India finally ended its wait for an athletics gold medal as the women’s 4×400 mts relay quartet of Kiran Pahal, Machettira Poovamma, Prachi and Vithya Ramaraj produced a composed run to clinch the gold at the ongoing Asian Games 2026 at Aichi-Nagoya in Japan.
The Indian team clocked 3:29.69 in the final to finish first, with Bahrain taking silver in 3:30.21 and China claiming bronze in 3:31.02. The victory was India’s first athletics gold of the Games and came after the country had collected a string of silver and bronze medals in track and field.
The quartet held its composure in a closely contested race, with Bahrain and China staying in contention before India pulled clear in closing stages. The victory underlined the depth of India’s women’s quarter-mile programme.
Poovamma of Kodagu brought considerable experience to the quartet, while Kiran, Prachi and Vithya combined to maintain the pressure through the four legs. Poovamma and Vithya had earlier been part of India’s mixed 4×400 mts relay silver-medal winning team, making yesterday’s gold another significant achievement for the two runners.
The women’s 4×400 mts relay triumph finally put India atop an athletics podium at Aichi-Nagoya and provided a fitting highlight to a day of multiple track and field medals.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / September 30th, 2026
Karthamada Shama Appanna, wife of Karthamada Dicky Appanna and a resident of Trendz Apartment in Bogadi, Mysuru, has won ‘Amritha Cinecrafts – Mrs. India Women of Substance-Season 9’ held at Sheraton Grand Hotel at Brigade Gateway, Bengaluru, on Sept. 27.
Originally from Ponnampet, Kodagu, she is the daughter of Chowrira Bopaiah and Sharada.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Photo News / September 30th,2026
The Annual Kodava Convention of North America brought together more than 500 guests in Houston, Texas, from Sept. 4 to 6, with 141 Kodava families from 116 cities and three countries taking part.
This was the third time Texas hosted the event, following earlier gatherings in Austin and Dallas. Preparations began more than 14 months ago, with Kodava families from the Greater Houston area involved.
The Convention opened on Sept. 4 with a ‘Meet the Hosts’ gathering, allowing participants to reconnect with friends and families from across North America and overseas.
The celebrations on Sept. 5 had a distinct Texas flavour, with optional morning run/walk and shooting range activities, followed by a pre-convention celebration at a ranch-style venue. The programme featured Bollywood and Western line dance performances by Houston hosts and a Mexican folk dance by guest artistes.
On Sept. 6, participants visited NASA’s Johnson Space Centre before attending the Main Convention programme centred on the theme, ‘What does it mean to be a Kodava today?’
Kodagu brought to Houston
The Convention venue featured a Kodava heritage exhibition displaying traditional jewellery, clothing, household and cookware items, along with storyboards on Kodava history and identity. Tables were named after villages in Kodagu, while traditional Kodava proverbs were used for an interactive quiz.
The décor also reflected Kodagu’s landscape, incorporating coffee beans, paddy, anthuriums, banana stems and flowers.
The main programme began with a traditional prayer song and ceremonial lamp lighting by members of the Baduvamanda and Gummatira families. Traditional ‘Ummathat’ by Kodava women and ‘Bolkaat’, the martial dance performed by Kodava men, were among the highlights. A contemporary dance by Kodava women and a children’s skit, ‘Two Boots, One Beat’, exploring the cultural similarities and contrasts between Texas and Kodagu, were also presented.
Tradition takes centre stage
A multigenerational panel discussion, ‘One Heritage, Many Journeys: Being Kodava Today’, brought together five Kodavas from different generations to discuss identity, traditions and the challenges of preserving their heritage while living away from Kodagu. Live polling also allowed the audience to share their views.
The convention also saw the introduction of ‘arivāme’, a Kodava heritage and language app aimed at supporting the preservation and teaching of Kodava Thakk.
The programme concluded with an update from Kodava Koota on its activities and plans, followed by dinner featuring Kodava and Indian cuisine. The evening ended with music and Kodava Vaalaga, with guests joining the celebrations on the dance floor.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 30th, 2026
Set across 76 acres of lush Coorg forest, The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary brings together secluded luxury villas, immersive nature trails, local cuisine and expansive wellness experiences. From private pools and heritage coffee rituals to birdwatching and the Aujasya spa, this is Coorg designed for slowing down in style.
At the Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary, bamboo-canopied architecture and laterite stone come together to embellish the 71 secluded luxury villas, each of which offer a distinct experience
Nestled in a 76-acre estate in the heart of Coorg, The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary marks a new foray for one of India’s finest hospitality brands. From verdant landscapes and nature trails, local flavours, curated wellness programs and astounding birdlife, Leela’s first wellness-anchored forest sanctuary allows you to truly immerse yourself in the best of Coorg.
Secluded luxury villas
Bamboo-canopied architecture and laterite stone come together to embellish the 71 secluded luxury villas, each of which offer a distinct experience. The Presidential Villa is an abode in itself with easy access to the in-resort helipad. It combines four villas with a drawing room that will transport you to a colonial-era, planters club replete with leather sofas and dark wood.
The large private kitchen at the villa can be manned by one of Leela’s chefs or your own personal Chef. The accommodation also includes a large private pool with a poolside bar and a dedicated gym. Villa options include the massive 3,200 sq. ft.
The Forestlight Villa includes a stunning outdoor lounge, and a temperature-controlled pool with twin massage beds on the deck. There’s also the Mistwood Villa which features two large indoor spaces, a private pool with a deck and a jacuzzi.
For your taste buds
Zen, Leela’s signature Pan Asian restaurant, plays out in a new setting. Located over a shimmering water body, this outdoor paradise offers a choice of private gazebos that overlook acres of green landscapes. The menu includes Zen’s signature sushi rolls and dim sums with a cocktail program that incorporates local ingredients. Some of these ingredients also play out in the cocktail program at The Cellar, the resort’s cosy bar that’s tucked away under the all-day diner. Do check out the bar’s signature cocktail, the Kachampuli Highball with a tangy Coorg slant.
The Presidential Villa at the Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary is an abode in itself with easy access to the in-resort helipad
Luma, the all-day diner, offers some of the best views of the private lake within the resort. Ask for the chef’s specially curated local menu where emblematic dishes like the pandi (pork) curry and ingredients like bamboo shoot are usually in the mix. I’d also recommend a signature heritage coffee curation experience at 92 degrees, the resort’s dedicated coffee lounge that allows you to get up close with Coorg’s coffee heritage. You will be tempted to take advantage of the resort’s elaborate in-room dining menu that blends the best of Asian, European and Indian flavours.
Rejuvenate, relax in luxury The 27,000 sq. ft. Aujasya by The Leela Spa is one of the biggest in any luxury resort in India. With 25 treatment rooms spread over multiple levels, it’s easy to find your zen space. The spa offers a hammam and treatments from across the world. You can also opt for the in-villa spa experience. The large Vinyasa deck on the edge of the lake offers yoga and pranayama sessions. There are a host of activities, including kayaking on the private lake, that truly let you unwind.
The 27,000 sq. ft. Aujasya by The Leela Spa is one of the biggest in any luxury resort in India
Trails, at your doorstep
The best trails begin at your doorstep. Sign up for one of the nature walks that are worth waking up early for. The resort is a hub for Coorg’s fabled birdlife. It’s not unusual to spot at least 25 species of birds during the space of a 90-minute walk through the resort. Look out for woodpeckers and hornbills as well as the Giant Malabar Squirrel (one of the world’s largest squirrels) as it leaps from one tree to the next. Coorg’s popular attractions like Talacauvery (where the Cauvery river originates) and Abbey Falls are easily accessible from the resort. Do make time to visit Namdroling Nyinmape, a Tibetan monastery in Bylakuppe (45 minutes from the resort) that is home of one India’s largest Tibetan communities.
Plan your stay
The resort is about six hours from the Bengaluru International Airport. The Kannur International Airport is three hours away. You could combine your trip to the resort with a pit-stop in Mysore (three hours away). The in-resort helipad also allows you to arrive on a chartered helicopter service.
Flaunt insider tip
If you’re planning a romantic break, do book the Forestlight Villa with an intimate bedroom, a large outdoor lounge and outdoor showers.
source: http://www.firstpost.in / First Post / Home> Travel / by Ashwin Rajagopalan / August 26th, 2026
Yas Lions have become the latest franchise confirmed for the new era of the Abu Dhabi T10, entering the tournament with West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder as Icon player, former India international Robin Uthappa as Team Director.
File photo of Robin Uthappa
Yas Lions have become the latest franchise confirmed for the new era of the Abu Dhabi T10, entering the tournament with West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder as Icon player, former India international Robin Uthappa as Team Director, and entrepreneur and investor Jeetu Kataria as owner. The Lions will make their tournament debut when the Abu Dhabi T10 returns to Zayed Cricket Stadium from November 7-20, joining an expanding 2026 line-up under the ownership of Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub (ADCSH) that already includes Arabian Aces, Emirates Eagles, UAE Bulls, United Tigers and Royal Desert Champions.
Yas Lions was created with a simple but ambitious belief: T10 cricket can play a meaningful role in taking the game to the world. The journey begins in Abu Dhabi, but the ambition is global.
Owner Jeetu Kataria brings close to two decades of experience across institutional capital markets, investment banking, asset management and financial technology. For Kataria, Yas Lions represents the opportunity to build something at the intersection of cricket, the UAE and long-term enterprise – not as a passive franchise owner, but to help create one of the best-run teams in the league, grounded in process, governance, respect for players and partners, and a clear competitive identity.
Robin Uthappa, a World Cup-winning former India international, takes on the Team Director role, where he will oversee the franchise’s cricketing strategy, player development and squad culture alongside the coaching staff. Uthappa was part of India’s 2007 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup-winning squad. Since closing his playing chapter in 2022, he has built a second career across entrepreneurship, broadcasting and high-performance coaching. His role with Yas Lions will also see him work closely on player recruitment and mentoring. Having long wanted to see cricket move beyond its traditional markets, Uthappa believes T10 offers one of the clearest pathways to new audiences – short, fast, entertaining and easy for first-time fans to understand.
Together, Kataria and Uthappa aim to combine cricketing credibility with a strong business backbone. The intention is not simply to own a franchise. It is to build one – a team known for integrity, a genuine hunger to win, the pride of unity, and a commitment to the growth of the game.
Matt Boucher, CEO of the Abu Dhabi T10 and its owner Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub (ADCSH), said: “Welcoming Yas Lions is another important step in our ambition to build the Abu Dhabi T10 into a truly global sporting property. With strong international investment, experienced leadership and world-class playing talent, franchises such as Yas Lions are integral to our strategy of expanding the tournament’s international reach, attracting new audiences and creating long-term value for the sport. Our vision extends well beyond the tournament itself. We want to establish Abu Dhabi as a leading international destination for cricket and major sporting events, bringing together global talent, commercial partnerships and passionate fans. Yas Lions share that ambition, and their arrival adds further momentum to an exciting new era for Abu Dhabi T10.”
Jeetu Kataria, Owner of Yas Lions, said: “Building Yas Lions is about applying the core principles I stand by – meticulous planning and a long-term vision. The Abu Dhabi T10 gives us an outstanding platform to build a franchise with a real identity, one grounded in process, governance and respect for players and partners. Having Robin lead our cricketing operation gives us a rare combination of championship experience and modern high-performance thinking. Together with Jason, Andries and David, we have the foundations of a squad built to compete from the first season itself. Our ambition is clear: build a contender, build a brand, and help take cricket to new audiences around the world.”
source: http://www.sports.ndtv.com / NDTV / Home> Sports Home> Cricket> News / by NDTV Sports Desk / September 29th, 2026
The service will operate from Shantinagar Bus Stand in Bengaluru via Mysuru, Hunsur, Kushalnagar, Madikeri and Karagunda, providing a direct overnight connection to Bhagamandala, a release states. | Photo Credit: FILE PHOTO
The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will introduce a new Rajahamsa bus service between Bengaluru and Bhagamandala in Kodagu from October 1, 2026, according to KSRTC Bengaluru Central Division.
The service will operate from Shantinagar Bus Stand in Bengaluru via Mysuru, Hunsur, Kushalnagar, Madikeri and Karagunda, providing a direct overnight connection to Bhagamandala, the release stated.
The bus will depart from Shantinagar at 10.30 p.m. and reach the Mysuru Road Bus Stand at 11.16 p.m., Madikeri at 5.15 a.m. and Bhagamandala at 6.15 a.m. On the return journey, the bus will leave Bhagamandala at 8.30 p.m., reach Madikeri at 10 p.m. and arrive at Shantinagar Bus Stand at 4.30 a.m.
The fare from Bengaluru to Madikeri has been fixed at ₹545 for adults and ₹296 for children, while the fare to Bhagamandala will be ₹608 for adults and ₹328 for children, according to the release.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / September 29th, 2026
Image: India’s High Commissioner to Australia, Nagesh Singh addressing the Commonwealth Club of Australia’s Capital Lecture Series Dinner in Canberra (Source: X)
India’s High Commissioner to Australia, Nagesh Singh, has highlighted the deepening India–Australia relationship and its historic foundations while addressing the Commonwealth Club of Australia’s Capital Lecture Series Dinner in Canberra.
Singh was the distinguished guest speaker at the event, where he reflected on the longstanding connections between the two countries, their shared Indo-Pacific outlook and the growing breadth of the bilateral partnership.
He also highlighted the enduring legacy of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, who served as India’s High Commissioner to Australia and played a pivotal role in establishing the Commonwealth Club in Canberra in 1954.
High Commissioner of India @nageshsinghIFS addressed the Commonwealth Club of Australia’s Capital Lecture Series Dinner as the distinguished guest speaker. Reflected on the historic connection between India and Australia, deepening partnership, shared Indo-Pacific outlook and the… pic.twitter.com/QshgwLstYp
Cariappa arrived in Australia in 1953 and envisioned a neutral and welcoming space where diplomats and members of the local community could meet and interact as equals.
In January 1954, he presented the idea to then Australian Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies, who encouraged the initiative. Cariappa subsequently brought together community members to establish what became the Commonwealth Club.
The club went on to attract 116 foundation members and welcomed women as members from its beginning. Its first premises were at historic Old Canberra House before it moved to its present Yarralumla location in 1965.
Today, the Commonwealth Club describes itself as a longstanding meeting place for Canberra’s diplomatic, political and community circles, continuing the tradition of connection established by its founders.
Cariappa’s contribution came during an important period in India–Australia relations.
Well-known Australian historian Prof. David Walker has observced that India was among the most persistent international critics of Australia’s White Australia policy during the 1950s, with India’s concerns contributing to wider debate within Australia.
Despite the difficult political environment of the era, Cariappa developed strong personal connections in Canberra and became a well-known figure in Australian social and diplomatic circles.
Cariappa, a distinguished military officer and later India’s first Field Marshal, was also known for his interest in Indian philosophical traditions, including the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita.
He arrived in Australia in September 1953 accompanied by his 12-year-old daughter, Nalini, and his niece Sagari Chengappa, who assisted him as hostess at official functions.
The Commonwealth Club’s history reflects Canberra’s evolution from a small early settlement into Australia’s national capital and the development of its diplomatic and community networks.
More than seven decades after its establishment, the club continues to promote the values of connection, diplomacy and community that shaped its foundation.
Singh’s address brought that history into the context of contemporary India–Australia relations, as the two countries continue to expand cooperation across trade, education, defence, technology, critical minerals and the broader Indo-Pacific.
source: http://www.theaustraliatoday.com / The Australia Today / Home> News / by Amit Sarwal / September 26th, 2026
Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot administered the oath of office to Usharani, KS Bharath Kumar and NV Bhavani as Additional Judges of the High Court of Karnataka, at a ceremony held at the glass house of Lok Bhavan on Friday.
The trio was elevated from the district judiciary as additional judges of the High Court.
Justice Usharani, from Dakshina Kannada district, completed her BA (Law) and LLB from Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College in Mangaluru, began judicial service as a Munsiff in 1998.
Justice Bharath Kumar from Virajpet graduated from National Law School of India University, Bengaluru. He was appointed as a district judge in 2015.
Justice Bhavani from Mysuru is the daughter of former judge of the High Court, late NS Veerabhadraiah. She graduated from NLSIU and practised in Bengaluru. She entered the district judiciary in 2015 and served in Mangaluru, Ballari, Chikkaballapura and Bengaluru.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / September 27th, 2026
The Indian duo won a bronze medal in the squash mixed doubles at the ongoing Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya.
Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar secured a bronze medal in the squash mixed doubles event at the Asian Games. | Photo Credit: RV MOORTHY
Indian squash mixed doubles players Joshna Chinappaand Velavan Senthilkumarsecured a bronze medal at the ongoing Asian Games2026 at Aichi-Nagoya on Saturday.
The duo lost went down to Hong Kong China’s Lee Ka Yi and Tang Ming Hong 1-2 (10-11, 11-2, 10-11) in the semifinals.
Tamil Nadu chief minister C. Joseph Vijay announced a cash prize of INR 30 lakh for the two athletes.
“My heartfelt congratulations and appreciation to squash players Joshna Chinnappa and Velavan Senthilkumar, who have brought pride to India and Tamil Nadu by winning the bronze medal in the Mixed Doubles category of Squash at the ongoing Asian Games in Japan,” he said via a statement on X.
“In appreciation of the great achievement of these heroes, the Tamil Nadu Government will provide a high incentive of Rs. 30 lakhs each. Their victory will give new inspiration and hope to the young generation of athletes of Tamil Nadu,” he added.
Vijay had earlier announced cash rewards for athlete Baranica Elangovan, badminton player A. Hariharan, cricketer G. Kamalini, and relay runners Vishal T.K. and Vithya Ramraj.
source: http://www.sportstar.thehindu.com / Sportstar / Home> Asian Games 2026 / by Sportstar News Desk / September 26th, 2026
Sustainability standards on the anvil | Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
The Coffee Board has developed sustainability standards and is in the process of implementing the certification process, said Kurma Rao, its Chief Executive Officer and Secretary.
India, the world’s seventh-largest coffee producer and fifth-largest exporter, exported coffee worth more than $2 billion in 2025-26, with nearly 39% comprising value-added products., he said.
Indian coffee’s distinctive advantage lies in its traditional shade-grown cultivation, which the Board aims to leverage through the new sustainability standards.
“We have published the standards. We are in the process of implementing the certification and a steering committee has been formed for it,” he told The Hindu.
The certification will be done at three levels – first will be done by the Board based on self certification by the growers. The second level will involve independent third-party verification, while the third level will benchmark Indian standards against internationally recognised sustainability frameworks.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Business / by M Soundariya Preetha / September 25th, 2026
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