Film Director A.T. Raghu passes away

Bengaluru:

Noted film director Apadanda T. Raghu (A.T. Raghu) passed away at his R.T. Nagar residence, here yesterday. He was 76.

 Raghu is survived by his wife Leela Raghu (Palengada), son Bijoy Ganapathy, daughter Binu Sachin (Bayavanda) and a host of relatives and friends. Last rites were held at Hebbal Crematorium in Bengaluru today afternoon, according to family sources.

Raghu’s journey in film industry began with the movie ‘Nyaya Neethi Dharma’ released in 1980. He has directed a total of 55 films in Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi and Kodava languages.  Among the popular movies directed by him include ‘Kattu Rani’ (Malayalam – 1985), ‘Ajay Vijay’ (Kannada – 1990), ‘Mandyada Gandu’ (Kannada – 1994). He also directed a Hindi movie titled ‘Meri Adalat’ starring Tamil superstar Rajnikanth.

A native of Bettathur village in Kodagu district, Raghu also served as the Member of Kodava Sahitya Academy between 2014 and 2017. He has produced and directed Kodava language serials such as ‘Ainmane,’ ‘Pombolcha,’ ‘Thamane,’ ‘Gejje Thand,’ ‘Jamma Bhoomi’ and ‘Nanga Kodava’ which were telecast on DD Chandana.

His contributions to movie industry earned him several recognitions including the prestigious Puttanna Kanagal Award, Rajyotsava Award, Kodava Sahitya Academy Award, Kalasagara Sangeetha Nrithya Nataka Academy Award, Bangalore Doordarshan Chandana Award for Cinema, Bangalore Kodava Samaja Centenary Celebration award, among others.     

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 21st, 2025

Kodava Hockey Festival adds all-women 5s event

The month-long ‘Kodava Hockey Namme’, popularly known as Coorg’s hockey festival, is set to begin on March 28 in Madikeri and the household of the Muddandas – the host family for this year – is eager to make it grander than ever as it is the 25th edition of the tournament.

The Kodava Hockey Festival, a family-based tournament, is celebrating its silver jubilee this year.  Credit: Special Arrangement 

Bengaluru:

A sense of excitement is brewing in the coffee land of Kodagu as the hilly region prepares for its annual celebration of a sport close to the hearts of Kodavas. 

The month-long ‘Kodava Hockey Namme’, popularly known as Coorg’s hockey festival, is set to begin on March 28 in Madikeri and the household of the Muddandas – the host family for this year – is eager to make it grander than ever as it is the 25th edition of the tournament.  

And to mark this milestone, a 5-a-side all-women competition is being introduced in addition to the customary 11-a-side event. 

“This year being the silver jubilee, we wanted to add more to the festival and came up with this idea,” Rashin Subbaiah, president of the tournament and member of the host family, told DH.

“We observed that many young girls were interested in taking part. Though there has never been age or gender restriction, many women/ girls were reluctant to get onto the field. So we thought about introducing an exclusive all-women event to put them under the spotlight,” explained Subbaiah.

Undoubtedly, the response so far has been overwhelming as the organisers have already received entries from 37 teams for the 5s event. Those numbers are expected to cross 50 before the entry date closes on April 10. 

“The all-women’s 5s will begin in the last week of the festival with its final on April 26 when the main event has its semifinals scheduled. We planned this strategically because spectators come in big numbers to witness the final few days of the hockey extravaganza,” said Vikram Uthappa, another member of the organising committee. 

The no age/ gender bar tournament which began in 1997 with 60 teams, swelled to 360 in 2024 and will feature 396 squads on three grounds – two at the Field Marshal KM Cariappa College and one at the Police Grounds – this summer. Last year, 92-year-old Chittiappa, who made news as the oldest participant, will be seen in action for his team – Annadiyanda family – in this edition as well. 

Traditionally, the mixed-team tournament has had female participants playing with and against their male counterparts in the 11-a-side event. Former junior India women players – goalkeeper Shivachaliyanda Nilan, Mallamada N Ponnamma, Mallamada Leelavathi among others – from the region have been a part of the festival. 

A female participant, this year, can play in the 11s team and also turn out for a 5s squad as well. However, picking a team to play for in the 5s competition could be a bit of a quandary for a few.

While the choice of family to represent will be a no-brainer for the unmarried girls, the married women, however, will have to decide between her ‘Thamane’ (father’s house) and ‘Bakemane’ (husband’s house).

Irrespective of one’s choice, there will be one more reason to celebrate both women and hockey in the Kodava land come April.  

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Sports> Hockey / by Hita Prakash / March 20th, 2025

Demand for coffee cultivation is brewing in new destinations after record prices

Coffee Board warns that macro climate is crucial for cultivation and economic profit .

Coffee plant nurseries are reporting that they are getting queries from places such as Tumakuru, Chitradurga, Palakkad, and Hosur.  | Photo Credit: File Photo

The record prices that coffee hit this year have spurred interest in its cultivation in newer destinations outside of the traditional coffee growing belt in Karnataka such as Kodagu and Chikmagalur. Coffee plant nurseries are reporting that they are getting queries from Tumakuru, Chitradurga, Palakkad and Hosur.

Vishnu Ponnanna from Mookambika Nursery in Virajpet, Kodagu district, said while there is higher interest from H.D. Kote and Mysuru, from where there were queries earlier too, now, he is getting queries from Tumakuru, parts of Chitradurga and even Hosur in Tamil Nadu.

Subhash Chandra from Ganapathy Nursery in Suntikoppa, north Kodagu, said he has received a large number of queries from Ballari, Davangere, Chitradurga, Tumakuru, Dharmapuri in Tamil Nadu and Palakkad and Idukki in Kerala as well.

Asked if it is viable, Mr. Ponnanna said, “Just like apple is now being grown in places other than their traditional growing areas, coffee too can be grown, provided the growers create the atmosphere required for the plant – such as shade and irrigation.”

Mr. Subhash Chandra said it’s not impossible to grow coffee in other places, but the yield will be lower. “I even had a customer from Kolkata who managed to grow the plant. But their yield will be half or lesser,” he said.

Record prices

Coffee prices in India hit record prices this year buoyed by a fall in global production, especially in Brazil and Vietnam. At the same time, erratic climatic conditions in India, especially in Karnataka, have also resulted in reduced yield.

K.G. Jagadeesha, CEO and Secretary, Coffee Board of India, told The Hindu that the post-harvest estimate for last year is going on, but the final estimate may be around 3.45 lakh metric tonnes, which is a good yield.

“It was a successful year for farmers. There was 10-15% loss, which was caused by natural vagaries such as high temperature in the beginning of the year followed by heavy rainfall. But the prices doubled, so it offset this loss. In case of Arabica, the prices are double and for robusta, more than double,” Mr. Jagadeesha explained.

Coffee prices in India have hit record prices this year buoyed by a fall in global production | Photo Credit: File Photo

He further said that as per the cumulative indicator price (ICO Composite Indicator Price, or I-CIP), which is an average of all categories, it was 167 cents/lb (pound) last year, and this year, it is 261 cents/lb.

“The base price itself was very high upon which we have grown. Robusta, which was 130 cents/lb, is now 223 cents/lb, and Arabica was 202 cents/lb, which is now 291 cents/lb,” he added.

Forecast for this year

This year too, the forecast is good for growers, said Mr. Jagadeesha adding, “We have received some rains already and because of the good prices last year, planters have taken care of plants this year and done some irrigation by themselves as well. We will start the post-blossom estimate now, but the forecast for this year is good. According to the experts, Brazil and Vietnam may not come back to their original production this year as well.”

‘Don’t get carried away’

Mr. Jagadeesha warned non-coffee growing belts against getting carried away. “We promote coffee where our scientific personnel recommend. We don’t recommend any place that is sub-optimal or ideal. Some farmers are growing coffee by creating a microenvironment. In the long run, we don’t know if it’ll be profitable in that area,” he said.

“When the Coffee Board recommends, it should be doable even for the average farmer. Coffee investment is for 30-40 years. So we can’t base it on one or two special cases. Requests have come from Chitradurga, Uttara Kannada, and Shivamogga. Even 30-40 years ago, even in Kolar, people tried to grow but didn’t succeed. Even at the coffee board (in Bengaluru), we have planted some coffee trees and we get berries once in a few years. It can be considered economically profitable only if there’s income over a long period. To prove that, we go only when the macro climate indicators are ideal: average temperature, rainfall, etc. Coffee cannot be grown where elevation is less than 500 metres,” he said.

In these areas, the temperature is higher than that in the Western Ghats, rainfall is lesser and there is no proper drainage in case of high rainfall in a short period. Shade is also very important, he further said.

“If a farmer has taken all this into account and is growing coffee, we are neutral; we won’t discourage them. Coffee cultivation is deregulated, so anyone can grow coffee. We are not averse, but we won’t recommend it unless we are confident that an average farmer can also grow it. These areas according to us are not suitable. If people are getting carried away by the high prices or one or two farmers want to grow it, they can do so at their own risk,” said Mr. Jagadeesha.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sci-Tech> Agriculture / by K C Deepika, Gonikoppa, Kodagu / March 19th, 2025

111 years for Virajpet’s iconic Clock Tower

Virajpet:

Virajpet’s historic clock tower, a prominent landmark in Kodagu, turns 111 today (Feb. 5, 2025). Built to commemorate the 1911 Coronation Durbar of King George V, its foundation stone was laid on Feb. 5, 1914, by Sir Hugh Daly, then Chief Commissioner of Kodagu.

The Mukkatira family of Devanageri village donated the land and the tower was inaugurated in Jan. 1915 by District Magistrate R.K. Ellis. It was later handed over to the Town Municipal Council (TMC) by Mukkatira Ayyappa.

In 1977, the tower faced a demolition threat under a road widening proposal by then PWD Minister Chennabasappa. However, public opposition saved it, preserving its legacy as a symbol of Virajpet’s heritage.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / February 05th, 2025

Prasad Bidapa takes center stage at Ad Club Bangalore’s Inspiration Room

A Trailblazer in Indian Fashion to Share Insights on Creativity, Branding, and Sustainability

Bangalore:

The Advertising Club Bangalore is set to host an exclusive edition of its Inspiration Room series featuring Prasad Bidapa, one of India’s most influential fashion personalities. The event, taking place on Thursday, March 20th, from 6:30 PM onwards at ADDA, Cambridge Layout, will offer attendees a unique opportunity to learn from the industry veteran as he delves into fashion, branding, creative storytelling, and sustainability.

A visionary in the Indian fashion landscape, Prasad Bidapa has shaped the industry for over four decades. An alumnus of the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, Bidapa is renowned for pioneering Kingfisher Fashion Awards, India Men’s Fashion Week, and Mega Model Hunt, which propelled stars like Deepika Padukone, Anushka Sharma, and John Abraham into the limelight.

Laeeq Ali, President of The Advertising Club Bangalore, expressed excitement about the upcoming session:“The Inspiration Room series continues to attract visionary leaders, and having Prasad Bidapa join us is a testament to that. His ability to blend creative storytelling with sustainable fashion and branding is unmatched, and we are excited to hear his perspectives.”

Beyond his influence in fashion and modeling, Bidapa has been a strong advocate for sustainable design and the revival of Indian textiles. His work with Rajasthan Heritage Week since 2015 has redefined the promotion of Khadi and handloom, bringing India’s rich textile heritage to the global stage, with showcases in the USA, Japan, Singapore, and Sweden.

Event Details:
Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM onwards
Venue: ADDA, Cambridge Layout (Location Link)

Registration Fees:
Ad Club Members: ₹250 + GST
Non-Members: ₹500 + GST

To register, visit https://rzp.io/rzp/Y4ft076

source: http://www.medianews4u.com / Media News 4 u / Home> Advertising / March 17th, 2025

Kodava Family Hockey Namme turns 25: Stage set for Muddanda Cup Hockey Festival from Mar. 28

Madikeri:

The Kodava Family Hockey Namme (Festival) celebrates its 25th edition this year, with the Muddanda Cup Hockey Tournament set to begin on  Mar. 28 and continue until Apr. 27.

Matches will be played across three different grounds, with 370 teams already registered for the competition.

Addressing the media in Madikeri yesterday, Kodagu Hockey Academy President Pandanda K. Bopanna noted that while 360 teams participated in last year’s Kundyolanda Hockey Fest, this year’s registrations have already reached 370, with a few more days left for additional entries.

He announced that the inaugural ceremony will feature an exhibition match between Kodagu Hockey Academy XI and Karnataka XI.

Tournament Director Badakada Deena Poovaiah and Coordinator Muddanda Roy Thammaiah will oversee the event.

Cheppudira Cariappa will serve as the main commentator, assisted by Maletira Srinivas, while Kecchettira Prasanna will be in charge of match coordination. The inauguration will also include a special felicitation ceremony honouring the Kundyolanda family, which achieved a Guinness World Record last year.

Umpire training

Hockey Academy Working President Mekerira Ravi Pemmaiah revealed that a training programme for hockey umpires will be conducted on Mar. 19 and 20 at Cauvery College, Virajpet, urging young hockey enthusiasts to participate.

Academy Vice-President Kukkera Jaya Chinnappa stated that several dignitaries, including Virajpet MLA and Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor A.S. Ponnanna, Madikeri MLA Dr. Manthar Gowda, Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, MLC M.P. Suja Kushalappa, Rajya Sabha MP Ajay Maken, Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Vekatraja, and Kodagu SP K. Ramrajan, will attend the grand opening ceremony.

Kreeda Jyothi

Muddanda Hockey Festival Chairman Muddanda Rashin Subbaiah confirmed that matches will take place at Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Grounds and the Police Parade Grounds. As part of the festival’s silver jubilee celebrations, a special ‘Kreeda Jyothi’ (Sports Torch) marathon will be held, visiting the Ainmanes (ancestral homes) of Kodava families.

The marathon will commence at 8 am on Mar. 25 from the Ainmane of the Pandanda family in Karada village, the pioneers of the Kodava Family Hockey Festival.

It will pass through eight Ainmanes in Ponnampet and surrounding areas before concluding on Mar. 28. On the inaugural day, a rally carrying the sports torch will proceed from General Thimayya Circle to Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Grounds, flagged off by MLA A.S. Ponnanna.

To commemorate 25 years of the festival, a women’s hockey tournament has been introduced as part of the Muddanda Hockey Festival. So far, 30 women’s teams have registered, and more entries are expected before the Apr. 10 deadline.

The women’s matches will be played at the Police Parade Grounds in Madikeri. Star Indian hockey players Lalremsiami Hmarzote from the women’s national team and Indian men’s team captain Harmanpreet Singh will visit Madikeri during the tournament.

Matrimonial meet

The festival will also feature a thand-bendhu (matrimonial meet) and a quiz competition at the venue. A special cyclothon is scheduled for Apr. 26, and DJ music will entertain spectators from the pre-quarterfinal stage through the final.

An open ‘Maja Run’ from Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Circle has also been planned as part of the celebrations. Parking arrangements have been made for 2,000 vehicles, and Bengaluru-based Vandana Trust will assist in waste management throughout the month-long event.

Additionally, a shooting competition will be held on Apr. 20 at Ground No. 2, featuring three categories: 50-metre .22 rifle shooting, 30-metre 12-bore gun shooting, and 15-metre air rifle egg shooting. A traditional coconut shooting competition will also be organised.

Muddanda Family President Muddanda B. Devaiah urged members of the Kodava community to participate in large numbers in the rally from General Thimayya Circle to Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Grounds, marking a significant milestone in the history of the Kodava Family Hockey Festival.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / March 16th, 2025

All homestays in Kodagu district should be mandatorily registered: DC

There are around 3,500 homestays in Kodagu district. Of them, 2,269 have got registered so far, says Anita Bhaskar, Deputy Director of the Department of Tourism, Kodagu.

The Kodagu district administration has directed owners of homestays in the district to mandatorily register themselves with the Tourism Department.

Deputy Commissioner of Kodagu Venkat Raja, who convened a meeting of representatives of hotels, resorts, homestays, and travel agencies in Madikeri recently to discuss the measures to ensure the safety of tourists, said the process of registering the homestays had been simplified.

Given the simplified process of registration, verification and certification is completed within a short period, he said.

Anita Bhaskar, Deputy Director of the Department of Tourism, Kodagu, said there were around 3,500 homestays in Kodagu district. Of them, 2,269 have got registered so far.

Meanwhile, Mr. Venkat Raja said the details of all the registered homestays should be made available online for easy access. The district administration aims to register all the homestays in the district and even facilitate online registration by paying a fee of ₹500, he said.

The Deputy Commissioner warned of strict legal action against unregistered homestays if any illegal activity or untoward incidents occur on their premises. He said the homestay owners in remote or forest areas would be held accountable for incidents involving their guests if they had not obtained prior approval from the police or forest departments.

Security

While issuing directions for the installation of CCTV cameras, posting of home guards or security personnel, and ensuring adequate lighting and illumination at night for the safety of the guests at all hotels, resorts, and homestays, Mr. Venkat Raja also directed the executive officers of taluk panchayats and tahsildars to hold regular meetings to ensure that these tourist facilities are complied with the government directives before issuing them trade licenses.

He also emphasised the need for heightening security measures in border areas of the district like Chelavara, Iruppu, and Dubare. The district administration has also emphasised the need to prioritise the safety of women and children at their facilities and tourist destinations.

The authorities said the tourists can contact the district police helpline at 94808-04900 or the District Disaster Management unit at 08272-221077 in case of emergencies.

The district administration has also shared the circular dated March 10, 2025, issued by the Additional Chief Secretary, on safety measures to be enforced for the safety of tourists.

Among other things, the circular pointed out that prior approval from the police must be obtained before taking tourists to remote or isolated areas, and tourists should be made aware of local culture, safety risks, and legal aspects. Only registered transport services for taxis and ride-share apps should be used.

The safety protocols for tourists include that they avoid displaying expensive jewellery or large amounts of cash, use digital payment methods (UPI, cards) instead of carrying large amounts of cash, avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transaction, use a VPN for secure Internet access, and exercise caution in remote areas, forests, and near water bodies.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / March 14th, 2025

Indian National Army veteran Lt. Madhavan Pillai celebrates 99th birthday by paying tributes to Netaji and fallen soldiers

He joined the INA at the age of 17. His active involvement in the freedom struggle led to his imprisonment for eight months in Rangoon Jail from May to December 1945, officials said.

Indian National Army veteran R. Madhavan Pillai pays tribute at the National War Memorial at Kartavya Path in New Delhi on March 13, 2025. Photo: X/@adgpi

Lieutenant Rangaswamy Madhavan Pillai, a veteran of the Indian National Army (INA), celebrated his 99th birthday on Thursday (March 13, 2025) by laying wreaths at the National War Memorial and the statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on Kartavya Path.

The wreath-laying ceremony organised by the Army was attended by senior military personnel and the public. “Today’s wreath-laying ceremony not only honours the sacrifices of the brave men and women who fought for India’s freedom but also serves as a poignant reminder of the nation’s ongoing journey to break free from colonial legacies while upholding the spirit of their sacrifice,” an officer said.

Indian National Army veteran R. Madhavan Pillai pays tribute at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s statue at Kartavya Path in New Delhi on March 13, 2025. | Photo Credit: ANI

Lt. Pillai was born on March 13, 1926, in the Swryan township of Rangoon district in Burma (now Myanmar). His father hailed from the Sivaganga region in Tamil Nadu. He joined the Indian Independence League as a civilian in 1942 under Rash Behari Bose. When Netaji arrived in Singapore, Lt. Pillai formally enlisted in the INA, also known as the Azad Hind Fauj, on November 1, 1943, at the age of 17.

After receiving his commission from the Officers Training School in Burma, he served as a recruitment and fundraising officer, according Army officials.

Serving as a recruiting officer and fundraiser, he mobilised support for the INA across 32 locations in Burma, including Hanthawaddy, Sawbwagale, Ywadanshe, Swryan, Yangon, and Mayongone. His active involvement in the freedom struggle led to his imprisonment for eight months in Rangoon Jail from May to December 1945, officials said.

Later, he served in the administrative branch at the INA headquarters in Rangoon under Major General K. P. Thimayya (elder brother of former Army chief General K.S. Thimayya). He was officially recognised as a freedom fighter by the Government of India on August 1, 1980.

On January 23, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi felicitated him on the occasion of Parakram Diwas at the Red Fort.

The Azad Hind Fauj was formed by Mohan Singh in 1942 and later revived by Netaji on October 21, 1943. United by the war cry “Chalo Delhi,” the INA aimed to secure India’s complete independence from British rule.

Several volunteers, soldiers, and overseas Indians — from regions as far as Malaya and Burma — joined the force. Lt Pillai’s life story embodies the courage and unity that defined the INA, another officer added.

In 2021, on the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji, Lt. Pillai was awarded a silver medal for his role in the INA and India’s Independence movement.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India / by The Hindu Bureau / March 14th, 2025

Jawai, Tadoba, And Coorg In India To Elevate Luxury Hospitality With Stone Wood Hotels Six New Resorts

Jawai, Tadoba, and Coorg in India welcome Stone Wood Hotels’ expansion with six new luxury resorts in 2025, blending premium hospitality with nature.

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts, a rapidly growing hospitality brand renowned for its boutique and immersive stays, is gearing up for a major expansion in 2025. With six new properties in the pipeline, the group is making a decisive move to elevate its portfolio, including three high-end resorts in Jawai, Tadoba, and Coorg. These premium retreats will blend opulence with nature, catering to travelers seeking luxury in offbeat destinations.

Momentum from 2024 Drives Optimistic Growth for 2025

Following a strong performance in 2024, where occupancy surpassed 8% year-to-date, Stone Wood Hotels is eyeing a revenue surge of at least 10% in 2025. The brand anticipates a corresponding increase in both Average Room Rate (ARR) and Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR), capitalizing on the market’s positive trajectory.

Expanding Footprint with 400+ New Keys

Currently operating 16 properties across 11 cities in six states, the hospitality chain is set to expand its inventory significantly. The 2025 openings will collectively introduce over 400 new rooms, further solidifying its presence in India’s dynamic tourism sector. While the brand has been a key player in the mid-market segment, its foray into upscale hospitality through its upcoming resorts signals a strategic shift. The first of these premium properties is slated to welcome guests by the end of the 2025-26 financial year.

Innovative Asset-Light Model Driving Growth

Maintaining its asset-light approach, Stone Wood Hotels is leveraging lease and revenue-share models to fuel its expansion. This flexible strategy enhances operational efficiency while ensuring sustainable profitability. Investment for the upcoming developments will be secured through strategic collaborations with investors across India, reinforcing the brand’s reputation for high ROI and efficient boutique property investment models.

Commitment to Service Excellence & Experiential Stays

With an unwavering focus on guest satisfaction, the group continues to enhance service quality through rigorous training programs like T3 & LDP, along with stringent quality audits. The brand’s emphasis on immersive hospitality extends to its experiential offerings, vibrant F&B destinations, and curated events, ensuring memorable stays for its guests.

MICE & Wedding Segments Fuel Expansion Strategy

Recognizing the booming demand for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) along with destination weddings, Stone Wood Hotels is designing future properties with dedicated event spaces. The success of Aralea Beach Resort by Stone Wood Premier, where MICE and wedding bookings contribute 75% of its business, underscores the brand’s strong positioning in this segment.

Vision 2030: Scaling to 50 Hotels & 3,000+ Rooms

Looking ahead, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts aims to operate 50 properties with a total inventory of over 3,000 rooms by 2030. The brand remains committed to creating value-driven hospitality experiences, with a focus on offbeat locations, immersive travel, and personalized services. As it strengthens its presence in India’s evolving tourism landscape, Stone Wood Hotels is poised to redefine boutique and luxury hospitality with its strategic growth and customer-centric approach.

source: http://www.travelandtourworld.com / Travel and Tour World (TTW) / Home> Asia / March 13t, 2025

Players’ auction held for Kodava Cricket Leather Ball Premier League Season-2

Mysuru:

The auction for selecting over 175 players for 10 franchisees of Season-2 (April-2025) Kodava Cricket Leather Ball Premier League to be organised under the aegis of Coorg Cricket Foundation at Pollibetta, was held at The Roost Hotel on Hunsur Road here yesterday.

The 10 Franchisees, which took part in the auction, are Kodava Warriors, Coorg United, Team Kodava Tribe, MTB Royals, Team Wildflower, Pragathi Cricketers, Coorg Blasters, Kodava Rising Stars, Western Ghat Warriors and Team Leverage.

Over 180 cricketers of Kodagu origin such as C.A. Karthik, C.R. Ayyappa and K.S. Devaiah took part in the auction and the Franchisees succeeded in getting the players they wanted by making a successful bid. Following the auction, Ranji player C.A. Karthik has been selected as Captain of Coorg Blasters, while C.R. Aiyyappa joined Western Ghat Warriors. Each franchisee selected 14 to 17 players depending upon their bid money.

Players aged from 15 to 60 are eligible to take part in the Tournament. The notable feature this year was the selection of 2 women players for the Tournament, which will be held on the lines of the popular Indian Premier League (IPL).

Coorg Cricket Foundation (CCF) President Porukonda Sunil said that the Tournament will commence from Apr. 1 and all the matches will be played at Tata Coffee Cricket Grounds at Pollibetta. The schedule will be finalised shortly, he said adding that the tournament is expected to be held over 12 days.

CCF office-bearers Palachanda Jagan, Madlanda Darshan, Charmandadanda Somanna, Chandira Rachan, Ballanda Reena Devaiah, Kulateera Shantha Kalappa, Keertiyanda Ganapathy, Annalamaada Roy Chinnappa and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / March 09th, 2025