Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni was recently seen partying with his wife Sakshi at former teammate Robin Uthappa’s house.
MS Dhoni’s entrepreneur friend Hitesh Sanghvi shared an Instagram story on Thursday, December 28, in which the couple posed with Robin Uthappa and his wife in their Dubai residence.
Hitesh Sanghvi’s latest Instagram story
On the cricketing front, MS Dhoni will next be seen in action in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024). Earlier this year, he led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to their record-equalling fifth IPL title.
As many as 10800 devotees initiated the Koti Geetha Lekhana Yajna on December 27 at the Gayathri Kalyana Mantapa.
Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji himself preached the oath ceremony of registering the initiated devotees for Koti Geetha Lekhana Yajna, a religious global initiative of the swamiji.
Sankarshana Prakhanda Koti Geetha Lekhana Yajna Parivara, Kushalnagar, Kodagu district, organised the event in the presence of Sri Sushreendra Theertha Swamiji, junior seer.
As many as 10800 devotees participated in the event.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld / Home> Karnataka / by Daijiworld Media Network – (TP) / December 28th, 2023
Niki Poonacha beat Digvijay Pratap Singh to win the men’s singles title while Zeel Desai got the better of Sharmada Balu in the women’s singles final.
Young Indian tennis players Niki Poonacha and Zeel Desai won the men’s and women’s singles titles respectively at the National Tennis Championships 2021 on Saturday.
The tournament was held at the Delhi Lawn Tennis Association (DLTA) Complex in the national capital.
The 26-year-old Niki Poonacha won his third national title after beating Digvijay Pratap Singh 3-6, 7-6, 6-4 in the final.
Niki Poonacha, who trains at the Rohan Bopanna Academy in Bengaluru, saved three match points in the second set to mount a comeback after being a set down.
London 2012 Olympian and 2010 Asian Games medallist Vishnu Vardhan was knocked out in the round of 16 of the men’s singles.
It was a second national crown in as many days for Niki Poonacha, who had won the men’s doubles title with Prajwal Dev on Friday. Poonacha-Dev beat Chandril Sood and Lakshit Sood 6-2, 7-6 in the final.
In the women’s singles final, Zeel Desai also mounted a comeback of her own against Sharmada Balu.
After being down 1-3 in the first set, Zeel Desai won the next 11 games on the trot to win 6-3, 6-0.
However, Sharmada Balu did taste victory in the national tennis championship as she won the women’s doubles title with partner Sravya Chilakalapudi on Friday.
The duo beat the pair of Vaidehi Chaudhari and Mihika Yadav 6-2, 6-3 in the final.
The singles events had 64 players each while 32 pairs each took part in the doubles categories.
source: http://www.olympics.com / Olympics.com / Home> Tennis / by Rahul Venkat / October 30th, 2021
I wish to thank Santhosh Thammaiah for his touching and respectful tribute (“The Soldier who Saved Siachen”) to my late father, Lt. Gen. B.C. Nanda in SOM dated Dec. 26, 2018. I am immensely proud of what my father achieved in his professional career and, most of all, of what he meant to me as a beloved father.
I would, however, like to correct a portion of the account here: My father’s role model was his father, B.S. Chengappa (Chief Conservator of Forests, Andaman Islands) whose extraordinary work and contributions are held in high regard. It is from him that my father’s lifelong association with, and love of, nature and environmental issues came. It was during the early years of his childhood in Andaman Islands that my father’s keen observations of natural life began. This was the bedrock of my father’s interest in nature and environment.
As a young boy of 7, my father was able to assist a visiting English Naturalist in compiling an extensive list of local names for the fish of the Andaman waters — knowledge that he had imbibed through his passion for fishing, combined with a sharp eye and ear for all things in the natural world. Anyone who knew my father would know what an amazingly keen and astute observer of animal and bird life he was.
After my father retired from an illustrious career in the Indian Army in 1989, he devoted tireless hours to various causes, be it the issues and concerns of ex-servicemen, adventure sports foundations, or giving fresh direction and impetus to the Coorg Wildlife Society, to name but a few.
Over the years, my father, on his regular visits to Kodagu, visited Field Marshal Cariappa’s residence, to pay his respects as a nephew.
Also, my parents had always planned to retire in Kodagu.
Thank You once again for this tribute to my father.
Note: I had not met Lt. Gen. Nanda personally, but had seen him from afar and heard about his interaction with people living in remote villages beyond Gaalibeedu. I was told he was visiting Sri Bhadrakali Temple at Monnangeri, staying overnight in the humble house of a local. I heard of Gen. Nanda’s humility and love of nature when I visited his host’s house about five years ago.
My contact with him was mostly per letters on issues concerning Kodagu and Kodavas. On reading his daughter Shalini’s letter, I tried to look for Gen. Nanda’s letters in my file and was able to find just one written by hand. It is an eloquent testimony to what his daughter has written and his abiding love for Kodagu. Hence, I reproduce it here below. – K.B. Ganapathy, Editor-in-Chief
Dear Sir,
Thank you for sending me a copy of your letter dated 10.8.2003 addressed to Mr. Ulliyada M. Poovaiah. I fully endorse your view that the Kodavas must be united. We are at the moment making efforts towards that end. I am sure you are aware of what is happening.
When I retired from service after 40 years in uniform, the Govt. of India sent me messages after messages asking me if I wanted a job. I declined as I needed to attend to my personal affairs that had been totally neglected. Any query to Mr. K.C. Pant, Mr. Jagmohan or Mr. Naresh Chandra will confirm what I say. Also Mr. Arun Singh. Later it was Mr. Moily. Now that I think back— may be that if I had accepted those offers — Kodavas would have benefited in some ways. It was just that those living in comfort in Kodagu were swallowing up my heritage and my land — I needed to put this in order.
I continue to dedicate myself to Kodagu and the Kodavas. With best wishes and regards
Yours sincerely,
B.C. Nanda
(15th Sept., 2003)
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Voice of the Reader / January 04th, 2019
During one such ITF junior tournament in Chennai, Rohan Bopanna spotted him. And when India’s doubles star started his academy in Bengaluru in 2016, Niki’s hazy tennis road was starting to clear up.
At 24, Niki Poonacha, who won the Fenesta National Tennis Championship in New Delhi on Saturday, has already seen precious time being taken away from his nascent career.
If months lost to injuries often dealing a body blow to his vulnerable body weren’t enough, the Tamil Nadu boy was forced to end his training stint in Spain for lack of financial resources. This, despite his parents selling most of their properties to ensure that their son’s tennis career doesn’t get derailed even before getting on track properly.
After turning 18 and deciding that he wanted to take up the sport professionally after a decent showing in the junior circuit, Niki – who was based in a small town called Neyveli and now stays in Anantapur — checked into the Arena Tennis Academy in Alicante.
However, barely a couple of years on, he realized that it was burning too big a hole into his and his parents’ pockets.
“When I started going abroad to train, there were a lot of expenses to take care of. My parents had to sell some of our properties every now and then,” Niki said.
“At one point of time, all our resources were sold out and empty. When I was 20, I stopped going abroad because of my financial constraints. I decided to train in India all by myself, but I couldn’t find a good coach or a proper set up.
“So, I wasted that time in between, and those two years were so critical. But the situation was such that I couldn’t do much except train by myself from whatever I learnt from my previous coaches,” he added.
From cutting a lonely figure to becoming a national champion a few years later, it’s no wonder that Niki has a tinge of pride in his voice. And, satisfaction that the sacrifice of his parents – both of whom took retirement from their respective central government jobs – wasn’t for nothing.
“We don’t have that great a (financial) background, and we couldn’t find anyone to support us financially. Tennis is a very expensive sport, and it’s really difficult to pay for the travel, training and everything else. But my parents sacrificed everything for me, and then I also got committed towards tennis,” Niki said.
Just like his father, Poonacha KB, was committed to place his son on the tennis journey, so much so that he picked up the nuances of the sport himself.
“My dad was an athlete, but he learnt tennis coaching for me. He had the passion for tennis and he introduced me to it. It wasn’t my goal from the first to become a professional tennis player, but he kept teaching me and I was getting better at it. I started playing tournaments at the age of nine, and was doing well in the juniors,” Niki said.
During one such ITF junior tournament in Chennai, Rohan Bopanna spotted him. And when India’s doubles star started his academy in Bengaluru in 2016, Niki’s hazy tennis road was starting to clear up.
When he was starting his academy, one of his coaches invited me to join. From having nothing to having a very good professional set up, it was a big turning point for me,” Niki, who is now coached by Sujith Sachidanand and the veteran M Balachandran, said.
The training part taken care of since the last couple of years, Niki began playing on the ITF circuit – a level below the ATP tour – again, and clinched a title in Indonesia last year. Placed at 912 in the ATP rankings, he now hopes to play a few Challenger events and gradually climb the rankings ladder.
“My main priority is to stay healthy and focus on my fitness. And from next season, I want to play close to 25 tournaments a year. Long term, my dream is to be in the top 100, and represent India in the Davis Cup,” Niki said.
source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home> News> Sports> Tennis / HT Mumbai / by Rutvick Mehta / October 08th, 2019
Kodava Samaja holds elocution contest for college students
An elocution competition for college students on the ‘Life and Achievements of the General’ marked the 111th birth anniversary of General K.S. Thimayya organised by Kodava Samaja, Mysuru at Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Community Hall, Kodava Samaja premises, Vijayanagar 1st Stage this morning.
Mysuru Kodava Samaja President M.K. Kuttappa, Vice-President B.M. Nanaiah, Secretary M.P. Kalaiah, Treasurer M.M. Ponnappa, former Presidents Dr. A.A. Kuttappa, K.A. Kariappa and M.M. Karumbaiah and others were present.
Students from Kautilya, Gnanodaya, Cauvery and MICA Colleges took part in the elocution contest.
Prof. N. Yashoda Kalappa, retired Principal, Prof. K.C. Belliappa, Chairman, Sree Cauvery Educational Institutions and Dr. K.A. Kushalappa, retired forest officer, were the judges of the competition.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 31st, 2017
Supreme Court Judge Justice A.S. Bopanna and his wife Monica being felicitated by Ajjikuttira family members at a function held at Kodava Samaja in Ponnampet recently on his elevation as the Judge of the country’s Top Court.
Family members A.C. Subbaiah, Raja Nanjappa, A.C. Poonacha, A.K. Achaiah, A.S. Madaiah and others were present on the occasion.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Photo News / January 02nd, 2020
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
Nearly a month after the Kodava hockey tournament started at Napoklu in Kodagu district, the finals were held on Sunday.
The Kuppanda family team beat 3-time champion Kulletira team by a margin of 4-2 goals in the shoot out. Kuppanda became champion for the first time in the 23rd edition of the hockey tournament.
Madikeri :
Nearly a month after the Kodava hockey tournament started at Napoklu in Kodagu district, the finals were held on Sunday. The Kuppanda family team beat 3-time champion Kulletira team by a margin of 4-2 goals in the shoot out. Kuppanda became champion for the first time in the 23rd edition of the hockey tournament.
Kulletira had won the tournaments in 1998, 1999 and 2002.
It entered finals for the first time since 16 years, while for the Kuppanda team it was their first shot at the title.
Kuppanda and Kulletira scored one goal each in the stipulated time period. Then they were given a shoot out opportunity which resulted in the Kuppanda team win the match by 4-2 goals. Kuppanda Somaiah scored a goal for his team in the 16th minute of play while Kulletira Avinash equalised the score for his team in the 22nd minute.
Kuppanda team received Rs 3 lakh cash and a trophy. Satisfied with the runners-up title, Kulletia team got two lakhs and a trophy. The winners will also get a rolling trophy given by the Kodava Hockey Academy. A cultural programme was organised before the final tournament. Kodava traditional dances were performed in the middle of the field , and many hockey fans from the district and outside the district took part, Kodava family members witnessed this exciting match in Napoklu in the scorching sun.
The 24th year of hockey is planned in 2024 by the Kundyolanda family team.
The main guests on the occasion were Pandanda Leela Kuttappa wife of the Kodava hockey founder late Pandanda Kuttappa, Air Marshal Baltikalanda U Chengappa, Kuttanda Sudhin Mandanna of Kaig Group, former Indian hockey captain Dhanraj Pilley, Olympian Cheppudira S Poonacha, Triple Olympian Zafar Iqbal, Olympian Anjaparavanda B Subbaiah, Cheranda Kishen, Ajjikuttira Kanchan Ponnanna and others.
Appachettolanda Mittu Erappa presided. Kodava Hockey Academy president Pandnada K Bopanna inaugurated. Convener of the tournament Appachettolanda Manu Muthappa was present.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> City News> Mysuru News / by G Rajendra, TNN / April 10th, 2023
Women from the Kodava community showcase their shooting skills at ‘Thok Namme’. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
On Monday, December 18, hundreds of Kodavas in the Kodagu district came together for a unique get together called “Thok Namme” (Gun Carnival), emphasising the cultural significance of the gun in their tradition.
On the occasion of the United Nations World Minorities Rights Day, the Codava National Council (CNC) organised the 14th Annual Public Gun Carnival in the district. Kodavas, during their festivals, engage in the worship of firearms.
Speaking to The Hindu, CNC president Nandineravanda U. Nachappa said, “This is the only such gun carnival in the country, observed annually by members of the Kodava community. It aims to raise awareness about the legislative rights of Kodavas to possess a gun.” The gun carnival event included a collective gun worship ceremony during which guns were adorned with flowers and worshiped. Subsequently, shooting competitions were organized for children, women, and men.
Women from the community enthusiastically took part in the event, showcasing their shooting skills by hitting a coconut hung several yards away. Speaking to The Hindu, Kaliyanda Meena Prakash said, “Equality between men and women is a cherished aspect of our community. Kodava women actively participate in various shooting competitions held throughout the district. Our goal is to train and pass on shooting skills to the younger generation.”
“The guns have a prominent position in the lives of Kodava Kshatra tribals and are being worshiped at the Nellakkiyadi, which is an important place for the tribals,” Mr. Nachappa explained. Senior Congress leader and MLC B.K. Hariprasad, and Virajpet MLA and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s legal advisor A.S. Ponnanna participated at the event.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by Darshan Devaiah B.P. / December 19th, 2023
WELCOME. If you like what you see "SUBSCRIBE via EMAIL" to receive FREE regular UPDATES.
Read More »
![Picture] MS Dhoni parties with wife Sakshi at Robin ...](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/12/ca5ce-17037730738794-1920.jpg)
