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
Ponjanda A. Ganapathy (centre), the newly-elected President of Kodava Samaja, Mysuru, for the year 2023-2025, is seen with (from left) Ajjikuttira Diana Poovaiah – Joint Secretary, Ketolira A. Belliappa – Hon. Secretary, Machimada P. Nanaiah – Vice-President and Ittira G. Kashiappa – Hon. Treasurer.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Photo News / October 20th, 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
An emotional Bopanna rested his India-shirt on the court, marking the end of his Davis Cup career in which he played 33 ties, winning a total of 23 matches including 13 in doubles.
Rohan Bopanna celebrates after winning the doubles match against Morocco’s Elliot Benchetrit and Younes Lalami Laaroussi at the Davis Cup World Group-II, in Lucknow, on September 17, 2023. ) | Photo Credit: PTI
Rohan Bopanna brought the curtains down on his Davis Cup career with a comfortable straight set win alongside Yuki Bhambri before Sumit Nagal won his reverse singles as India sealed the World Group II tie against Morocco 3-1, in Lucknow on September 17.
The 43-year-old Bopanna, coming out to play his 33rd and final tie, and Bhambri raced to a 6-2 6-1 win over Elliot Benchetrit and Younes Lalami Laaroussi in one hour and 11 minutes at the Mini Stadium.
India’s number one singles player Sumit Nagal outgunned Yassine Dlimi 6-3 6-3 in the first reverse singles to seal the home tie. The inconsequential fifth rubber was not played. It is only the second time that Nagal has won both his singles matches in a Davis Cup tie. He had achieved a similar result against Pakistan in 2019 in Kazakhstan. Nagal earned early breaks in both the sets, leaving Dlimi playing catch-up.
The win takes India to next year’s World Group I play-offs.
An emotional Bopanna rested his India-shirt on the court, marking the end of his Davis Cup career in which he played 50 matches in 33 ties, winning 23 rubbers, including 13 in doubles.
Watched by his family and friends, Bopanna acknowledged their and fans’ appreciation and blew kisses towards the stands.
About 50 of Bopanna’s family and friends flew to Lucknow to watch the Coorg player in action one last time in Davis Cup.
They were wearing T-shirts that had a tri-colour-waving Bopanna picture printed.
Younes could not hold his serve even once in the match while the Indians faced just one break point when Bhambri served and saved that too.
The Indians drew the first blood when they broke Younes. On a Bhambri backhand return at 30-15, Younes netted the volley. Bhambri smashed a volley winner on Younes’ return to earn the first breakpoint.
Benchetrit went for an angled volley winner on a Bhambri return but the ball went out as Indians led 3-1. Bopanna came out serving the next game at love to make it 4-1.
Younes’ serve came under attack once again in game eight. Bopanna found a winner at 15-15 and the Morocco player served a double fault to be down by two break points.
Yuki converted the set point with a volley winner on a feeble Younes return. The first set ended in a jiffy, just 34 minutes as the Indians lost five point on their serve.
Bopanna’s big serve was at work in the second set too as he began the proceedings with a comfortable hold but Bhambri’s serve came under pressure in the third game when at 30-all, his half-volley pick up flew out of the court.
The Indians, though, saved the break point.
Younes was up 40-0 on his serve in game four but lost his way, serving double fault and making a lot of unforced errors to lose his serve for the third time in the match.
Bhambri served out the match.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sports> Tennis> Davis Cup 2023 / by PTI / September 17th, 2023
Remembering an extraordinary teacherof Kodagu, Devanira K. Appayya.
“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” — Henry Brooks Adams, Historian.
In 1909, under the Imperialist Empire of Edward VII, an illustrious son was born in Napoklu, Kodagu, who would later be known for his colossal contribution to education. Little did Dr. Devanira Kunjappa know that this son, Devanira K. Appayya would one day be the recipient of India’s highest medal of honour bestowed on a citizen for teaching excellence.
By the age of 20, in 1929, Devanira Appayya or Appayya Master, as he was lovingly called, put himself through various schools in Kodagu and then went on to graduate from the prestigious Madras Presidency College, an almost unheard of feat at that time.
Presidency College was one of the oldest and the most prestigious institutions in India, boasting of an envious line of alumna including a Nobel Laureate C.V. Raman, freedom fighter C. Rajagopalachari and philosopher Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, who later became the President of India.
Granny would regale us with stories of how Thatha, as we grand kids called him, got to Madras, now Chennai. “He walked, rode bullock carts, took multiple buses and then a train,” she said. It had apparently taken him weeks to travel from Coorg to Chennai, a distance covered in a few hours today.
Financial constraints prevented him from pursuing a higher education, at which point, he returned and joined the Secondary Grade Teachers Training College in Bangalore. This was the start of his memorable teaching career.
Thatha was a born teacher and taught with a sense of compassion and empathy. He held the Head Master’s job at Ammathi Middle School for over 22 years. Known for his impeccable British sense of style, sans the stiff upper lip, one would never find him in soiled clothes (from having spent his evenings picking coffee in his estate) or unpolished shoes.
He stood tall, towering over his colleagues, at 6’0”, but Thatha was modest at heart. It was said that he was a treat to watch as an eloquent speaker. He was also the only Head Master from the State to be selected as a member of the State Prescription Textbook Committee.
In 1962, Government of India presented Devanira Appayya, aged 53, with the prestigious National President’s Award for Teaching Excellence. An honour bestowed by the then President of India, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, also a fellow alumnus of Madras Presidency College.
Never had a Kodava walked the history-laden, post-British Raj corridors of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, dressed in the traditional Kodava attire of Kupya (black collarless, short-sleeved, knee length coat) with the ceremonial Mande Thuni (head gear) and Chale (maroon gold-embroidered silk waist belt), striking quite the intellectual, handsome figure.
Devanira K. Appayya with wife Dharani.
To be awarded this highest recognition was a matter of huge prestige, not just for him, but for the then small State of Kodagu and even smaller community of Kodavas. We were no longer tucked away in a silo of the Western Ghat. He had thus put the tiny State of Kodagu on the National stage.
The State of Mysore, considering his accomplishment as a teacher, extended his retirement by three years. “We pray to God to spare you for a full span of Vedic life and let God Almighty be with you and your family to enjoy your well-earned rest at Ammathi,” wrote the Siddapur Teachers’ Association on the day of his retirement on May 18, 1967.
Thatha died eleven years later at the age of 70. For his family, he was and is a larger-than-life figure, a trailblazer, a legend who touched the hearts of many and left a legacy which gets talked about even to this day.
Appayya Master was known for his unwavering dedication to his family and his craft serving as an inspiration. His ability to impart knowledge while being compassionate will be remembered for generations to come.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by Pallavi Joyappa, USA / September 05th, 2023
Annual get-together event honours two accomplished authors, student achievers from the community
Mysore/Mysuru:
The 18th annual get-together of the Jayalakshmi Kodava Association was held recently at the Kodagu Sahakara Sangha, Jayalakshmipuram, Mysuru. Virajpet MLA Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna was the chief guest.
MLA Ponnanna was honoured with a custom-made marquetry art piece depicting Talacauvery, the birthplace of River Cauvery. Accepting the felicitation, Ponnanna spoke at length about the challenges in Kodagu and his plans for resolving them through active intervention and cooperation from all Kodavas and the people of his Constituency.
The event began with an invocation by Pandiyanda Anil Cariappa. President Ballyanda Uthappa extended a warm welcome to all attendees and presided over the event. During the ceremony, the Association paid their respects to two departed members. They also introduced new members who joined the Association between Aug. 14, 2022 and Aug. 27, 2023.
In a significant decision, the previous year’s committee will continue to function for the years 2023-2024, with Ballyanda P. Uthappa as President, Pandiyanda Girish as Vice-President, Jammada Ganesh Ayanna as Secretary and Mukkatira A. Somaiah as Treasurer.
Two accomplished authors within the community were honoured. Dr. Latha Muthanna received recognition for her third book, ‘The Jail and Other Tales,’ while Dr. Geetha Cariappa Chonira was applauded for her second English storybook ‘Girl with the Diary’ (A Tale from Kodagu).
The achievements of young members were also celebrated. Mukkatira Dia Ponnappa, daughter of Dr. Avinash Ponnappa and Nisha, an 8th-grade student, was acknowledged for her selection to participate in a week-long international debate workshop at Cornell University, New York. The workshop aims to refine oratory skills.
Another young talent, M.J. Devanshi, daughter of Mallangada N. Jayprakash and Swetha, a 7th-grade student, was recognised for her accomplishments in air rifle shooting competitions.
President Ballyanda Uthappa discussed various issues for the betterment of the Association and encouraged members to actively participate, both during good and challenging times. Treasurer Mukkatira Somaiah presented the accounts for the year 2022-2023, which were approved by the general body.
Jammada Ganesh Ayanna introduced the MLA. The event was conducted by Mukkatira Somaiah, with assistance from Codanda Chitra Medappa. A vote of thanks was proposed by Pandiyanda U. Girish. The programme ended with a sumptuous Kodava traditional dinner, fostering wonderful fellowship among all attendees.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 03rd, 2023
Here’s everything you need to know about the personal life and family of Rohan Bopanna and his wife Supriya Annaiah.
Rohan Bopannawas born in a middle-class family in Coorg, Karnataka. His father, M. G. Bopanna, works as a coffee planter, while his mother, Malika Bopanna, is a homemaker. He pursued his education at Sri Bhagawan Mahaveer Jain College, affiliated with Jain University in Bengaluru .
Both of his parents strongly support Rohan’s career. They reside in Coorg/Kodagu District, situated in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, approximately a six-hour drive from Bangalore. Additionally, Rohan has an elder sister who resides in Mumbai.
Supriya Annaiah and Rohan Bopanna
Bopanna tied the knot with Supriya Annaiah in 2012. Before the marriage, they dated for some time and married in a closed ceremony. Surpiya has a mutual friend whose cousin is Rohan. Supriya and Rohan met at a restaurant accidentally. Later, Rohan asked his cousin to introduce him to Supriya. And that’s how the couple started their journey together.
Supriya is a psychologist and media personality. She is also the director of the Rohan Bopanna Tennis Development Foundation, registered with the Indian Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). Supriya Annaiah and Rohan Bopanna have a daughter named Tridha Bopanna.
Rohan Bopanna has had a legendary Tennis career
Rohan Bopanna achieved a career-high singles ranking of world No. 213, while he reached a career-high doubles ranking of world No. 3 on July 22, 2013. He has been a valued member of the Indian Davis Cup team since 2002. Bopanna has an impressive record, clinching victories in five Masters 1000 men’s doubles tournaments. These victories include the 2011 and 2012 Paris Masters, the 2015 Madrid Open, the 2017 Monte Carlo Masters, and, most notably, the 2023 Indian Wells Masters, where he made history as the oldest Masters 1000 champion.
Rohan Bopanna
Additionally, Bopanna was a finalist at the ATP World Tour Finals in both 2012 and 2015. Bopanna’s achievements extend to the Grand Slam stage as well, as he secured the 2017 French Open mixed-doubles title alongside Gabriela Dabrowski, making him the fourth Indian player to claim a Grand Slam title. Recognized globally for his campaign “Stop War Start Tennis”, Bopanna was awarded the renowned Arthur Ashe Humanitarian of the Year award in 2010.
source: http://www.mediareferee.com / Media Referee / Home> Tennis / b y Sabrik Dutta / September 02nd, 2023
Suman hails from a family of coffee planters in Coorg
Embracing challenges as they come, Suman Nanaiah prides herself in curating out-of-the box personalised experiences for her guests. She started her career in 1996 and is now the Area General Manager of the Royal Orchid Group of Hotels in Mysuru.
Hailing from a family of coffee planters from Coorg, she embraced hospitality early on as a part of her culture. Crediting the same for her successful career in the industry, Suman has never looked back. Apart from involving her team in challenging projects, she also strives to recognise each team member’s strengths and weaknesses, and aims to help them streamline their efforts to achieve their goals. Keeping a sharp focus on the inputs provided by her team and taking into consideration their feedback, she is also a thorough decision maker. On days she is not busy tending to guests, she can be found in the jungles of South India with her son tracking big cats or pampering her taste buds while spending time with her family.
* What was your first hospitality job and at what age? Guest Service Associate at 26.
* How would you describe your personal leadership style? Integrity, clear communication, goal-setting and employee motivation.
* One drink/dish travellers should not miss at the metropole? Our wide variety of succulent kebabs at the Tiger Trail Restaurant. If looking for a combination then the achari murgh tikka with our in-house cocktail, Caipirojka.
* What steps is the property taking to ensure sustainability? Staff retention, recycling and waste reduction management, sourcing local and fresh seasonal produce, and energy and water conservation.
* Any particularly funny incident you recall with the guests? Once we arranged a wedding at the hotel and were informed that a VIP guest would arrive. We were told to ensure the grandest welcome, putting me and the entire team on our toes. Little did we know that the VIP guest was the groom’s best man at the wedding–Mirchi, his beagle, who travelled in his chauffeur driven car all the way from Mumbai.
* Any strategic change that you implemented owing to the COVID-19 pandemic? The foremost was staying connected with our guests through various digital channels and offering stress-free cancellation policies. We also enhanced our operational protocols by working closely with all local government health authorities.
* If not hospitality, what was your second career choice? Animal rescue and welfare sector.
source: http://www.outlookindia.com / Outlook Traveller / Home> Travel News> Story / by Simrran Gill / November 04th, 2020
Ashwini Ponnappa, who has achieved many firsts for Indian badminton, is drawing new energy from her 20-year-old partner Tanisha Crasto. But the 33-year-old says her biggest challenge is to stay motivated.
Ashwini Ponnappa poses for a photo among shuttles at a badminton court. (Photo credit: Ashwini Ponnappa/Instagram)
Ashwini Ponnappa is unbothered about her age. An average female shuttler retires at 28, but Ashwini, even at 33, does not see any reason for slowing down. She does not let the thought of retirement sneak into her mind either. Having recently taken up the fresh challenge of playing two intense and physically demanding disciplines – women’s and mixed doubles – instead of one, Ashwini says she ‘finds solace’ in distributing her priorities. “It is not easy to play two events, but it is something that I want to do at this point, I kind of find solace in playing two events rather than one,” Ashwini told The Bridge.
Ashwini broke her long-standing and rather futile partnership with N. Sikki Reddy last year, following her highly successful one with Jwala Gutta which ended in 2016. She tried her hands at pottery and commentary before embarking on a fresh challenge by pairing up with Tanisha Crasto, 13 years younger than her. To put the matter into perspective, when Ashiwni had won her first title – the national sub-junior girls’ doubles gold in 2004 – Tanisha had been in her nappies.
A partner in the mould of a mentor
Ashwin admitted that the trickiest thing for her now is to stay motivated. But Tanisha’s exuberant presence is not allowing her to lag behind. “As you get older, things get tricker. When you are young, you have time on your side, enthusiasm. For me, the challenge right now is to look after my body and keep my mind fresh. And to keep going, keep pushing and keep having that belief and hope that ‘yes, you are going to get that result, again’,” Ashwini said. “It’s tricky, especially when it comes to getting to the stadium and training every single day. The glimmer of hope is that I always believe something good is going to come my way. And starting over with a young partner is a motivating,” she stated.
Being a senior player, Ashwini is more than just a partner in this new partnership. “I love the energy and enthusiasm that she (Tanisha) brings in to the court. Partnering with her is quite fun, because she always wants to do well. And she is very gritty on court. Our age gap does not matter on court. Of course, since I have played for such a long time, I tend to be more like a mentor,” she said. But Ashwini ruled out having any seniority complex. “But having said that, when you are on board, you cannot have a seniority complex. At the end of the day, you are in a partnership irrespective of how big the age gap is,” added the shuttler.
Even though the Ashwini-Tanisha partnership is at a nascent stage now, the combination has started clicking. They claimed their first International Challenge title in Nantes, France, in June. They were also part of India’s mixed team silver medal-winning squad at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Ranked 56th in the world, Ashwini-Tanisha is the second-choice women’s doubles pair for India after Treesa Jolly-Gayatri Gopichand. The pair will next be seen in action at the Asian Games in Hangzhou in September. However, Ashwini is no longer in the reckoning for the Olympics or BWF World Championships, as she has slipped out of the top 32. “We just started playing in January. Unfortunately, we have not played too many tournaments. But I am very happy with the fact that we won the Nantes International Challenge. We are just getting started, we have a long way to go,” Ashwini asserted.
Juggling between challenges Her women’s doubles career is already legendary, but Ashwini’s transition to mixed doubles has always been challenging. “Switching to mixed doubles has always been a challenge. It is easier to have a woman on your side and also one at the back of the court. I have been a women’s doubles specialist in my career so far. I have always been known as a player who is predominantly at the back of the court rather than front,” explained Ashwini. “The most obvious difference is that in mixed doubles, you always find the girl at the net,” she said.
But, Ashwini, like always, is not willing to give up. “I think I have adapted over the years, which also requires me to move into the net. It’s not natural for me, but I have learnt to make the transition to the back of the court,” she said about the challenge of playing mixed doubles. This challenge is precisely the reason her partnership with B. Sumeeth Reddy has not taken off yet. In the mixed-gender event, they are ranked 64th and are yet to taste success. This is the latest of Ashwini’s many attempts to make her mixed doubles career fly. She had previously paired up with Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, to whom she attributed the speed and power of her smash. But that partnership was severed soon as Satwik specialised in men’s doubles and gave up on mixed doubles.
As she is ranked outside the top rung, Ashwini is no longer a sure shot on the World Tour; she features regularly in the qualifiers. This makes her newest journey more strenuous, as she has had to juggle between smaller tournaments for ranking points, where she often plays too many matches in a day. “If I am playing the bigger tournaments, it is not much of an issue because there is enough time. But if I am playing the smaller tournaments, which we have to since we do not really have a good ranking, there are times when you could end up playing three to four matches in a day,” said Ashwini.
Pride of Indian women’s doubles
Ashwini has been a trailblazer in Indian women’s doubles along with Jwala. The duo achieved many firsts for Indian doubles, by winning Commonwealth Games gold and BWF World Championships bronze. In fact, for 11 years, Ashwini and Jwala were India’s only doubles pair to win a medal at the Worlds before Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty – pioneers in men’s doubles – matched their feat in 2022 in Tokyo.
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“We were the first to win the bronze medal at the World Championships. And we were the first ones to win a bronze medal overall in 28 years. It was a very special moment for us. The best part for me was that we enjoyed the entire tournament. The icing on the cake was the bronze medal,” Ashwini said.
Ashwini welcomes changes in women’s doubles
Though she finds herself out of favour in the Indian badminton contingent in top-notch events, the seasoned star is delighted with the changes in Indian women’s doubles, which has emerged from an earlier archaic philosophy to become an attractive discipline for youngsters.
“When I started, I did not want to play doubles. I was more interested in women’s singles. I was asked to choose it. But over the years, I have proved myself as a women’s doubles specialist,” said Ashwini.
She welcomes the recent trend where more players are taking up the discipline and sponsors are supporting their bids. India now has two women’s doubles pairings in the top 50. There are five more in the top 100, including Ashwini-Tanisha at 56.
“It has evolved quite a bit in the last decade, especially the last few years. Especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. Youngsters are being pushed towards doubles and sponsors are supporting them. In the past, only one or two pairs were sent and not a lot of pairs went on their own. This has changed drastically,” observed Ashwini.
However, Ashwini finds the latest BWF World Tour hectic, where shuttlers are forced to compete for ranking and Olympic qualification points round the year.
“It gets really overwhelming at times. It is hard to find the right gap for a break. It would be nice if we have a streamlined year, where we would also get an off season. But I would say the sport is growing the way it should grow. There’s always good and bad, it depends on how you look at it,” opined Ashwini.
source: http://www.thebridge.in / The Bridge / Home> Badminton / by Sudipta Biswas / August 27th, 2023
The grand entrance gate at the Paadi Igguthappa Temple in Kakkabbe, constructed at a cost of Rs. 12 lakh, was inaugurated by former Kodagu District Minister M.R. Seetharam. The event took place yesterday, and the funding for the gate was generously provided by Seetharam’s family.
Speaking on the occasion, Seetharam said that the gate’s construction and inauguration were made possible by the blessings of Lord Igguthappa. He highlighted that it was his family’s desire to contribute to this endeavour.
Seetharam also mentioned that the concrete road leading to the temple, built earlier for the convenience of devotees, still requires some finishing touches in the middle section, which will be completed in the near future.
Seetharam and his family received praise from both the Temple Committee and devotees for their generous donation towards this noble cause.
Among those present were President of Akhila Kodava Samaja and Temple Devathakka Parandanda Suman Kaverappa, President of the Devotees’ Group Kandanda Joyappa, Kaddaniyanda Harish Bopanna, Seetharam’s wife Shrithi Seetharam, children Raksha Ramayya, Sundar Ram, Lalitha Nandakumar and Kaliyanda Harry Mandanna, Parandanda Dolly, Bachamanda Poovanna, Lava Chinnappa, Kaliyanda Sampan Aiyappa, Pandanda Naresh, Bidatanda Thammaiah, Temple Parupathedara Paradanda Prince Thammaiah and Revenue Supervisor Ravikumar.
On this occasion, Seetharam contributed by performing rituals including the ‘Thula Bhara’ ceremony, adhering to the temple’s procedures. The rituals were carried out under the guidance of temple priests Kushabhat, Jagadish, and Shreekant.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / August 28th, 2023
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