Kodagu, a tiny district in Karnataka, has produced thousands of sportspersons and soldiers for the nation.
Madikeri:
For years, cricket enthusiasts in Kodagu — a tiny district in Karnataka — were enthralled by men playing cricket tournaments. However, the game got a lot more exciting as married women’s cricket matches have now taken the spotlight.
In a remarkable event, a married women’s cricket tournament was held on Sunday, November 5, in Chetalli village of Madikeri taluk. The women participants showcased their cricketing prowess at the district-level match, and the atmosphere was electrifying.
In an intense competition, Team Maldare emerged victorious, claiming the title, while Team Master Blaster secured the second spot. These married women, donning cricket uniforms, put aside their daily chores and responsibilities to celebrate the game they love. With cricket bats in hand, they skillfully hit sixes and fours, proving that they were no less than their male counterparts on the field.
The event came alive even further by various food stalls set up by other women and mesmerising dance performances by the cheer team, which left the Chettalli High School ground brimming with excitement.
Historic moment
The Chettalli High School ground witnessed a unique and historic moment, as the 2nd married women’s open knockout cricket tournament was organised by the Chettalli’s Club. A total of 15 married women’s teams, all above 25 years of age, enthusiastically participated in this 6-over tournament.
In the much-anticipated final, Team Master Blaster won the toss and chose to bat, setting a target of 23 runs in the scheduled four overs. Team Maldare chased down this modest total in just 2.3 overs, securing their victory.
Pushpa Kuttanna, a retired principal of K M Cariappa College, lit the ceremonial lamp, emphasising the vital role women play in society. She commended the efforts of the Chettalli’s Club for organising the tournament exclusively for married women, who often balance family life and responsibilities. This marked a historic moment as the first-ever married women’s cricket tournament in the country.
‘Women can excel in any field’
Aichettira Sunitha Machaiyya, the president of the club, stated that it was established in Chetalli in 2010 with the goal of empowering women. Monthly programmes have been organised, and following the success of the tournament last year, they were inspired to host another tournament.
The winners, Team Maldare, received a cash prize of Rs 21,000 along with a trophy, while Team Master Blaster claimed the second prize of Rs 11,000 and a trophy. Kokeri women’s team secured the third prize, earning Rs 6,000 and a trophy.
Individual awards were also presented, with Bharti of Team Master Blaster named the best bowler, Sujitha of Team Maldare recognized as the best batter, and Anjana of Team Sambhrama awarded the highest run-scorer.
This historic event not only showcased the passion and talent of married women in cricket but also highlighted the importance of gender equality in sports, proving that women can excel in any field they choose.
Guinness record
Kodagu, a tiny district, has produced thousands of sportspersons and soldiers for the nation. The annual Kodava family hockey tournament, started in the year 1997, has secured place in Guinness book of World Records as the largest family hockey tournament in the world.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Bangalore / by News Desk / November 07th, 2023
Following are the prize-winners of 22nd Edition of Kodagu Golf Open Championship-2023 held at J.W. Golf Club in city on Oct. 7 and 8:
Strokeplay Gross – Field Marshall Cariappa Memorial Trophy – Sponsored by K.C. Biddappa: M.A. Bopanna (75 Gross) – Winner (Better Back 9 Over H.S. Arun Kumar); H.S. Arun Kumar (75 Gross) – Runner.
Strokeplay Net (H/C 0 to 12) – Gen. K.S. Thimmaiah Memorial Trophy – Sponsored by Mandovi Motors: Amogh Devaiah (69 Net) – Winner; M.R. Surya Kumar (70 Net) – Runner (Better Back 9 Over P. Ramesh).
Strokeplay Net (H/C 13 to 18) – Sqn. Ldr. M.B. Chittiappa Memorial Trophy – Sponsored by Mallengada B. Nanaiah: K. Mahesh (65 Net) – Winner; M.A. Ramesh (66 Net) – Runner.
Stableford Net (H/C 0 to 18) – Kodagu Warriors Trophy – Sponsored by Star of Mysore: K.L. Jayaprakash (40 Points) – Winner; Rahul R. Jain (39 Points) – Runner (Better Back 9 Over Dr. S. Prasanna Shankar).
Stableford Net (H/C 19 to 24) – Kodagu Challenge Trophy – Sponsored by Mall of Mysore: M. Preethal (42 Points) – Winner; M. Suresh (40 Points) – Runner.
Stableford Net (H/C 0 to 24) for seniors above 65 years – Senior Challenge Trophy – Sponsored by B.G. Jeeth Uthaiah: Dr. S. Prasanna Shankar (39 Points) – Winner; K.M. Veer Mohen (37 Points) – Runner.
Stableford Net (H/C 0 to 24) for super seniors above 75 years – Super Seniors Challenge Trophy – Sponsored by Dr. P.A. Kushalappa: Dr. Placid Lasrado (35 Points) – Winner.
Best Kodagu Golfer – Stableford Net (H/C 0 to 24) – Sponsored by Bopy’s Inn: Dr. K.A. Nanjappa (36 Points) – Winner.
Best Lady Golfer – Stableford Net (H/C 0 to 24) – Sponsored by C.B. Chengappa: Anupama Vatal (35 Points) – Winner.
Nearest to the Pin – 2nd Hole – Sponsored by Ramya Bopanna: Dr. M.N. Guruprasad (3 Feet 11 Inches) – Winner.
Nearest to the Pin – 6th Hole – Sponsored by Travel Parkz: Praveen Chandar (14 Feet 5 Inches) – Winner; Nearest to the Pin – 12th Hole – Sponsored by Praveen Chengappa: K.C. Eapen (18 Feet 6 Inches) – Winner.
Crooked Line – 16th Hole – Sponsored by K.B. Kushalappa: Dr. A.M. Preethi (On The Line) – Winner; Hidden Holes – Sponsored by Brig. N.N. Madappa – S.N. Hemanth – Winner.
A total of 269 golfers took part in the Championship sponsored by Association of Kodagu Golfers of JWGC, according to a press release from JWGC Tournament Sub-Committee Chairman M.A. Bopanna and JWGC Hon. Secretary V.G. Achar.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 09th, 2023
Once, it was my dream to earn medals and show who I was. Now, I have a small community of runners with whom I believe that my dream becomes theirs too. That they believe that they can run! And they are doing it!”
In my 8th grade, I looked insane running around the school when everyone else had gone home or were studying in classrooms.
Born to a family who insisted I take up academics and forget sports, I had decided that I will be a sportsperson. I probed deeper into the aspect of “why”my dad as an Indian Hockey player himself did not support me to pursue sports.
Then I realized it wasn’t easy. My dad was given no choice. His only road to Olympics being cut very easily by the Board member who decided to give the chance to another person to become an Olympian all because they were family members!
I remember hiding all my 200+ medals in a trunk in my room upstairs and lying to my relatives that I did not take up sports at all!
The back story of this this being: There was to be a cross country race for districts that I decided I would participate in. I practiced in the early mornings despite the fact that animals lurked in the forest where my house was located at the time in Coorg, Karnataka. Unbelievably, my practice paid off, I won the race.
I got selected for coaching camp for the state meet and I won individuals for Karnataka, being the first for my school. For the first time, Team Karnataka won a bronze in womens 4*100m relay nationals’ that I was a part of. It was a moment of pride indeed!
Due to an ardent stress to pursue my education and forget sport, I was put in a college with no athletic tracks. I remember being told, “sports is not for the girls, only the boys”. I took the opportunity to start a college athletics team & called ourselves “No playground athletes” and ran about in football court, sometimes working out on the basketball bleachers and sometimes even in the throw ball court! Some of us got selected for All India Athletics meet and running besides legends like Tintu Luka etc was a fortunate one.
Besides this, seeing a few good players in Handball, Hockey and despite having no proper grounds, courts to play, a team was formed for both sports and we went on to become university winners.
When my dad showed his Men’s Hockey cup for zonal level under his captaincy in a university, I took a vow to get a women’s cup as well to sit right next to his in the college library.
And it all paid off! Now our university officially has a hockey, handball and athletics team. I suffered from the drawbacks of a ligament tear for a year but that did not stop me from realising my dreams to pursue my sport passionately!
Very soon recovering from a ligament tear, being 3rd in TCS 10k for Decathlon, this is a start and Decathlon Sports India has given me an opportunity to make a strong running community in Koramangala, Bangalore!
Once, it was a dream to earn the medals and show who I was. Now, I have a small community of runners with whom I believe that my dream becomes theirs too. That they believe that they can run! And they are doing it!”
source: http://www.blog.decathlon.in / Decathlon Blog / Home> Browse Topics / by Shrividya Somanna / March 02nd, 2021
Kaverappa made his debut for Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy 2021-22 last year.
He might be a novice on the Indian domestic cricket circuit, but Vidwath Kaverappa is already making heads turn. The 24-year-old right-arm pacer was adjudged player of the match – he took seven wickets in the first innings – in South Zone’s win against West Zone in the final of the recently-concluded Duleep Trophy. His wickets in the final included India internationals Cheteshwar Pujara and Suryakumar Yadav. He was also named player of the series, for his 15 wickets.
Kaverappa made his debut for Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy 2021-22 last year, and got his first wicket in the match against Puducherry. He followed it up with three wickets against Uttar Pradesh. In the Maharaja Trophy T20 (formerly called Karnataka Premier League), his team Gulbarga Mystics emerged as champions, with Kaverappa taking 17 wickets.
The defining moment, though, came in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2022, where he came second on the bowling charts, with 18 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 6.36. He continued his good form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (17 wickets) and the Ranji Trophy 2022-23, where he took 30 wickets in eight matches.
He was bought by Punjab Kings for Rs 20 lakh in the IPL auction.
Early years
Kaverappa hails from a humble family in Coorg, Karnataka. He loved basketball and football as a child. But, it was in handball he represented Karnataka. Cricket came into his life at 10, and he decided to pursue it professionally after high school. Bangalore presented him with the necessary exposure and opportunities. He started out as an all-rounder and played for clubs like BEL Sports Club and South End Sports Club, under the guidance of Samuel J. Muthu. However, it was his bowling that caught the eye of the selectors, thus earning him a spot in the Under-19 and Under-23 Karnataka teams.
With a smooth run-up and a quick release, Kaverappa has been able to extract swing and bounce in equal measure. It has stood him in good stead in the ongoing Deodhar Trophy, too, having taken nine wickets so far – the top wicket-taker – for South Zone.
The lanky pacer understands that it’s still early days. “I am learning from every game. Since it’s the beginning of my career, I should learn as much as possible to take my state or any other team to a higher level.”
source: http://www.theweek.in / The Week / Home> News> Sport / by Uma S. / August 01st, 2023
CB Poovanna, a debutant in the victorious outfit that created history by winning the 2022 edition of the Sultan of Johor Cup, is now eager to help his team defend the title in Malaysia.
Passionate, eloquent, and analytical with a mature head on young shoulders, the 21-year-old from Kodagu feels blessed to have practised alongside Coorg-based veterans like SV Sunil and Arjun Halappa during his formative years.
Over the course of an exclusive interaction with Sportskeeda, the young midfielder traces his hockey journey back to the time when he dreamt of making it to the family team in Coorg while also looking back at the Johor Bahru win last year.
“In our Kodava community, hockey is a sport that runs in our blood. Everybody in our community plays hockey. My dad and brother used to play hockey. Having observed them on the pitch, I too wanted to play the game,” Chandura Boby Poovanna stated.
I started holding a hockey stick when I was in third grade. My first dream was to play for the family team. Within the family, there were a lot of hockey players. As a small kid, it isn’t possible for make it to the family team as there a lot of elder players,” he explained.
Being granted admission to track and field athlete Ashwini Nachappa’s KALS (Karaumbiah’s Academy for Learning and Sports) was a game changer for the young hockey aspirant who got to rub shoulders with the best in the business.
“When I was in the fifth grade, I was first allowed to wear the family jersey. I kept playing hockey for the sheer love of the game until there was a selection that happened at KALS,” CB Poovanna stated.
“My mum took me there for the selection. It was a three-day selection process and I was taken into the school on the basis of my performance there. There was a bond according to which I had to play for the school for three years after which I would be sent to SAI (Sports Authority of India),” he revealed.
The rise was evident as CB Poovanna earned a spot in the Hockey Bangalore team after having been selected by SAI but decided to train harder after failing to make the next grade.
An eventual place in the Hockey Karnataka squad led to Poovanna realising his dream after being selected in the team headed to Johor Bahru.
“I started training harder and hit the gym on rest days after failing to progress from a core group of 60 players which was trimmed down to 30. COVID interrupted my progress for a bit before which I played for Hockey Karnataka,” he said while pausing to recall the precise details.
“Four players were finally selected from a group of 30 ahead of the Sultan of Johor Cup last year. I had realised a part of my dream,” CB Poovanna declared.
“At SAI, we played against an ex-India XI which boasted names like SV Sunil” – CB Poovanna describes the Coorg pedigree
Some of India’s best hockey talent has been nurtured in Coorg which boasts of having produced a host of legendary names. Unsurprisingly, Poovanna describes with an unmistakable sense of pride what it meant for him to have rubbed shoulders with the former India internationals.
“At the SAI campus, we used to play matches against an ex-India XI which boasted of players like SV Sunil and Arjun Halappa. You also had other greats from Coorg like SK Uthappa, VR Raghunath, Nikkin Thimmaiah, and Nithin Thimmaiah,” he stated reeling off the names effortlessly.
“I consider myself lucky to have played over three years of hockey with them. Aside from playing matches alongside them, we also used to ask them a lot of game-based questions about tactics,” Poovanna said.
The Karnataka player also recalled fellow midfielder and “exceptional” Bangalore boy Mohammed Raheel coming over to Coorg while still in school to play a tournament there. Raheel donned India colours under the tutelage of Graham Reid last year.
“I first met Raheel when I was in the sixth or seventh grade. My family had once called Raheel and a few other players to come over to play our family tournament in Coorg,” said CB Poovanna shedding light on the memories.
“Raheel was exceptional back then as well. He had great speed even on a gravel ground. He was an idol for me also because he plays as a midfielder,” the youngster added.
“CR Kumar has been exceptional as a coach” – CB Poovanna
Several Indian players in the men’s and women’s camp have been tutored by veteran hockey coach CR Kumar who is now in charge of the junior boys. CB Poovanna was all praise for the committed coach who helped shape his career.
“CR Kumar has been exceptional as a coach. He is committed and totally into the sport,” said Raheel with an air of reverence. “He has shaped me from being who I was to who I am right now.”
Headed to Johor Bahru to defend India’s title at the 2023 Sultan of Johor Cup, CB Poovanna cannot help reminiscing about the glory of his debut international tournament victory.
“The 2022 Sultan of Johor Cup was my first international tournament. It was a really new experience, wearing the India jersey for the first time,” he stated.
A scintillating 5-5 draw against Great Britain witnessed Poovanna scoring a 7th-minute equalizer after the opposition had taken the lead in the opening minute of play.
“It felt as if the hard work really paid off for us” – CB Poovanna turns the clock back in the big final against Australia
Six goals were scored in a frantic final quarter with the Indian boys finding the back of the net four times before taking on Australia in the big final.
“The match against Great Britain was pretty intense with one side taking the lead and the other cancelling it out,” recalled Poovanna. “Scoring the equalising goal helped motivate the rest of the team and that is when we all started pepping each other up.”
CB Poovanna opined that Australia’s equalising goal against India wasn’t legitimate but goes on to describe the pulsating shootout during which the Indians achieved victory.
“The pressure and intensity of the final is different. We scored the opening goal and Australia equalised but the goal wasn’t legitimate. There was actually a foul which happened in their circle which led to a goal in our circle. At the junior level, we do not have video referrals and hence were unable to challenge the goal,” he said.
“Both teams pressured each other for the ball and finally it led to the shootout which was going one way and then the next. Finally Mohit Shashikumar (the goalkeeper) made a great save after which we scored and won the tournament. It felt as if the hard work really paid off for us,” CB Poovanna affirmed.
The 2023 Sultan of Johor Cup begins on October 27 with the Indians facing Pakistan in their Pool B opener. Malaysia and New Zealand are also in Pool B while Australia, Great Britain, Germany, and South Africa find themselves in Pool A.
Will defending the title add to the pressure for captain Uttam Singh and co.?
“Not in the least,” shoots back CB Poovanna unhesitatingly. “The pressure will be on the opposition, for us being defending champions is a big motivation.
The final of the tournament is scheduled to be played on November 4 at Johor Bahru.
source: http://www.sportskeeda.com / Sports Keeda / Home> Field Hockey / by Subhashish Majumdar / October 23rd, 2023
Former India cricketers Suresh Raina and Robin Uthappa will be among the players to be part of the draft for the highly anticipated Legends League Cricket (LLC), which is scheduled to be played across five cities in India from November 18 to December 9.
The LLC Players Draft will feature over 200 players from across 12 countries and will take place at the Qutub Minar, with franchisee representatives along with marquee players and coaches attending the event virtually.
The Legends League Cricket Players Draft promises to be a grand affair which will be a unique fusion of culture and sports held at an iconic location, featuring a multitude of cricketing stars.
Players in the LLC 2023 Players Draft
Apart from Raina and Uthappa, some of the recently retired players such as New Zealand batter Martin Guptill, Aaron Finch and Shaun Marsh from Australia, will be a part of Legends League Cricket for the first time.
Cricketing legends from across the world – Ravi Bopara, Kevin Pietersen, Nuwan Kulasekara, Morne Morkel, Xavier Doherty, and Dirk Nannes will also be participating in the draft.
Finch, Raina, Uthappa, Hashim Amla, Praveen Kumar, Pragyan Ojha, Upul Tharanga, Abdur Razzak, and Lendl Simmons who have played LLC Masters Season 2 in Doha are all aligned to participate in the draft.
Legends such as Brett Lee, Ross Taylor, S. Sreesanth, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Daniel Vettori, Farveez Maharoof, William Porterfield, and Liam Plunkett, who were a part of the previous season will also be a part of the pool for the upcoming season.
Retained players list before LLC 2023 Players Draft
The defending champions, India Capitals, have retained their captain Gautam Gambhir and the highest wicket taker of last season Pravin Tambe along with Ashley Nurse to solidify their squad.
The Runners-up of the previous season, Bhilwara Kings, have retained their captain, Irfan Pathan along with their star players Yusuf Pathan and Shane Watson, while the Manipal Tigers have retained Harbhajan Singh, their captain along with Mohammad Kaif and Corey Anderson.
Gujarat Giants have announced their retentions – Universe Boss Chris Gayle, Parthiv Patel and Kevin O’Brien. With the league expanding and two new franchisees joining, they will announce their pre-signings prior to the draft.
Which are the venues for the upcoming LLC season?
A robust lineup of 19 thrilling matches will be played across Ranchi, Dehradun, Jammu, Vizag, and Surat. It will be a cricketing journey that promises to be unforgettable.
source: http://www.mykhel.com / My Khel / Home> Cricket / by Press Release / by MyKhel Staff / October 17th, 2023
Mukkatira Kavery Muthanna, a resident of Mysuru, is currently serving as a member of the officiating team in the game of golf at the ongoing 19th Asian Games, which are taking place in Hangzhou, China.
She holds a role in the Technical Rules Official team, which consists of 24 referees from various countries. The official rounds are scheduled to take place from Sept. 28 to Oct. 1 at the West Lake Golf Course in Hangzhou, featuring 121 players.
Kavery Muthanna is well-qualified, having completed the Level 3 Tournament Administrators and Referees Seminar (TARS) under the R&A. (R&A is a leading body within the world of golf and engages and supports activities to ensure it is a thriving sport for all on a global scale.)
She has actively officiated various amateur and women’s professional golf tournaments in India, showcasing her expertise in the field. Her experience also extends to her role as a Rules Official at the 36th National Games in 2022, held in Ahmedabad.
In addition to her involvement in golf and sports officiating, Kavery Muthanna is part of the Kavery Education Trust in Virajpet and serves as its Chairperson. She is married to Mukkatira Manju Muthanna and is the daughter of Guddanda Kanthy and Nanda Ganapathy.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / September 28th, 2023
The Indian tennis players defeated Chinese Taipei’s Tsung-hao Huang and Liang En-shuo 2-6, 6-3, 10-4 in the final in Hangzhou.
Indian tennis players Rohan Bopanna and Rutuja Bhosale won the gold medal in mixed doubles event at the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, the People’s Republic of China on Saturday.
The second-seeded Indian duo defeated ninth seeds Tsung-hao Huang and Liang En-shuo of Chinese Taipei 2-6, 6-3, 10-4 in the final at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre. The match lasted one hour and 14 minutes.
Rohan Bopanna began the match with a terrific service game. However, Tsung-hao Huang and Liang En-shuo won two breaks in a row and held their serve to go 5-1 up, and eventually seal the first set 6-2.
“It’s been a learning experience for both of us,” Bopanna said about his partnership with Rutuja. “We had to understand each other, what our strengths are and what our weaknesses are.
“Today after we lost the first set I said, ‘Let’s change sides to return. We need something to change the match.'” the veteran Indian explained.
The change worked. Rohan Bopanna and Rutuja Bhosale fought back well in the second set and there was nothing separating both teams in the opening seven games. The Indian pair, however, levelled up with a decisive break in the eighth game and took the set 6-3 to induce a match tie break.
In the decider, Bopanna-Bhosale took early advantage and raced to a 6-1 lead in no time. There was some late resurgence from Tsung-hao Huang and Liang En-shuo, but it wasn’t enough. The Indian tennis players maintained the momentum and managed to take the tie break 10-4.
“I clearly had some nerves throughout the match, but not on the last point,” Bhosale said. “I was just thinking, ‘Give me my best serve right here,’ and I think I took my time to serve.”
Rutuja Bhosale won her maiden Asian Games medal while Rohan Bopanna added to his gold medal from Jakarta 2018. This was India’s second medal in tennis at the Asian Games 2023, following a silver in the men’s doubles event.
India have now won seven medals in the mixed doubles category – including three gold – at the Asian Games. Leander Paes-Sania Mirza at Doha 2006 and Saketh Myneni-Sania Mirza at Incheon 2014 are the other mixed doubles champions.
Overall, India have now won 10 gold medals at the continental meet in tennis .
source: http://www.olympics.com / Olympics.com / Home / by Anuraag Peesara / September 30th, 2023
The Association of Kodagu Golfers of J.W. Golf Club, Mysuru, will be holding the 22nd edition of Kodagu Cup Golf Tournament at JWGC premises in city on Oct. 7 and 8.
For details, contact Association Hon. Treasurer M.B. Nanaiah on Mob: 94486-02959, according to a press release from Association President Dr. P.A. Kushalappa.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> In Briefs / September 23rd, 2023
Twelve players from Sports Hostel, Ponnampet, Kodagu District, winners of U-17 State Level Hockey Championship, have been selected for School Games Federation of India (SGFI) School Nationals which will be held in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh in October 2023. The students come under the Mysuru Division.
The winning Mysuru Division team bagged laurels at the matches that were held between Sept. 8 and Sept. 10, 2023 at Sports School, Kudige.
While in match no.1, the Mysuru Division scored 8-0 goals against the Bengaluru Division, in match no.2, the Mysuru Division scored 10-0 against the Belagavi Division.
The winning streak continued in match no.3 where the Mysuru Division scored 3-0 against Sports School, Kudige, and in the last match, the Mysuru Division scored 6-0 against Kalaburagi Division.
The team proceeding to Gwalior includes Thanish Madappa, H.H. Deekshith, M. Nishanth, Pavan Ponnanna, Sohan Cariappa, B.P. Mohan, Vashik Ponnanna, Thanish Thammaiah, A. Mayur, C.M. Devaiah, Binn Bopanna and Krashank Kalappa.
The team coaches are K.M. Subbaiah and M.B. Ganapathy.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / September 22nd, 2023
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