Professor Padma Shekhar, who is originally from Torenur in Kodagu but now resides in Mysuru, was honoured with the prestigious Rajyotsava Award for her contributions in the field of education.
Before her retirement in 2019 as chancellor of Bengaluru Sanskrit University, she served in multiple roles at the University of Mysore, including as professor of Jainology and Prakrit department, director of the Centre for Women’s Studies, chairman of the department of christianity, and chief superintendent of the women’s hostel.
Besides her educational career, Padma authored numerous books and received various accolades. She supervised multiple PhD scholars. She is among the 69 recipients of this year’s Rajyotsava award.
The Karnataka govt also selected two accomplished individuals from the district for the Suvarna Mahotsava Award, as part of the Karnataka Sambhrama-50 celebration.
Kathimada Jimmy Annaiah and Nandini Basappa were chosen for their achievements in sports. Annaiah from Ponnampet was a member of the University of Mysore hockey team in 1957. He currently heads the Kiggatnad Senior Citizens Forum and promotes sports activities through social work.
Nandini, residing at Panya Estate in Suntikoppa, achieved recognition as an international basketball player. She participated in numerous national and international competitions and served in leadership positions. Her roles include vice-president of the Basketball Federation of India, Karnataka Basketball Association, and India Junior Women’s Basketball team manager. Her achievements include the Kempegowda award and State Sports awards in 2001.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> City News> Mysuru News / by G Rajendra / October 31st, 2024
Sarthak overcame a poor start to post his sixth win in the Pro-Stock 301-400cc Open category ahead of Chiranth and veteran Rajini Krishnan (RACR Castrol Power1 Ultimate).
Tasmai Cariappa
Chennai :
Teenagers and TVS Racing team-mates Sarthak Chavan (Pune) and Chiranth Vishwanath (Bengaluru) split the day’s honours with a victory apiece in the two premier Pro-Stock categories on a day of stirring action in the fourth and penultimate round of the MRF MMSC FMSCI Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship at the Madras International Circuit, here on Saturday.
Sarthak overcame a poor start to post his sixth win in the Pro-Stock 301-400cc Open category ahead of Chiranth and veteran Rajini Krishnan (RACR Castrol Power1 Ultimate).
The result in the Pro-Stock 165cc Open class race was the reverse with Chiranth coming through an up-and-down six laps, the last of which saw him and Sarthak coming together, but staying in the saddle to complete the race with KY Ahamed, recovering from a viral fever, made it a 1-2-3 for TVS Racing.
Meanwhile, Chennai’s Ryhana Bee, seeking to regain the National title in the Girls category (Stock 165cc) after three years, scored a lights-to-flag win after topping the practice and qualifying sessions with her new team, Rockers Racing.
Mysuru’s 22-year-old Tasmai Cariappa (Motul Sparks Racing) kept his nerves in a tense finish to score his maiden win the Novice (Stock 165cc) race while Pradeep C, a private entrant from Bengaluru, wrote his own script in winning the Stock 301-400cc (Novice) race after starting from P4.
TVS India One-Make Championship :
Coimbatore’s Raj Kumar C upstaged favourites to record his first win of the season in the Open (Apache RR 310) category as he finished well ahead of Manoj Yesuadian (Chennai) and championship leader Senthilkumar C (Coimbatore).
CS Kedarnath from Tirupati held off Bengaluru’s Harshith Bogar and Akarsh Jangam (Hyderabad) in a tight finish as the trio finished the Rookie (Apache RTR 200) race in close formation that also included Tejash BA (Tumakuru) in P4. Less than a second separated the quartet. It was Kedarnath’s second win of the season.
The results (Provisional, all 6 laps unless mentioned):
Athlete Bollanda Unnathi Aiyappa, who had won a gold medal setting a new meet record in the South Asian Junior Athletic Meet at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, here on Thursday, won her second gold medal setting another new meet record in women’s 200 mts on last day of the Meet.
Unnathi completed the race in the record timing of 23.91sec beating the old record of 24.32 mts set by A. Suseedran at Ranchi in 2013. India’s Nancy (23.11 sec) and Neeru Pathak (29.91 sec) finished in second and third place respectively.
Speaking to Star of Mysore, Unnathi Aiyappa said, she was delighted for having won two gold medals and added that she was in the best of the form because of continuous travelling.
“After World Junior event, I was not able to give my best. I took part in the South Asian Junior Championship with no expectations. But, having won two gold medals has delighted me,” she said.
Though, this was event of the season, Unnathi will be seen in action at the All India Inter University Athletic Championship to be held in December. She is the daughter of Intl. Athletic Coach B.P. Aiyappa and Olympian G.G. Pramila Aiyappa (Guddanda), residents of Bengaluru.
Meanwhile, city’s Thelapanda K. Bopanna won bronze in the men’s 800 mts run. He won bronze with a timing of 1:50.45 sec behind Sri Lanka’s H.D.S. Awishka (1:49.83sec) and India’s Vinod Kumar (1:50.07sec) who won gold and silver respectively.
Bopanna is the son of Dentist T.M. Kalappa and Rachana Kalappa, residents of V.V. Mohalla in Mysuru.
India with a total of 48 medals (21 gold, 22 silver and 5 bronze) finished in the top position of the medals tally followed by Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in second and third positions.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / September 14th, 2024
MR Poovamma, a three-time Olympian representing India, spoke at the Press Club’s ’Gaurava Athithi’ program organized by the DK Working Journalists Association on Saturday.
She credited her family, particularly her parents and husband, for supporting her throughout her sports career, stating that her achievements are shared with them.
Despite being 34, Poovamma emphasized that age should not be a barrier for athletes. “I wanted to prove that I can still compete and inspire others, regardless of age,” she said. She also expressed her intention to continue her career for a few more years and plans to open a sports academy post-retirement.
Acknowledging her husband Jitin Paul’s support in managing her training and household responsibilities, Poovamma praised her mother for her unwavering presence at all her events since her school days.
She highlighted the growing opportunities in sports, noting the government’s supportive role through programs like Khelo India and improved facilities. Poovamma advised young athletes to remain resilient in the face of setbacks, injuries, and failure, encouraging parents to support their children’s interest in sports. She stressed the importance of good practice, adequate rest, and proper nutrition for athletes’ physical and mental fitness.
source: http://www.mangaloretoday.com / Mangalore Today / Home> Main News / by Mangalore Today News Network / August 25th, 2024
The badminton star says that she is grateful to have an opportunity to aim for an Olympic gold at this point in her career.
Team game: Ashwini said that the partnership with Tanisha has been exciting. | Photo Credit: RITU RAJ KONWAR
Ashwini Ponnappa has been around for a long while now but the 34-year-old has no plans of slowing down. Preparing for her third Olympics in a sport as demanding as badminton can be gruelling. To do so in doubles, with a partner almost 15 years younger, is unheard of. Ashwini isn’t bothered.
Ashwini missed the Tokyo Olympics but with Tanisha Crasto, is currently the highest-ranked Indian women’s doubles pair in the world and on top of the race to the World Tour Finals.
Having burst into the limelight after winning a historic gold at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in front of home crowds (with Jwala Gutta) for her maiden senior international title, it’s been an eventful career for Ashwini.
“I think having the CWG in India was the biggest game-changer because there was media and public attention on all sports, not just one or two. And winning in front of the home crowd put doubles in the spotlight because till then, it used to only be about singles. People started viewing doubles as a specialised event after that,” she acknowledged.
“It’s been quite a journey, having started alongside Jwala who was already an established player then and well-known on the national and international scene as a specialised doubles player. I think I got lucky because partnering with her meant that I got to play in the big league at a very young age. I have had different partners along the way and now am with someone who is 14 years younger – I never would have thought back then that something like this would happen. But it’s been an exciting journey since we got together,” she added.
Challenges
The longevity has not been without challenges but a bout of dengue in 2016 triggered a complete turnaround in her training ethos and methods.
“Even though I have had physical ups and downs, I have always been motivated. Being physically fit is most essential to be playing at this level but being mentally motivated is equally important. You cannot have one without the other. That’s something I am very stubborn about – I will not listen to just anyone, I am very fussy about my training.
“I have been training with Deckline Leitao since 2016 and that’s been a game-changer. As you get older, your approach to physical fitness is very critical. It also means that if my coach says back off or slow down, I will listen. When you are younger, you can have the hardest workouts throughout the year. But as you get older, it is important to know when to back off and not keep pushing” she explained.
And while they are equal partners on the court, Ashwini admits it took time to build an understanding with Tanisha. “It’s definitely evolved because initially there was a barrier because of the fact that I am super senior and she is up and coming, the comfort level did take time to get to and, to be honest, there is still a lot of space for improvement but it’s work in progress. I don’t think there is any other pair with this level of age gap on the circuit.
“It’s nice to play with someone who has got a really long way ahead of her. I love her enthusiasm and the curiosity of going for big tournaments,” she admitted.
The senior pro in her does come rear up occasionally, she laughed but insisted she tries to avoid being a nag.
“I don’t think there is pressure of being a senior but I just end up being kind of a mentor. It’s not like I go out and try to be a senior or didi as Tanisha calls me – I don’t want to be – but I end up being one because of what I have seen over the years and can’t help but guide here and there when you see certain things. Fortunately, she has been open enough to listen to me giving her advice now and then,” she said.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport> Other Sprots / by Uthara Ganesan / April 19th, 2024
Squash star Joshna Chinappa was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, in recognition for her contribution to the sport and to India.
Joshna Chinappa (Instagram/@joshnachinappa15)
Recognition– both national and international– isn’t elusive to sports star Joshna Chinappa. A Commonwealth Games gold medalist, a WSF World Doubles Champion, a two-time Asian Individual Champion, and the winner of five Asian Games medals… the list goes on. Adding another feather to her cap, squash player has now been awarded India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, the Padma Shri, in recognition for her contribution to the sport and to India.
One of Indian squash’s most successful players, Chinappa was ranked world number 10 in the professional squash circuit. The 37-year-old is also the first Indian to win the British Junior Squash Championship in 2005 in the Under 19 category. Chinappa has won the national squash championship for a record 18 times, which is the highest by an Indian player.
With so many achievements in hand, Chinappa is a proud ambassador for her sport and for India. While one may wonder if the Padma Award was long due, Chinappa humbly responds with, “I think the timing is just right.” Now that squash is being included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, Chinappa is excited about the possibilities that await.
In an email interaction Joshna Chinappa gets candid with South First about the award, what it means, and preparing for LA28.
Excerpts from the interview.
You have had a fabled career, and you are one of the most prominent faces of squash in the country. Do you think the Padma award was long due?
I feel extremely humbled and honoured to be given the Padma Shri. I think the timing is great! It feels nice that my career spanning over three decades has been recognised and appreciated.
What role has Chennai played in your growth as an athlete?
Chennai has been a big catalyst for me to pursue squash professionally. My dad introduced me to the game. He was my coach for a very long time. Besides, the squash federation is based in Chennai. That helped me to have access to good coaches and a structured training program.
Joshna Chinappa is looking forward to playing at the LA28. (Instagram/joshnachinappa15)
Could you give us a peek into the role of your coach in shaping your career?
My dad was my main coach for many years. I have worked with some solid coaches throughout the last two decades and all have contributed significantly in their own way.
How are you preparing for LA28?
It’s wonderful that squash is in LA 2028! I look forward to being fit and injury free!
Squash has finally made it to the Olympics, what does it mean for veterans like you? Do you think your career would have been different had it been included as an Olympic sport earlier?
Obviously. When it’s an Olympic sport, the financial support and encouragement is completely different from the government as well as the corporates. I do feel it would have made a huge difference especially in motivating more kids to take up squash and consider it as a career.
How are you preparing to compete with top seed players who are younger?
Squash is already a challenging sport physically. So, competing with the younger lot makes it exciting and harder on the body. I think training smart is the key.
How do you feel about the popularity of squash in India? What can be done to attract more people to the game?
The sport has definitely gotten a lot more popular in the last few years. We have been consistently winning medals at the CWG and Asian games. We need to have more infrastructure, qualified coaches and financial support given to the younger kids, so that they can focus on playing and training comfortably.
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Almost all sports persons talk about focussing on the process, and not the outcome, while playing the sport. And yet, when the outcome is not favourable, there is a natural disappointment. How do you pick yourself up after a not-so-great game?
I personally enjoyed the grind of training and preparing for an event. But it’s with the purpose to win a medal , so it is incredibly disappointing to not be able to pull that off on certain days. That’s what sport is, you won’t have your way all the time despite all the work you put in, but you have to find a way to come out of it and keep working harder, never giving up and eventually the wins will come.
What runs in your mind while in the heat of a game? How do you train your mind to face both healthy and unhealthy competition?
I try to focus on my game plan with each opponent. Sometimes when that doesn’t happen, I focus on the basics, one shot at a time. I do a lot of mental work too which is equally important as the physical aspect. Also surrounding yourself with the right people and team can help cut out the unnecessary noise.
How do you unwind?
Since my day is scheduled with training and recovery. On my off days, I really like to do nothing. I do play a lot of other sports which I enjoy and also, I read a bit.
source: http://www.thesouthfirst.com / South First / Home> Community & Culture / by Fathima Ashraf / February 15th, 2024
With the announcement of Padma Shri to two natives of Kodagu, the district takes pride in the same as two among the seven Padma Shri awardees in sports field are from here.
Kodagu natives-sportspersons, Rohan Bopanna and Kuttanda Joshna Chinappa
Madikeri :
It is a pride moment for Kodagu as two natives from the district will be conferred with the Padma Shri award. Rohan Bopanna, who emerged as World No.1 in International Men’s Doubles tennis two days ago and Joshna Chinappa, International Squash player, will receive the award from President Droupadi Murmu.
A native of Garaganduru of Madapur in Kodagu, Machanda Rohan Bopanna is the son of Bopanna and Mallika. He rose to the world’s number one ranking after his stupendous performance in the men’s doubles at the Grand Slam Australian Open. He also holds the record of being the oldest World No. 1 player. Teaming up with Australian player Mathew Ebden, 43-year-old Rohan Bopanna will play the finals at the Australian Open today.
“Rohan has emerged as a world-class player through various levels of achievement in the field of tennis. The hard work put in by Rohan for this is unimaginable and it is a prideful movement for the family,” shared Rohan’s father MG Bopanna. Rohan was honored by the state with Ekalavya Award in 2005.
Kuttanda Joshna Chinappa, another native of the district, is the daughter of Anjan Chinappa. Aged 37, she has won several gold medals in squash including at the World Squash Doubles Championship, South Asian Games, Asian Individual Squash Championship and Common Wealth Games. Now settled in Tamil Nadu, Joshna’s tryst with squash began at a very young age.
Taking part at the Republic Day celebration at Gonikoppal on Friday, Joshna spoke with the media persons and shared, “I started to play squash after I received encouragement from my parents. The encouragement that I received as a child has helped me evolve in the game. I take pride in playing for the nation.” She thanked all her coaches and trainers for her achievement.
With the announcement of Padma Shri to two natives of Kodagu, the district takes pride in the same as two among the seven Padma Shri awardees in sports field are from here.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Other / by Express News Service / January 26th, 2024
Palekanda Bopaiah (95) and Palekanda Belliappa (86) reside in Kadanuru and Gonikoppal of Kodagu.
Belliappa, Machamma and Bopaiah (L to R) from Kodagu have left for Sydney to take part in the championship
Madikeri :
While most people of their vintage would be nursing various aches and suffering from age-related issues, here are two elderly athletes, siblings aged 95 and 86, who have trained themselves hard to take part in their first-ever international meet to be held in Sydney soon.
Palekanda Bopaiah
Palekanda Bopaiah (95) and Palekanda Belliappa (86) reside in Kadanuru and Gonikoppal of Kodagu. They have taken part in several Master Games Championships held across the country and won 13 medals so far. However, this is their first international meet.
“The Master Games Championships will be held in Sydney from March 10 to March 15. It has been our long-cherished dream to take part in this tournament and we have been able to do it with the support of our family,” said Belliappa. They have shelled out Rs 2.45 lakh for the flight and other expenses for the tournament.
Belliappa said that he wrote to the Kodagu-Mysuru MP, Kodagu DC, Sports Department officials and even the Prime Minister, requesting financial support. “But we did not receive any reply. Though the DC wrote to the Bengaluru office, they denied funds. However, our family came forward and collected funds,” he added.
Brothers want to take part in five categories each
At a family get-together, arranged recently at the house of one of the siblings, the family gathered, wished them luck and handed over the funds. Bopaiah is a retired Army man, while Belliappa worked at the National Government Factory. The elderly brothers have already left for Sydney. While Bopaiah will take part in the javelin throw, discus throw and shot put, Belliappa will participate in 100 and 200m races and 1,500m walking race.
“While other international players can take part in seven different events, we have been given the option to take part in three each. We will try to convince the authorities to let us participate in at least five categories,” explained Belliappa. The two brothers hope to win at least two medals each and bring laurels to the country.
Another senior athlete from Kodagu, Machamma (77) from Hudikeri, president of the Karnataka Master Games Association, will represent India in Sydney. After the Australian Championships, the brothers hope to take part in the Master Games Championship in South Korea in May. “We hope to find sponsors,” he said.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Prajna GR, Express News Service / March 06th, 2023
Tennis player Rohan Bopanna & Bollywood actress Gul Panag during the launch
Bangalore :
ASICS, the Japanese sportswear brand, today launched the limited-edition merchandise for Asia’s most prestigious Tata Mumbai Marathon 2024. ASICS Brand Athlete Mr. Rohan Bopanna along with actress & avid runner Ms. Gul Panag unveiled the new collection at ASICS store on Linking Road in Mumbai.
The vibrant design of this collection by ASICS conveys a strong story of energy, persistence and passion for running. The Gel Kayano™ 30 Limited Edition shoes are designed with a unique blend of colors like Electric Blue/Aquarium for Men and White Sun Coral for Women, to appeal both male and female runners.
The specially crafted GEL-KAYANOTM 30 running shoe has Mumbai 2024 emblazoned on the side. The shoe provides maximum comfort and style reflecting Mumbai’s colorful culture. The GEL-KAYANOTM 30 shoes is equipped with advanced features like a 4D Guidance System for stability and FF BLASTTM PLUS ECO cushioning for softness, the shoes aim to energize runner’s every stride of their run.
The limited-edition race day t-shirt design shows the circular pattern that encapsulates the spirit of unity via the “Enso” motif from Japanese traditions. It is crafted in seven symbolic colours denoting various facets of life, the collection aims to bring all marathon participants together in a harmonious cooperation towards a shared goal. The t-shirt and shoe bring out the complete essence of the city of Mumbai and will connect and bond well with the runners of Tata Mumbai Marathon 2024.
Mr. Rajat Khurana, Managing Director, ASICS India and South ASIA said, “We are delighted to have Mr. Rohan Bopanna and Ms. Gul Panag onboard to reveal our official merchandise for the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2024. Inspired by the dynamic energy of this city and event, our goal is to design apparel that empower athletes at every skill level to unleash their complete potential. This collection is a testament to our dedication in fostering a commitment to help individuals achieve their athletic goals.”
Commenting on the event, ASICS Brand Athlete,Rohan Bopanna said, “I am glad to be a part of this special day being a Brand Athlete for ASICS India and unveiling the official merchandise for the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2024 is truly special. As an athlete, I believe having the innovatively designed gear that seamlessly blends style with high performance is paramount. These specially crafted GEL-KAYANOTM 30 shoe and t-shirt perfectly captures the vibrant energy of the city.”
Mr. Anil Singh, Managing Director, Procam International, said, “ASICS has been a longstanding partner of the Tata Mumbai Marathon and the Procam Family. They have continuously set new benchmarks with top-of-the-line event merchandise which are highly sought after by our participants. As we gear up for the 19th edition of the Tata Mumbai Marathon, here’s a race filled with inspiration, determination and the beating heart of India in every step #HarDilMumbai.”
The TATA Mumbai Marathon 2024, is a World Athletics Gold Label Road Race and will be hosted on Sunday, 21st January. The event will flagged off from the historic Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal.
The official TATA Mumbai Marathon merchandise will be available to shop on flagship ASICS stores across the country and online brand store, link – https://www.asics.com/in/en-in .
source: http://www.passionateinmarketing.com / Passionate In Marketing / Home> Article / by Passionate in Marketing / December 13th, 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
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