India also outclassed Pakistan in the 1975 WC final.
In the last half a decade, the Indian men’s hockey team have bagged two bronze medals at the Olympic Games, and that brought a lot of joy to the fraternity.
India had to wait a bit before experiencing Olympic glory, but that was not the case for a major part of the last 100 years. With 13 medals at the Olympic Games, and three at the World Cup, India is among the most decorated teams in the sport.
Reflecting on India’s glorious history, a two-time World Cup medallist (1973 and 1975) and an Olympic medallist (1972), BP Govinda said, “It is a nice thing and a big achievement that we can celebrate such a glorious 100 years of Indian hockey.
“The journey started all the way back in 1928 with our first Olympic medal, and we are all very happy that Hockey India is making a celebration of this landmark of 100 years.”
Considered to be one of the fastest players during his era, BP Govinda was a crucial part of the Indian team. In 1973, it was his goal that helped India overcome Pakistan in a thrilling semi-final, before they went onto finish with silver.
In the next World Cup in 1975, BP Govinda again played a big role in the team’s success, scoring important goals in the tournament, as India outclassed arch-rivals Pakistan in the final to win the coveted gold medal.
Reflecting on the memories of those World Cup campaigns, BP Govinda said, “1975 World Cup we really outclassed Pakistan in the finals, but before that Malaysia gave us a very tough time in the semi-finals.”
He further added, “When we won the gold medal in 1975 in the World Cup in Kuala Lumpur, there is no words to express the feeling. All the members of the Indian team were overjoyed, and there was a lot of emotions, as it was a first World Cup gold medal, and of course we were all very thrilled to stand on the podium.”
Now as a former player, and a fan of the sport, BP Govinda believes the current generation of players should always aim high.
He said, “As a team, the Indian men’s hockey team should always expect a lot from themselves. It is important to be aiming for the top prize, the team should always aim for a gold medal. We have won two bronze medals in the last two Olympics, I hope we can make it better in the next Olympics and World Cups.”
source: http://www.khelnow.com / Khel Now / Home> Field Hockey / by Alex / November 05th, 2025
MLA for Madikeri Mantar Gowda has sanctioned a grant of ₹3 lakh from the MLA Local Area Development Fund for the development of the statue of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, and its surrounding park in Madikeri.
During their visit to Madikeri on Tuesday, Tennira Maina, district president of the Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Raj Organisation, and Mandira Sada Muddappa, nominated member of the Madikeri City Municipal Council, submitted an estimate for the proposed development works. Responding to their proposal, Dr. Gowda announced the grant.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Gowda said that Field Marshal Cariappa and General K.S. Thimayya were exceptional military leaders and it is the duty of every Indian to honour their contributions.
The MLA said that he would continue to extend full support to all programmes and initiatives associated with these great leaders.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / October 28th, 2025
“India needs committed teachers who believe in their career development,” opined Professor M D Nanjunda, renowned educationist and secretary of Kodagu Academy for Education and Culture, Gonikoppal.
He was speaking after receiving the prestigious Alevoor Group Award instituted by Alevoor Group for Education at the annual day celebrations of Shanthiniketan English Medium School, Alevoor, on Sunday January 29.
“Unfortunately, many teachers did not take up the teaching profession as a choice, but somehow they landed up in the profession. Now they believe only in bell and the bill,” he added.
Meanwhile, Prof Nanjunda advised the teachers to develop a professional attitude or to quit the profession. He also said that government’s effort to get the state syllabus on par with the central syllabus through a bridge course would be a futile attempt.
Presenting the award, Lions district governor Jayakar Shetty Indrali called upon the parents to instill the qualities of respecting elders and teachers in their wards.
DDPI Nagendra Madhyastha released the annual bulletin of the group,
Alevoor Group president A Ganapathi Kini welcomed the gathering. Secretary A Dinesh Kini introduced the awardee. Principal Roopa D Kini presented the annual report. Teacher Vibha Adiga proposed the vote of thanks. Srinivas Upadhya and Sudha S Puthraya compered the programme.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Karnataka / by Shubalaxmi / Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (RD) / January 31st, 2012
Kodagu’s Thekkada Bhavani becomes the firstIndian woman to win international skiing medals
While many youngsters influenced by Bollywood dream of entering the world of glamour and fame, here is a girl who chose a very different path — the icy slopes of the mountains. Inspired by adventure and driven by determination, she turned her passion for mountaineering into a historic achievement, becoming the first Indian woman to win medals at an international-level cross-country skiing championship.
A native of Napoklu in Kodagu district, Thekkada Bhavani Nanjunda defied all odds to make not just her hometown, but the entire State and Nation proud. She clinched bronze medals in the 5 km distance race and 1.3 km sprint at the South American Cross-Country Skiing FIS Competition held at Corralco, Chile, in September this year.
Bhavani has represented India at several prestigious international events, including the Nordic World Championships and the Asian Winter Games. A multiple medal winner at the Khelo India Games and the National Skiing Championship, she is now rigorously training to qualify for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
Daughter of Thekkada Nanjunda (Shambu) and Parvathi (Divya) of Perur village near Napoklu, Bhavani draws her strength from her roots and family support. Her younger sister, Thekkada Seethamma, works for a private firm in Bengaluru.
Star of Mysore caught up with the trailblazing athlete to learn more about her journey, challenges and preparations for the upcoming Olympics. Excerpts…
Bhavani (second from right) seen with her father Thekkada Nanjunda (Shambu), mother Parvathi (Divya) and younger sister Thekkada Seethamma.
Star of Mysore (SOM): How did your journey in cross-country skiing begin?
Bhavani: It all started after I watched the movie ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’. That’s when I first learned about the majestic Himalayan mountain range, which inspired me to join the NCC Air Wing during my college days.
In 2014, I attended a mountaineering camp in Manali — that was my first encounter with snow, something we never see back home in Kodagu. The experience changed my life completely. I wanted to explore the mountains more deeply and decided to take up skiing so I could glide down the peaks I climbed. Over time, I discovered cross-country skiing and fell in love with it for the endurance, precision, and mental strength it demands.
SOM: What inspired you to pursue adventure sports, and cross-country skiing in particular?
Bhavani: I’ve always been drawn to the outdoors and adventure. But my biggest inspiration came from Marit Bjørgen of Norway — one of the greatest cross-country skiers in history. Her strength, determination, and consistency truly motivated me. Watching her made me want to follow that path and represent India in a sport that very few from our country have even attempted.
SOM: Cross-country skiing is known for its toughness. How did you master such a demanding sport?
Bhavani: It’s been a long and challenging journey. I had no background in snow sports and limited access to proper facilities in the beginning. But I stayed consistent — training first in India, then in New Zealand, and later in Europe. Each season taught me something new — from refining my technique to building endurance and mental resilience. It’s a constant process of learning, and even today, every single day on the snow feels like an opportunity to improve.
SOM: How does it feel to be the only Indian woman to win cross-country skiing medals at an international event?
Bhavani: It’s an incredibly proud and emotional feeling. Standing on the podium with the Indian flag was one of the most special moments of my life. But beyond the medals, it’s about proving that Indian athletes can compete in winter sports at the highest level. I hope my journey inspires more youngsters, especially girls, to explore lesser-known sports and believe that nothing is impossible.
SOM: How have your parents supported you throughout your journey?
Bhavani: My parents have been my biggest strength. Even though they didn’t fully understand the sport initially, they always believed in me and supported my dreams. Their encouragement gave me the courage to pursue such an unconventional path. Every achievement of mine belongs to them as much as it does to me.
SOM: Now that you have reached the international stage, what is your next goal?
Bhavani: My primary focus is the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. I want to qualify and represent India with strong performances on the world stage. At the same time, I hope to raise awareness about winter sports and help build better infrastructure in India, so the next generation has opportunities I didn’t have.
SOM: What advice would you give to youngsters wanting to take up cross-country skiing?
Bhavani: I would say, just start. Don’t wait for perfect conditions or ideal facilities. Passion and perseverance can take you a long way. Cross-country skiing challenges you physically and mentally, but it also teaches resilience, patience, and self-belief. If I could do it, coming from a small town in South India, anyone can.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home > Feature Articles / October 19th, 2025
Two- time Asian champion Joshna Chinappa continued her remarkable comeback by winning the women’s singles title at the Japan Open 2025 squash tournament at Yokohama in Japan yesterday.
The 39-year-old Indian squash player, 117th in the women’s singles rankings and unseeded in Japan, defeated third seed and world No. 53 Haya Ali of Egypt 11-5, 11-9, 6-11, 11-8 to cap off an impressive run at the PSA Challenger event.
This triumph marked Joshna’s 11th career PSA title and her first since returning to full fitness after undergoing knee surgery after the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, where she was also part of India’s bronze-winning women’s team.
Joshna teamed up with teenage prodigy Anahat Singh earlier this year to win the women’s doubles title at the Asian Championships in June and also reached the semi-finals of the Indian Open, where she lost to eventual champion Anahat.
At the Japan Open, Joshna displayed dominant form throughout the tournament. She defeated Malaysia’s Anrie Goh 11-6, 11-6, 11-6 in her tournament opener, followed by a straight game win over French fifth seed Lauren Baltayan 11-7, 11-4, 11-9 in the second round.
In the quarter finals, she overcame Egypt’s second seed Nardine Garas 11-8, 15-13, 11-9 and then overwhelmed fourth-seeded Egyptian Rana Ismail 11-7, 11-1, 11-5 in the semi-finals.
Squash will make its Olympic debut at the LA 2028 Games.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / October 15th, 2025
The ‘Swacha Kodagu-Sundara Kodagu’ (Clean Kodagu-Beautiful Kodagu) campaign has received an overwhelming response from across the district and a mega-cleanliness drive will be held on Wednesday, October 15, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. as part of the initiative.
Kundyolanda Dinesh Kariappa, president, Kodagu Hotels and Resorts Association, said that the campaign is being organised under the banner of the association, in collaboration with the district administration, Kodagu Zilla Panchayat, Kodagu Chamber of Commerce, Kodagu Homestays Association, Rotary and Lions Clubs, Department of Tourism, Red Cross, local organisations, and various educational institutions. More than 220 associations and organisations in the district have extended their support to the drive.
MLA for Madikeri Mantar Gowda will inaugurate the district-level campaign near General Thimmaiah Circle in Madikeri at 8 a.m. Deputy Commissioner Venkataraja, Superintendent of Police K. Ramarajan, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Anand Prakash Meena, and other dignitaries are scheduled to be present.
M.P. Sunach Kushalappa, MLC, will inaugurate the drive at Gonikoppal, while B.R. Nagendra Prasad, president, Kodagu District Chamber of Commerce, will launch the programme at Kushalnagar. At Virajpet, Teethir Dharmaja Uttappa, District President, Guarantee Scheme Implementation Committee, will launch the drive. Rohith, president, Taluk Homestay Association; and B.S. Sundar, vice-president of the Hotels and Resorts Association, will inaugurate the campaign at Somwarpet.
As part of the initiative, 1,500 NSS students from 23 colleges affiliated with Kodagu University will participate in cleanliness activities within their respective campuses. Similarly, students from schools and colleges across the district will take part in cleaning the respective premises of their institutions.
Officials and staff of the Kodagu District Cooperative Central Bank among others have also pledged their support.
Traders have been urged to clean the surroundings of their business establishments.
Mr. Kariappa said that public participation is being sought on a voluntary basis and the waste collected on October 15 will be transported to the solid waste management plant in Mysuru with the assistance of panchayat and local body officials.
Association general secretary Naseer Ahmed said government office staff, private school teachers, bank employees, and students may also participate between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. on October 15. The campaign primarily focuses on cleaning major roads and highways across the district.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India / by The Hindu Bureau / October 14th, 2025
Bopanna surpassed Paes’s record and stands only behind the legendary McEnroe on the list of oldest players to reach a men’s doubles finals.
Indian tennis ace Rohan Bopanna added another feather to his illustrious cap as he became the oldest player to reach the final of an ATP 500 event with his run alongside doubles partner Takeru Yuzuki to the final of the Japan Open 2025.
Bopanna and Yusuki, who eventually surrendered the final to Moncao’s Hugo Nys and France’s Edouard Roger-Vasselin 5-7, 5-7, Bopanna better compatriot Leander Paes’s record of being the oldest player to reach the summit clash of the ATP category event.
Bopanna, at the age of 45 years, 6 months shattered Paes’ record of having made the final in the men’s doubles of a ATP 500 final at the age of 44 years, 9 months when the latter reached the summit clash of the Dubai Tennis Championships in the year 2018. Paes, who partnered along with American James Carretani went down to Jean-Julien Rojer and Horia Tecau.
Bopanna stands as the second-oldest player after the legendary John McEnroe to reach the final of a men’s doubles event of an ATP-level competition.
McEnroe accomplished the feat at the ripe old age of 47 years, when he won the 2006 San Jose, an ATP International Series event, a category which was replaced by an ATP 250 event in 2009, crown with Jonas Bjorkman. The event marked one of the two events McEnroe took part in after coming out of retirement. Bopanna also joined McEnroe a the only players to play a men’s doubles event after turning 45.
Bopanna also stands as the oldest player to win a Men’s doubles Grand Slam with his victory at the Australian Open in 2024 and the ATP 1000 Title in Miami Open 2024 en route to becoming the oldest first-time World No.1 ranked player last year.
source: http://www.news18.com / News 18 / Home> English Edition / by Vivek Ganapathy / October 01st, 2025
Poonacha Machaiah has over 20 years of global experience as a successful serial entrepreneur and business leader in Fortune 100 companies.
Poonacha is among the new breed of emerging social entrepreneurs who are using approaches from the commercial world and employing technology to tackle social and environmental problems. Today he is levering his vast global experience and technology domain expertise to bring to communities transformative educational solutions and ubiquitous access to the masses via mobility.
Poonacha has co-founded “Jiyo” a wellbeing platform along with internationally renowned physician and author Deepak Chopra M.D. He is founder the founder and CEO of ‘ABOVE – A Bunch of Versatile Entrepreneurs’, a company he had founded in 2008. ABOVE is a company that has delivered industry-leading solutions in the Education, Mobility, Media and Entertainment segments. ABOVE has launched one of the pioneering Social TV/collaboration platforms TangoFX and recently launched ABOVE Learning Platform.
Poonacha is also the co-founder of the social enterprise ‘WeightLess Project’, a global movement to address the challenges that plague our communities i.e. lifestyle disorders related to obesity/overweight and hunger/malnutrition.
He was instrumental in the founding of India’s leading social media startup along with internationally acclaimed film director Shekhar Kapur and Oscar award winning music composer AR Rahman.
During his tenure as CEO, Qyuki was been voted as one of India’s coolest startups (Business Today) and also featured in Fortune (India) and Fast Company.
Through the majority of his career, he has held senior leadership positions in Global Sales & Business Development with leading MNC’s like Sasken, Motorola, Visionael, Iridium, and Dimension Enterprises – a leading Internet Data Center services startup in the Washington DC area, which was then acquired by Nortel Networks in 2000.
He is on the advisory board of Chopra Foundation and International mentor at XMedia Lab, an internationally acclaimed digital media think tank.
Prior to his return to India in 2007, he has been an active member of the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department and Joy of Sports in the Washington DC area.
Poonacha holds an MBA from the College of William and Mary in Virginia and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering from the B.M.S. College of Engineering in Bangalore, India.
45 stalls celebrate Kodagu’s coffee culture as top growers honoured
Madikeri:
The Coffee Dasara celebration held on Wednesday at Gandhi Maidan, Madikeri, captivated visitors with a vibrant display of coffee culture, featuring 45 thematic stalls and a strong message of solidarity with coffee growers grappling with persistent challenges.
The event was jointly organised by the Madikeri Dasara Committee, Madikeri Dasara Cultural Committee and the Coorg Planters Association inside the Sakamma Auditorium, named after Karnataka’s first woman coffee entrepreneur. The coffee mega event was executed and coordinated by H.T. Anil.
Inaugurating the celebration, Madikeri MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda highlighted that despite favourable market prices, coffee growers continue to face serious hardships.
“Labour shortages, climate fluctuations, and market instability are major hurdles, especially for small-scale producers. We must unite to tackle these challenges,” Dr. Mantar Gowda urged.
Dr. Mantar Gowda noted that Kodagu district accounts for nearly 75 percent of Karnataka’s coffee production and stressed that Coffee Dasara, which began last year, should become an annual platform to foster dialogue and development.
Madikeri MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda with Coffee Dasara Convener H.T. Anil during the event.
Crop insurance coverage
Coffee Board Chairman Dinesh Devavrinda underscored the need for insurance coverage for coffee crops, similar to schemes available for arecanut and pepper. He pointed out that coffee is cultivated not only in Karnataka’s Kodagu, Hassan and Chikkamagalur districts but also across the north-eastern States and encouraged farmers to take pride in their profession.
Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to supporting farmers, promising to act as a bridge between growers and policy-makers. He announced plans to launch video-based training programmes on coffee cultivation and marketing, emphasising the urgent need for modernisation in the 21st century.
Technical insights
Several experts shared technical insights during the event. Dr. Ichettira Mandappa, Coffee Board Director, spoke about maintaining quality in coffee cultivation, coffee grower Karan discussed emerging varietals in coffee farming, Jermie D’Souza presented research on dwarf robusta strains while Dr. Chendrimada Captain Thimmaiah, Assistant Director, Veterinary Services, explained the role of soil fertility in improving yields.
The event also featured a felicitation ceremony honouring outstanding coffee farmers, recognising their contributions to the industry.
Growers felicitated
Distinguished coffee growers were felicitated by International Booker Prize-2025 winner Deepa Bhasthi, who hails from Madikeri. They included Vinod Shivappa, former President of UPASI (United Planters’ Association of Southern India), S.M. Chengappa, progressive farmer from Kiragandur, Lava Edadante from Edadante village, D.P. Ravishankar from Ponnampet, D.Y. Abdul Razak from Kodlipet, Vikram from Masagodu, Robert from Ponnathmotte in Chettalli and Nizamuddin Siddiqui, senior coffee entrepreneur from Madikeri.
Prominent dignitaries present included the Coorg Planters Association Chairman A. Nanda Belliappa, Madikeri Town Municipality President and Madikeri Dasara Committee Chairperson P. Kalavathi, Madikeri Dasara Committee office-bearers, Jyothika of Women’s Coffee Awareness Forum, former MLCs Veena Achaiah and S.G. Medappa.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 28th, 2025
A unique Coffee Dasara blending festive spirit with agricultural pride will be held on Sept. 24 (Wednesday) at Gandhi Maidan in Madikeri, celebrating Kodagu’s deep-rooted coffee culture.
The event will honour coffee growers and provide valuable insights into cultivation techniques, announced H.T. Anil, Convener of Coffee Dasara.
Launched last year under the vision of Madikeri MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda, Coffee Dasara returns this year following an overwhelming response. The second edition is being organised in collaboration with the Coorg Planters’ Association.
The programme will begin at 10 am at the Sakamma Memorial Hall, named after Kodagu’s trailblazing coffee entrepreneur, the late Sakamma — Karnataka’s first woman coffee entrepreneur. Coffee stalls will be opened in her memory, celebrating her legacy.
A lecture series from 10.30 am to 1 pm will offer practical knowledge and expert guidance to coffee cultivators. At 1 pm, ten distinguished coffee growers from Kodagu will be felicitated for their exceptional contributions to the coffee industry.
Coffee on the menu
Adding a delicious twist to the festivities, culinary competitions will showcase coffee’s versatility in cooking and baking. Categories include coffee-flavoured cakes, cupcakes, brownies, biscuits, puddings, beverages, and chocolates — all celebrating coffee as both a drink and a delicacy.
This year’s Coffee Dasara will feature 35 stalls highlighting coffee-related products, information and innovations. Speciality brews will be served by local cafés, while major exhibits will be set up by the Indian Coffee Board, Horticulture Department, Industries Department, HOPCOMS, Nandini Dairy and the Kodagu Coffee Growers’ Cooperative Society, among others.
Coffee Dasara continues to honour Kodagu’s rich coffee heritage by blending tradition, innovation and community pride. This vibrant event not only celebrates the region’s global reputation for coffee cultivation but also strengthens the bond between growers, producers and coffee lovers.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home / September 22nd, 2025
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