Rohan Bopanna, 43 of age, partnered with Matthew Ebden of South Africa to beat Rinky Hijijata and Jasin Kubler in their second match of the doubles at ATP Finals 2023 in Turin on Wednesday and became the oldest tennis player to win the match in tournament history.
Rohan Bopanna at ATP Finals 2023 in Turin on November 15 / Image Source : GETTY
India’s veteran tennis player Rohan Bopanna scripted history with a win at the ATP Finals 2023 in Turin on Wednesday, November 15. Bopanna partnered with Matthew Ebden to win the second group stage match in the men’s doubles and became the oldest player to win the ATP Finals match.
Rohan Bopanna, 43, broke the retired Canadian player Daniel Nestor’s record (aged 42 ) for the Oldest player to clinch a win in tournament history in 2014. Bopanna is showing no signs of slowing down having recently won the historic Gold in mixed doubles with Rutuja Bhosale at the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou.
Bopanna earlier broke the record for the oldest player to win the ATP 100 masters title after a sensational triumph in the Indian Wells 2023 doubles event with Ebden. Bopanna-Ebden, third-seeded in Group Red, lost their opening group match against Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury but recorded an easy 6-4, 6-4 win against Rinky Hijijata and Jason Kubler in the second round-robin match.
Carlos Alcaraz registers maiden win, Jannik Sinner beats Novak Djokovic:
In the men’s singles events at the ATP Finals, the current no.2 Carlos Alcaraz registered his maiden win with a dominating 7-5, 6-2 win over Russia’s Andrey Rublev. Chasing his maiden title, the Spaniard lost the opening game against Alexander Zverev in the first match of the Red Group fixtures. Daniil Medvedev tops the group with two consecutive wins and faces Alcaraz in a mouth-watering clash on Friday, November 17.
Meanwhile, the world no.1 Novak Djokovic suffered a big blow on his way to record seventh ATP Finals title on Wednesday. The 24-time Grand Slam winner suffered a defeat against Italian youngster Jannik Sinner by 5-7, 7-6, 6-7 in his second match. Djokovic is set to face Hubert Hurkacz in his last group stage game on Thursday and remains favourite to top the Green Group.
source: http://www.indiatvnews.com / Indian TV / Home> English News> Sports> Tennis / by Sumeet Kavthale, New Delhi / November 16th, 2023
Appaneravanda Shanthi Achapa, Founder and Chairperson of National Academy School (CBSE), Athur near Gonikoppa, Kodagu, has been conferred the Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) degree by the University of Central America for her ‘accomplishments in the public life in promoting education for establishing a just and equitable society.’
She has the credit of introducing the first Play School called Little Birds Play School in Kodagu in the year 1988, starting Teeny Weeny Kindergarten section in the year 1997 and National Academy School in 2001.
Shanthi Achapa has created an educational environment that stands as a strong pillar of society. Her helpful nature has led hundreds and thousands of people over the years to approach her with their concerns and also redeem solutions to their concerns and problems.
Promoting women empowerment and empowering children with special needs as a crux to her life agenda, she has nurtured a generation of strong and empowered individuals. Her social activities and charity initiatives have been appreciated by many people over the years.
For the past 40 years, she has contributed her services, both financial and professional, to charity work in Mysuru and Bengaluru. Her caring nature and her strong will to help various sections of society have led her to initiate various social and socio-economic activities to uplift people in need.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 09th, 2023
Kodagu, a tiny district in Karnataka, has produced thousands of sportspersons and soldiers for the nation.
Madikeri:
For years, cricket enthusiasts in Kodagu — a tiny district in Karnataka — were enthralled by men playing cricket tournaments. However, the game got a lot more exciting as married women’s cricket matches have now taken the spotlight.
In a remarkable event, a married women’s cricket tournament was held on Sunday, November 5, in Chetalli village of Madikeri taluk. The women participants showcased their cricketing prowess at the district-level match, and the atmosphere was electrifying.
In an intense competition, Team Maldare emerged victorious, claiming the title, while Team Master Blaster secured the second spot. These married women, donning cricket uniforms, put aside their daily chores and responsibilities to celebrate the game they love. With cricket bats in hand, they skillfully hit sixes and fours, proving that they were no less than their male counterparts on the field.
The event came alive even further by various food stalls set up by other women and mesmerising dance performances by the cheer team, which left the Chettalli High School ground brimming with excitement.
Historic moment
The Chettalli High School ground witnessed a unique and historic moment, as the 2nd married women’s open knockout cricket tournament was organised by the Chettalli’s Club. A total of 15 married women’s teams, all above 25 years of age, enthusiastically participated in this 6-over tournament.
In the much-anticipated final, Team Master Blaster won the toss and chose to bat, setting a target of 23 runs in the scheduled four overs. Team Maldare chased down this modest total in just 2.3 overs, securing their victory.
Pushpa Kuttanna, a retired principal of K M Cariappa College, lit the ceremonial lamp, emphasising the vital role women play in society. She commended the efforts of the Chettalli’s Club for organising the tournament exclusively for married women, who often balance family life and responsibilities. This marked a historic moment as the first-ever married women’s cricket tournament in the country.
‘Women can excel in any field’
Aichettira Sunitha Machaiyya, the president of the club, stated that it was established in Chetalli in 2010 with the goal of empowering women. Monthly programmes have been organised, and following the success of the tournament last year, they were inspired to host another tournament.
The winners, Team Maldare, received a cash prize of Rs 21,000 along with a trophy, while Team Master Blaster claimed the second prize of Rs 11,000 and a trophy. Kokeri women’s team secured the third prize, earning Rs 6,000 and a trophy.
Individual awards were also presented, with Bharti of Team Master Blaster named the best bowler, Sujitha of Team Maldare recognized as the best batter, and Anjana of Team Sambhrama awarded the highest run-scorer.
This historic event not only showcased the passion and talent of married women in cricket but also highlighted the importance of gender equality in sports, proving that women can excel in any field they choose.
Guinness record
Kodagu, a tiny district, has produced thousands of sportspersons and soldiers for the nation. The annual Kodava family hockey tournament, started in the year 1997, has secured place in Guinness book of World Records as the largest family hockey tournament in the world.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Bangalore / by News Desk / November 07th, 2023
‘Bhakta Ratnakara Keerthane’, restored work of renowned Kodava writer, released.
Dignitaries release Appaneravanda Appachha’s ‘Bhakta Ratnakara Keerthane’ in Madikeri on Saturday. DH photo
Writer Bacharaniyanda Appanna has said that a chapter on the life of Kodava writer Appaneravanda Appachha should be included in school syllabus.
At a book release programme organised by Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy here, Appanna said Appachha laid foundation for literary activities in Kodagu.
Lauding the initiative of the academy to document the achievements of the writer in the form of a book, Appanna said such initiatives will bust the myth that the district still lags behind in literary field. Though most of the works are being brought out in Kodava, lack of adequate publicity has become an impediment in reaching literary lovers, he observed.
Study materials
Lauding Appachha as ‘Kalidasa of Kodagu’, Appanna said it is evident with most of the poems, plays and also theatre songs penned. The available study materials will help younger generation in getting a glimpse of the writer and his achievements, he noted.
Appachha’s works date back to over a century and he has written four plays in Kodava. One among them, ‘Bhakta Ratnakara Keerthane’, was facing extinction, but for the timely initiative of the academy. The work has got a new lease of life, he said.
Registrar of Kodava Cultural Study Centre, Mangaluru University, Kodeera Lokesh said, “Though the love for the land among locals is on the decline, there are very few who feel proud and also patriotic, speaking in awe about the contribution to defence forces in the country.”
The youths should take initiative in studying culture and tradition of the land. The academy is playing a key role in conserving the culture, by judiciously using funds provided from the government, he added.
Additional Deputy Commissioner M Sathish Kumar stressed on documentation of history related to Kodagu for history lovers. The available historical documents in the record room at deputy commissioner’s office can be digitised for the benefit of next generation, he suggested.
Works released
Researcher Biddanda Rekha Chinnappa’s book on ‘Swatantrya Poorva Kodagina Rajakeeya Parisiti (Politics in Kodagu During Pre-Independence Era), researcher Kambeyanda Deena Bojanna’s ‘Kodagina Mand Mane Kymada Mandgala Srimantha Parampare (The Rich History of Traditional Kodava Houses), Macchamada Gopi Seethamma’s ‘Neethi Joppe’ and journalist Ithichanda Ramesh Utthappa’s ‘Appaneravanda Appaccha Kavi Jeevanacharitre (Biography of the Writer) and Sirigandha Srinivasmurthy’s CD on ‘Kodava Bhashikara Samagra Dakaleekarana’ were released. Akademy chairman Biddatanda S Thammaiah, Madikeri Urban Development Authority Chairman Chummi Devaiah, writer Nagesh Kalur, deputy director (retd) S I Bhavikatti were present.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Amp> Story> Content> 627810 / by DHNS / August 13th, 2017
Funds of nearly Rs 3 crore are being spent for the event that has garnered support from all the Kodava Samajas including the Samajas established abroad.
Members of the Kodava community (Express)
Madikeri :
A Global Kodava Summit aims to unite the Kodava community under a single roof and highlight the culture, traditions, and crises faced by the community. Several members of the community in the district fear that the culture, traditions, and practices of the Kodavas are at stake and will soon vanish.
The summit will host various cultural programmes, exhibitions, and seminars to preserve the unique practices of the Kodavas. It will be hosted by the Connecting Kodavas Trust and will be held on December 29 and 30 in Madikeri.
The summit is the fruit of efforts taken by the trust for several years. “Since 2017, the Connecting Kodavas forum has been involved in collecting details of every Kodava clan from the nook and corner of the district,” said Niran Nanjappa, one of the core members of the Connecting Kodavas Trust.
Meanwhile, volunteers have visited all the villages in the district to document details of the roots of the various Kodava clans.
“As per our research, over 1,000 Kodava clans are in existence. Many other clans have vanished. A few clans have just two members and the biggest clan has over 650 members. All these details are documented and will be revealed during the summit that is likely to witness participation from 20,000 to 25,000 people,” Niran Nanjappa added.
“During our research, we have found several anecdotes relating to the roots, practices and evolution of the Kodava clans. We have insights into the issues that led to the vanishing of several clans too. All these anecdotes will be shared to ensure that the community flourishes and our culture is preserved,” he opined.
“After the summit, we also plan to release websites for each clan so that the members of the clan can track their lineage,”Niran Nanjappa added.
Funds of nearly Rs 3 crore are being spent for the event that has garnered support from all the Kodava Samajas including the Samajas established abroad.
Alongside seminars, the Global Kodava Summit will also have demonstrations of the various practices, architecture, and ancestral history of the community as well as interactive workshops.
The forum also aims to establish a model village in the near future across five to six acres of land to highlight the uniqueness of the community.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / October 31st, 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
Mathanda Monnappa, the former President of Akhila Kodava Samaja, breathed his last at the age of 76 yesterday afternoon at his son’s residence in Bengaluru.
He is survived by his wife, a son, two daughters and a multitude of relatives and friends. His mortal remains were placed for public viewing at his residence in Kedamullur Tora in Virajpet taluk until 12 noon today. Subsequently, the last rites were scheduled to be conducted at the family’s burial grounds in Bollumadu later in the afternoon, as per family sources.
Monnappa, a native of Bollumadu village, was born in 1948 to Mathanda C. Chengappa and Lilli Chengappa of Kedamullur Tora village. He was a stalwart and a visionary who founded the Akhila Kodava Samaja in 1973, and diligently served as its President for nearly half a century until he voluntarily relinquished the post in 2022.
His dedication to the Kodava community was further evident through the establishment of the Akhila Kodava Samaja Pommakkada Parishat and Akhila Kodava Samaja Youth Wing. He actively championed the cause of Kodagu and the Kodava community.
Moreover, his illustrious contributions extended to serving as the President of the Talacauvery Abhivruddhi Horata Samiti and Talacauvery Jeernoddhara Samiti. His philanthropic spirit shone through his brainchild, the annasantarpana (mass feeding) held on Tula Sankramana Day annually.
His multifaceted involvement also extended to various other organisations, including his role as the President of Beppanad Kodava Samaja. He held the position of a member of the Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy, was the Honorary President of Kodava Samaja Okkoota and served as the Founder Director of CIT (Coorg Institute of Technology), Ponnampet.
Monnappa was an active participant in the movements concerning Jamma Baane and Kodava gun licence issues. Due to declining health, Monnappa had been residing at his son’s residence in Bengaluru for the past few years, where he breathed his last on Saturday.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 22nd, 2023
Mukkatira Kavery Muthanna, a resident of Mysuru, is currently serving as a member of the officiating team in the game of golf at the ongoing 19th Asian Games, which are taking place in Hangzhou, China.
She holds a role in the Technical Rules Official team, which consists of 24 referees from various countries. The official rounds are scheduled to take place from Sept. 28 to Oct. 1 at the West Lake Golf Course in Hangzhou, featuring 121 players.
Kavery Muthanna is well-qualified, having completed the Level 3 Tournament Administrators and Referees Seminar (TARS) under the R&A. (R&A is a leading body within the world of golf and engages and supports activities to ensure it is a thriving sport for all on a global scale.)
She has actively officiated various amateur and women’s professional golf tournaments in India, showcasing her expertise in the field. Her experience also extends to her role as a Rules Official at the 36th National Games in 2022, held in Ahmedabad.
In addition to her involvement in golf and sports officiating, Kavery Muthanna is part of the Kavery Education Trust in Virajpet and serves as its Chairperson. She is married to Mukkatira Manju Muthanna and is the daughter of Guddanda Kanthy and Nanda Ganapathy.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / September 28th, 2023
Mandetira Nanayya Subramani (M.N. Subramani) passed away in Mysuru on Sept. 21, 2023, a day when day and night were equal. This coincidence seems significant, given Subramani’s unwavering dedication to the principles of equality and justice, a commitment few could match.
I first had the privilege of meeting Subramani shortly after my retirement in 1996. Our initial encounter was related to the newsletter he published, which provided updates to ex-servicemen on Ministry of Defence policies affecting their welfare and entitlements. It was during this time that I learned about his remarkable personal background and his service in the Armed Forces, which compelled me to write about his life and accomplishments in greater detail.
Born in Madikeri on Feb. 13, 1956, Subramani was the son of Gangavva and Lance Naik Mandetira Nanayya, a Second World War Veteran. He joined the Indian Air Force in 1974 as an Airman and eventually rose to the rank of Sergeant.
While serving, Subramani pursued his education through night college, earning degrees in B.Com, M.Com. and LLB from Delhi, Rajasthan and University of Mysore, respectively.
During his military service, Sgt. Subramani observed that many retired Armed Forces personnel struggled with post-retirement issues, including pension matters, medical treatment and other entitlements. Motivated by his own education, he resolved to assist ex-servicemen with these challenges
In 1989, after retiring from the Indian Air Force (IAF), Subramani settled in Mysuru. To supplement his modest pension as a Sergeant and support his young children, Sitara and Sooraj, he took on a job as a commerce lecturer in State Government PU Colleges. His wife, Shakunthala, also took up teaching in schools. After college hours, Subramani dedicated himself to addressing the problems faced by ex-servicemen and widows, often working late into the night. These issues primarily revolved around securing employment in civilian life and rectifying errors in their military records, which could later affect entitlements or inheritance rights.
Many ex-servicemen, especially those retiring as ‘Ex-Jawans,’ face these difficulties at a young age, typically between 32 and 38, when family responsibilities are at their peak. They often lack the knowledge and means to navigate bureaucratic processes, access official authorities, or even stay informed about policy changes that might affect their benefits. This lack of support can lead to severe hardships, especially for their widows. To provide more efficient assistance to ex-servicemen, Sgt. Subramani established the “VeKare Ex-Servicemen Trust” on Aug. 15, 1990, dedicated to his father’s memory. The Trust operated on his pension and personal savings, occasionally supplemented by his devoted wife, Shakunthala.
Collaboration across India
Subramani collaborated closely with Armed Forces Record Offices across the country, tirelessly pursuing officers through various means, including registered letters, phone calls, emails, and, more recently, WhatsApp, to resolve veterans’ and widows’ cases. He even escalated matters to the Armed Forces Headquarters and the Ministry of Defence and the Government of Karnataka when necessary.
These are the real-life challenges that ex-servicemen and their widows face due to limited access to official channels, lack of awareness, and financial constraints. Sgt. Subramani bridged this vital gap.
Over three decades, he brought relief and support to hundreds of veterans and widows, including veteran officers and their widows and next-of-kin. Sgt. Subramani earned a reputation as the “go-to man” within the ex-servicemen community, and people turned to him whenever they encountered difficulties.
On a single call, he would rush to assist injured ex-servicemen, arranging immediate medical treatment and notifying military authorities, essential for financial coverage. In the event of an ex-serviceman’s passing, he facilitated last rites and provided guidance on the documentation required for family pensions.
Moreover, Sgt. M.N. Subramani took on policies affecting the welfare and benefits of ex-servicemen at both the Central and State Government levels, as well as with Armed Forces Headquarters. His efforts resulted in the rectification or amendment of several policies, bringing justice and benefits to ex-servicemen and widows.
Elevating status of veterans
Additionally, Sgt. Subramani initiated efforts to elevate the image and status of Armed Forces Veterans. He played a pivotal role in naming the Mysuru Department of Sainik Welfare & Resettlement Office building as “Squadron Leader A.B. Devaya Bhawan” in memory of Indian Air Force martyr Sqn. Ldr. A.B. Devaya, MVC (Posthumous).
In October 2000, he took the initiative to propose an Armed Forces War Memorial in Mysuru by writing to the District Administration, ultimately securing a designated plot for it.
Today, 23 years later, his vision is becoming a reality, with substantial progress made. When completed, this memorial will honour the sacrifices of Armed Forces personnel who gave their lives in service to our nation, although Subramani will not be present to witness its consecration.
Sgt. Subramani also addressed the exclusion of Mysuru’s Armed Forces Veterans from Republic Day Parade organised by the civil administration. Thanks to his efforts, senior Armed Forces veterans are now officially invited to these events.
Deep concern for nature
In addition to his dedication to ex-servicemen, Sgt. Subramani demonstrated a deep concern for nature and the environment. In 2018, he funded the planting of approximately 2,000 tree saplings in Vijayanagar 3rd Stage. Even earlier, while teaching at Government PU College for Girls, Mysuru, he founded an Eco-Club that encouraged students to plant saplings in the college premises.
He also cultivated a half-acre of coffee plantation in the adjacent vacant land. His commitment to environmental causes was evident to those who knew him.
In recognition of his tireless social service spanning over three decades, Sgt. Subramani’s name was nominated for the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award in 2022.
Throughout his work, his wife Shakunthala provided unwavering and compassionate support. Sgt. Subramani dedicated his time, attention, knowledge, abilities, and personal finances to help veterans and widows with issues related to succession, pension, entitlements and personal matters. He was an extraordinary problem-solver who demonstrated remarkable drive, focus, and tenacity, particularly when advocating for veterans.
It has been an honour to know Mandetira Nanayya Subramani, a proud son of Mysuru and a true benefactor of the ex-servicemen fraternity.
Aum Shanthi!
source:http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by Maj.Gen. (Retd.) S.G. Vombatkere / September 24th, 2023
The film, which begins with a narration, might come across more like a movie than a documentary, and Karumbaiah says it was a deliberate effort.
Bengaluru :
Thashwini Karumbaiah’s documentary film Kodavas – The Highlanders is a deep insight into the rich culture and heritage of Kodavas, renowned as a warrior clan. Hailing from the same community, the filmmaker wanted to document it in some way.
As a passion project, the film took more than two years to be made. “When the British came, they changed the name to Coorg, it is actually Kodagu,” says Karumbaiah adding, “As a Kodavati, I wanted to preserve our culture and attire and thought the best way to document all of it was in the form of a film.”
The film, which begins with a narration, might come across more like a movie than a documentary, and Karumbaiah says it was a deliberate effort. “I wanted to experiment with the documentary. Usually, documentaries are shot in a very different way but I come from a background where we do films and serials, so I wanted to make it cinematic. At one glance, people might feel there is a story behind every chapter. But it is a documentary,” says Karumbaiah about the film that was co-produced by Vaishno Studios.
Hailing from Kodagu, Karumbaiah has heard many stories in the family about the community.
However, the research for the film helped her discover many things that she had not known. “For example, when we started talking about battles that happened in Kodagu, we realised that a lot of them have gone unnoticed. It’s only orally been passed down from the older generations. We came across some of these stories which were interesting,” she adds.
Although the film started as a passion project with no commercial idea in mind, Karumbaiah is hoping to screen it at an international film festival next year.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / by Monika Monalisa, Express News Service / September 20th, 2023
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