Reigning champions Saurav Ghosal and Joshna Chinappa successfully defended their singles titles in the men’s and women’s section respectively in the 61st National Squash Championship which concluded here today.
Top seed Ghosal lived up to his billing and posted a facile 11-2 11-1 11-7 victory over Mahesh Mangaonkar to win his record ninth national title and winner’s purse of Rs one lakh.
Chinappa too had it easy against youngster Aprarajita Balmurukan in the women’s section and won 11-8 11-9 11-6.
The title clash between Ghosal and Mahesh began with a long rally which raised the hopes that the youngster would challenge the might of the World No 20.
But Ghosal faced little resistance to wrap the issue in just about half an hour.
“It was not that easy. The scores suggest that it was a one-sided affair but Mahesh played quite well and shoed his potential. I was trying out few things but he was also good,” said Ghosal.
Chennai-girl Chinappa disposed off the challenge of Aparajita in just 30 minutes to win her 12th national crown. It was Aparajita who took the initial lead in the first two games but Chinappa’s vast experience came in handy for her.
“I was not complacent. I knew that with Deepika not here I would play against youngsters. Still, I don’t take things for granted. The girls need more of exposure to come good at higher levels,” said Chinappa after her win.
“What’s past is past, I’m happy to represent Pune — my new home,” said Ashwini Ponnappa, who finally appeared to be content with the Indian Badminton League.
The Pune Pistons’ icon player has had issues with her base price at the IBL auction and also had complained about the tight schedule. On Tuesday, she praised the tournament for garnering support across the country.
“IBL is taking the game to different cities and creating a fan base. Thousands of spectators are cheering for us which is motivating. In India, one doesn’t get to watch all the top players under the same roof.”
Anchoring the journey of Pistons and beating the likes of Koo Kien Keat and Jwala Gutta — her old doubles partner — the shuttler is in a good form. “Keat is a tricky player and one of the best in doubles,” she said.
On the eve of her match against Banga Beats, she told dna that her heart still lies in Bangalore, but she is overwhelmed how the fans have supported her in Pune. “I’ve to keep my emotions aside. Pune is my team now,” she said.
Ponnappa also acknowledged the presence of international players and thanked them for their words of wisdom since the inception of the tournament.
“Their approach to a match is fantastic. They do different sorts of training and I’m learning a lot about mixed doubles. Now I know why we are still not at par with the powerhouses of badminton.”
The shuttler felt that training with them will boost the entire Indian badminton contingent in the long run.
Her complaints about the tight schedule did not fall on deaf ears. “I feel refreshed as we all got to unwind on Tuesday. It was a much-needed break. The entire team got together and had fun,” she added.
Though she wants to take one IBL at a time and isn’t sure whether she will don the Pune jersey next season, the champion is “having a ball playing along Joachiam Fischer Nielsen (Denmark). He is making sure I enjoy on the court.”
source: http://www.dnaindia.com / DNA / Home> Sport> Report / by Wriddhaayan Bhattacharyya / Place:Mumbai, Agency:DNA / Thursday – August 22nd, 2013
Robin Uthappa has stood out for his trademark shot, walking down the wicket to loft over the bowler’s head. But such rash shots have often led to the Karnataka batsman’s downfall. The 27-year-old now wants to eliminate such risks to try and regain his India spot and sees his inclusion in the India ‘A’ squad to face New Zealand A in a one-day series this month end as a first step. Uthappa speaks to HT.
How do you see your India ‘A’ selection?
For the last year-and-a-half, I have been working on different aspects of my game – physical and mental. This is the first step towards making it to the India team.
How have you changed over the last season?
I needed a level of consistency to have the kind of season I did. Before the last season, I knew I was only 50-60% ready. But, if I could still have a decent season, I knew I can achieve a lot more.
Would you say you are more mature?
The definition of aggression has changed for me. I’m still an aggressive batsman, but I put a bigger price on my wicket. And technical changes helped me finish among the top-ten run-getters in the IPL despite difficult conditions in Pune (Pune Warriors’ home). I changed my grip and stance, which allowed me a better base.
What keeps you motivated?
I believe I belong to the India team. I never batted in one position for three games at a stretch. Had I done that in my 38 ODIs, I would have cemented my place. And Test cricket is something I have wanted since I picked up the bat.
Have you spoken to senior players?
I met Dravid a couple of weeks ago. He had heard I scored a triple century (in the Safi Darashan tournament). He came and watched me bat and told me he was very happy with how I have changed my batting approach.
HT Media Limited
Sree Kaveri Kodagu Mahila Sangha’s Advisor Parwati Cariappa (extreme left) and Sangha President Sarasu Nanaiah are seen lighting the lamp at the inauguration of the free health camp in city yesterday as chief guest Dr. P.A. Kushalappa, Sangha Organising Secretary Gowri Mandanna and Hon. Secretary Lovely Appaiah look on. Mysore :
A free health check-up camp was held under the aegis of Sree Kaveri Kodagu Mahila Sangha at the Kodagu Sahakara Sangha premises in Jayalakshmipuram yesterday.
The camp was inaugurated by dermatologist Dr. P.A. Kushalappa and Mahila Sangha’s Advisor Parwati Cariappa.
The health camp was held in memory of late Ursula Kariappa, wife of Karthamada Kariappa.
Sangha President B. Sarasu Nanaiah presided. Hon. Secretary P. Lovely Appaiah welcomed.
A large number of people availed of the opportunity at the camp in which Physician Dr. Latha Muthanna, Dr. Padmini Kaveriappa, dentist Dr. Manasa Sendil, Paediatrician Dr. Jyotsna Prasad, Dr. P. P. Aiyanna (Ayurveda), gynaecologist Dr. Kamalamma, orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Ajay Hegde and Dr. Rajesh of Vasan Eye Care participated.
Sangha Vice-President Bollamma Appanna and the guests presented mementos to the doctors who participated in the camp.
Treasurer Jyothi Kashi, Joint Secretaries Bollamma Kuttappa and Kavya Kuttappa, Organising Secretaries Gowri Mandanna and Sumi Gopal and other members were present on the occasion.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / July 29th, 2013
Maneyapanda W. Chinnappa (89), former Chairman of Mysore Race Club (MRC) and a coffee planter in Devarapura Hebbale village near here, passed away last evening.
He is survived by his wife, two sons, a daughter, grandchildren and a large number of relatives.
Last rites were performed at Devarapura village today.
He was the MRC Chairman during 1985-87. He was also the member of Sports Club and JWGC.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / July 05th, 2013
The scheme will be launched by Dist-in-Charge Minister Dr H C Mahadevappa on July 10
About 68,773 BPL card holders will benefit from the ambitious programme of the Congress-led State government —Anna Bhagya scheme which will be launched on July 10, in Kodagu district. The programme will be inaugurated by the District-in-Charge Minister Dr H C Mahadevappa.
Accordingly, the BPL card holders will get rice at Re 1/kg. If there is one member, then he will get 10 kg rice, two persons will get 20 kg and more than three members in a family will get 30 kg rice.
There are 15,359 BPL card holders in Madikeri taluk, 28,002 in Somwarpet taluk and 25,372 in Virajpet taluk, said Department of Food and Civil Supplies Deputy Director Dr S E Mahadevappa.
Out of 68,733 BPL families, about 2,596 ration cards have single members, 7,977 cards have two members in the family. About 19,299.10 quintal rice would be required for supply.
Madikeri taluk has 572 BPL cards with single members, 1,653 cards with two members and 13,133 cards with more than two members. Somwarpet taluk has 798 cards with single members, 2,767 cards with two members and 24,436 cards with more than two members. Similarly, Virajpet taluk has 1,226 cards with single members, 3,557 with two members and 20,578 cards with more than two members.
There are 9,679 families in Anthyodaya Anna yojana in the district. This includes Madikeri taluk—1,693, Somwarpet—3,463 and Virajpet—4,523. Anthyodaya families will get 29 kg rice, and six kg wheat in a month.
There is no unit system for Anthyodaya anna yojana.
Four litre of kerosene will be supplied to those who do not possess LPG in rural areas and six litre of kerosene is supplied among those in urban areas.
All those card holders who have not yet given their thumb impression and photographs can provide their information at gram panchayats and franchises in cities.
Online applications can be submitted for availing new ration cards.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / Madikeri – DHNS , July 06th, 2013
International athlete Ashwini Nachappa, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest IFS Ajai Misra and Zoo directer B P Ravi look on.
International athlete Ashwini Nachappa stressed the need for Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens extending its youth club activities to the schools outside Mysore city.
Addressing students after inaugurating a youth club at the Mysore Zoo Auditorium on Sunday, Ashwini asked the kids to grab the opportunities that come their way.
“People only talk about the death of people due to floods in Uttarakhand. No one is bothered about the loss of endangered species of animals, plants etc,” she regretted.
Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Ajai Misra asked parents to make their children aware of the need of conserving the environment, especially wildlife.
Pointing out the reasons for man-animal conflict, Misra said: “The population of elephants was one lakh when that of humans was 35 crore in undivided India before 1947. But now when the population of humans has touched 120 crore, the elephant population has reduced to about 25,000.”
But the decrease in the number of elephants has nothing to do with man-animal conflict. Wild animals are blamed for man-animal conflict despite human beings responsible for the same, he said.
He said that environment conservation was a complex issue.
Man is becoming selfish and indifferent by taking up development, he regretted.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service – Mysore / July 08th, 2013
Arjun Halappa | EPS/File
Arjun Halappa, who led India in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament in Malaysia in 2011, has made history of sorts by becoming the first sportsperson to be named as a national selector while still being a very active player.
Hockey India (HI) announced a panel to be headed by former star B P Govinda and which includes Arjun Halappa’s name. Arjun is still a very active player turning out for Air India in the ongoing HI nationals at Pune. Arjun made his debut for India in 2001 against Egypt in the Prime Minister’s Gold Cup. He represented the country in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. He was also in the 2010 Commonwealth Games team in New Delhi where India were the runners-up and also picked up the Asiad bronze the same year in Guangzhou, China.
“I’m not going to hang up my boots. I will continue to represent my employers Air India. Playing will help me keep up with the latest trends in the game,” Arjun said.
“This is a very big surprise and I’m very excited. I’ve been a player and captain and this is a new challenge for me. It’s just early days and I don’t want to comment much,” he added. “As a player I will be able to provide inputs to the coaching staff,” said Arjun.
So the scenario now is that a player-cum-selector will also work as an advisor to the coaches. This is the first time in the history of Indian sport that something like this has happened. Players becoming coaches once they give up playing is an accepted norm. Players taking to umpiring is also welcome. But an active player also functioning as a selector? The move has, indeed, raised eyebrows.
The closest a player has come to also being a part of the selection process is in Indian cricket. The captain is part of the selection committee’s deliberations and gives his inputs. But he is not actually on the selection committee as in the case of Arjun.
What happens if Arjun strikes great form and has to decide on his own inclusion? He has still not announced his international retirement. At 34, he may not be in contention for a place. But what if the others want him in the team? Even if he is there on sheer merit, aspersions will be cast. Should a selector select or even drop himself only because he is a selector?
“It is too early to induct someone like Arjun into the selection committee. Yes, he surely deserves to be a selector but this is not the right time for him to be on the panel as he is still a very active player,” said former India skipper, coach and selector M P Ganesh.
“I became a selector only after 26 years of playing hockey. In fact I had even given up coaching the Indian team and only then I was part of the selection process. Young people are needed but not so young and not for the job of selection,” Ganesh added.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> The Sunday Standard / by S S Shreekumar / ENS – Bangalore / June 02nd, 2013
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who had inducted as many as 29 ministers to his Cabinet recently, appointed ministers for various districts on Monday. Most of them represent their home districts.
Siddaramaiah appointed his close aide PWD Minister Dr H C Mahadevappa for two districts -Hassan and Kodagu. But unlike his predecessors, the CM did not appoint himself as minister of any district.
Health Minister U T Khader was assigned charge of Kolar, the most parched district. Khader hails from Dakshina Kannada district where several environmental organisations are opposing the implementation of the controversial Yettinahole river diversion project.
He may have to defend the state government stand regarding Yettinahole project and strive to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Kolar and other parched districts.
The estimated cost of implementing the Yettinahole project is `8,329 crore to get 24.01 tmcft water and to cater to the needs of Tumkur, Chikkaballapur and Kolar districts.
The district ministers are: Ramalingareddy (Bangalore Urban), K G George (Bangalore Rural), H Anjaneya (Chitradurga), Dinesh Gundurao (Chikkaballapur), Shamanur Shivashankarappa (Davanagere), U T Khader (Kolar), Krishna Byregowda (Ramanagaram), T B Jayachandra (Tumkur), Kimmane Rathnakar (Shimoga), Satish Jarkiholi (Belgaum), S R Patil (Bhagalkot), H K Patil (Gadag), M B Patil (Bijapur), Santhosh Lad (Dharwad), Prakash B Hukkeri (Haveri), R V Deshapande (Uttara Kannada), Qamar Ul Islam (Gulbarga), Dr Sharana Prakash R Patil (Bidar), P T Parameshwar Naik (Bellary), Umashree (Raichur), Shivaraj Tangadagi (Koppal), Babu Rao Chinchansur (Yadgir), V Srinivas Prasad (Mysore), H S Mahadeva Prasad (Chamarajanagar), Abhaya Chandra Jain (Chikmagalur), B Ramanatha Rai (Dakshina Kannada), Ambareesh (Mandya) and Vinay Kumar Sorake (Udupi). The district ministers are authorised to chair Karnnataka Development Programme once in three months at district-level as well as hoist national flag on Independence Day and Republic Day.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service – Bangalore / May 28th, 2013
Somdev Devvarman and Rohan Bopanna — File Photo Bengaluru:
Indian tennis is playing out like a long-running soap opera.
Seasons have rolled by but the central characters have remained the same and so has the plot. A power-hungry negative but central character in the form of the All India Tennis Association and a group of protagonists, who although united in the cause of the sport, have for long differed in their opinions.
But come April 6, we could witness the end of the opera which in turn could usher a new beginning for the sport, which has a strong following in the country.
This Saturday, the newly-formed Indian Tennis Players’ Association will hold its first Annual General Body meeting in Bengaluru, following its launch in February.
The ITPA, by itself, is a model for sportspersons in the country who for long have been ruled by the whims and fancies of federation honchos, for most of whom players’ welfare is a very low priority.
Although the ITPA came into existence last month, the indications to the effect have been around for a while now. Until recently, unity was never a strong point of Indian tennis. Internal bickering and ego clashes have always been a part of the sport’s culture.
Last year, when Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna took on the men, who wield power and supposedly know what is best for the sport in the run-up to the London Olympics, a significant glimpse of unity in times of crisis proved to be shining beacon.
The next show of strength came when 11 players made themselves unavailable for the Davis Cup tie against Korea after the AITA chose not to take up the players’ suggestions.
The players are back in the fold, on their terms, and determined to bring about a positive change in the tennis scene in the county. But they take pains to maintain that they are not a rival body to the AITA, but a “forum for the players, by the players.”
Speaking about the players’ unity, one of the primary factors behind the formation of the ITPA, India’s singles ace Somdev Devvaraman said, “All the players are sticking together and that’s a positive sign and it’s not going to change anytime soon. It’s very evident to all of us that we are doing what is correct and what is right for the sport in the country.
“We are always going to support each other. It’s rare and it’s a beautiful group to be a part of,” said the undisputed leader of the young generation.
The 28-year-old pro, who is on a comeback trail, further stated, “It’s our right to voice our opinion, India is a free country where people have always voiced their opinion if we don’t like it, we’ll say it. That’s the way I have been brought up.”
While AITA may beg to differ, Bhupathi rightly points out that they have only the interest of sport in mind. “What we are trying to do is call for better process in tennis and make it a better sport for everyone.”
All these players show passion and commitment on the court and it’s no surprise the same comes out when they speak of the way forward for Indian tennis.
“The ultimate thing is a lot of players who have played in the past and most of the present players are all on the same page. One thing is for sure, all of us want the exact same thing as an outcome. We just want the best for the players and for the future of the game. I think all of us are tennis enthusiasts, and we just want the best for it,” said the strappy Somdev.
A new beginning beckons Indian tennis, and the fact that the ushers are men and women who are passionate about the sport may well bring the bang back into Indian tennis. We will have the AGM on Saturday. Trust me, we are going to be there in full force supporting the team during the Davis Cup tie and we will be there in full force to make sure what changes we set out to do in Indian tennis happens.”
Mahesh Bhupathi “I’m glad the ITPA is formed and I’m looking forward to the first meeting. It is great to have a platform where people who are truly connected to the sport have a chance to discuss the future and identity the best way forward for the sport.”
Modelled around the ATP (the Association of Tennis Professionals), the ITPA, a Section 25 Company, a non-profit association, is a body floated as a platform to represent the professional interests of tennis players across the country.
source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Sports> Tennis / by Manjula Veerappa / DC / March 31st, 2013
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