waited for a good film to come by, which I could finally bag. A good subject excites me to go to the sets,” says Nidhi, who is planning to start the shooting from mid-January. “The producers plan to shoot the film at one stretch,” she says.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Entertainment> Kannada / by Express News Service / December 05th, 2020
Since he resumed touring this year in August, Rohan Bopanna says he has undergone the coronavirus test “30-40” times.
India’s highest-ranked doubles player, ranked World No. 39, Rohan Bopanna, 40, reached the quarter-finals of the Paris Masters last week, with his partner, Austrian player Oliver Marach, before they lost 6-0, 7-6. Since he resumed touring this year in August, the 2017 French Open Mixed Doubles champion says he has undergone the coronavirus test “30-40” times.
What precautions are you taking given the coronavirus?
While travelling for tournaments the most important precaution was getting tested, almost every four days. The organisers asked us not to high-five or fist-bump that often, and do the racquet tap instead. As doubles players, we have been asked to not talk about strategy holding the ball in front of the mouth (players do that to ensure the other side can’t read their lips)… Most of the time we follow these precautions. But sometimes, on the spur of the moment, you just instinctively do the fist-bump. It’s a habit… we have been doing it for 15-20 years.
Also, now, we carry several sanitiser bottles in our bags. Wearing a mask has become normal. There have been times when I have entered a hotel room, and only realised after 10 minutes that I still have the mask on… We have become so used to them. The only time I take off the mask is when I’m playing or eating. Before a short flight too, I try and eat beforehand so that I don’t have to in the flight. That way I avoid taking off the mask.
Have you got yourself tested for Covid-19?
From starting the tour in August to returning to Bangalore recently, I have been tested at least 35-40 times. The day you land at a new venue and enter the hotel, you have to go in for testing. Then you have to be in the room and quarantine till the result comes. Then, in 48 hours, there’s another test, and then a test every fourth day.
What was your routine like in self-isolation?
The first two-and-a-half months of the lockdown, I was in Coorg (in Karnataka) with my family. There was enough space for my daughter to play around. And it may have been 25 years since I managed to spend that much time with family.
I went for morning walks with my daughter. I enjoyed home food and being at home.
I also started Iyengar Yoga, which was suggested by a cousin because of the condition of my knees — I don’t have cartilage any more in either patella (knee cap). It has completely worn off over the years. The couple staying next door conduct the yoga classes and I have been attending them since then. It has made a tremendous difference to my knees. I also experimented with cooking.
What kind of gloves and mask do you use?
I don’t use gloves much. But I use masks (the regular ones). There were some made of organic material that my wife bought online. I use those along with the light-blue ones when I travel.
While interacting with people at work, how do you ensure safety?
I don’t think I have greeted anyone with a hug (since the tour resumed). It is either an elbow tap or a ‘Hi’. Even at restaurants (during the tour), everyone kept a good enough distance from each other. In locker rooms too, everybody is wearing masks.
How long did you go without seeing your family?
I was with my family during the lockdown. When the tour resumed, I didn’t travel with anyone. So I was away from them for around two months.
While travelling, what precautions do you take?
I carry sanitisers and masks. When I board a flight, I use alcohol wipes to clean the hand rests, seat belt and tray because those are the things that are normally touched by everyone. And I make sure not to touch my face with my hands. I also sanitise my hands all the time.
How much time do you spend in front of a screen?
It varies. During the indoor season, when there are not many courts to play or practise on, one is either watching the game from the stands or in the room. So the screen time is a lot more. But, in general, before the pandemic, I would spend around a couple of hours in a day on screens. Now, this is easily around five or six hours.
How do you keep your mind off the pandemic?
Things that I cannot control don’t worry me. I just take precautions.
What is the first thing you want to do in a Covid-free world?
Explore cities. We keep going to so many cities for tournaments, and I always enjoy exploring places when I have some free time. I like to go for walks, do something a little different. So that’s the thing I’d like to do.
source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> Sports> Tennis / by Shahid Judge / November 15th, 2020
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