Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa on Wednesday announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. The 36-year-old announced his decision through a personal note which he shared on social media platforms.
“It has been my greatest honour to represent my country and my state, Karnataka. However, all good things must come to an end, and with a grateful heart, I have decided to retire from all forms of Indian cricket. Thank you all,” tweeted Uthappa while sharing the note.
Notably, Uthappa represented India in white-ball cricket. The wicketkeeper batter played 59 matches for India across the two formats and aggregated 1183 runs. Uthappa made his ODI debut against England in 2006 while he played his first T20I against Scotland in 2007. In IPL, he has played 205 games and has amassed close to 5000 runs.
Although the 36-year-old did not play too many games for India, he was reckoned as one of the pinch hitters in the team. Uthappa’s pull shots were pretty famous among fans.
“It’s been 20 years since I started playing professional cricket, and it has been the greatest honour to represent my country and state, Karnataka- a wonderful journey full of ups and downs; one that has been fulfilling, rewarding, enjoyable and has allowed me to grow as a human being. However, all good things must come to an end, and with a grateful heart I have decided to retire from all forms of Indian cricket. While I will spend a significant time with my young family, I look forward to charting a new phase in my life,” wrote Uthappa in his note.
“I take this opportunity to thank the President, Secretary and the office bearers of the BCCI for their support and encouragement throughout my cricket career. I would also like to thank Karnataka State Cricket Association, Saurashtra Cricket Association and Kerala Cricket Association for the honour of representing the respective states during the course of my career. Further, would like to express my gratitude to the IPL teams represented MI, RCB, PWI and RR. A special mention to KKR & CSK for all the wonderful memories and support my family and received during my time with them-something will always cherish.”
source: http://www.sportstiger.com / Sports Tiger / Home> Cricket / by Ritesh Pathak / September 14th, 2022
Yonex-Sunrise India Junior International Grand Prix-2026
Mysuru:
Diya Bheemaiah of Kodagu, along with her Doubles partner Keerthi Manchala of Telangana, won silver medal at the Yonex-Sunrise India Junior International Grand Prix 2026 at the PDMBA Sports Complex in Pune recently.
The fourth-seeded Indian pair went down in straight set 15-21, 11-21 to Thailand’s pair of Chattrat Mardankul and Peerploy Suttiwarayanon.
Players from India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the USA and the UAE participated in the tournament.
This is the fourth international medal Diya has won in the U-19 junior category.
Previously, she secured a silver medal in Girls Doubles and a bronze medal in Singles at the Nepal International Series 2024 as well as a gold medal in the Girls Doubles category at the Kotak India Junior International Series 2026 held earlier this month.
Diya Bheemaiah, a II PUC student of Vidhyaashram, is the daughter of Boppanda Bheemaiah and K.K. Kusuma (Kambiranda), residents of Mysuru. She trains under Coach Arun Pemmaiah at Sports Park, Mysuru and under international badminton coach Ivan Sozonov at the National Centre of Excellence in Guwahati, Assam
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / September 01st, 2026
Indian rally champions Dean Mascarenhas and co-driver Gagan Karumbaiah of TSI Racing return to the World Rally Championship this weekend for their second WRC3 outing of the season, taking on Rally del Paraguay in a Ford Fiesta Rally3 prepared and serviced by PH Sport.
Mangaluru’s Dean partnered with Kodagu co-driver Gagan to make their WRC debut at Rally Islas Canarias this April, where they finished seventh in class.
The 2025 Indian National Rally champions gained further experience in the FIA European Rally Championship, finishing 12th in the Rally3 class at the demanding Rally di Roma Capitale in July. This WRC round in Paraguay will be their first on Gravel in the Ford Fiesta Rally3.
The rally covers 357.64km of timed competition across 22 special stages on soft red-clay gravel.
Mohan Nagarajan, MD of Sidvin Energy Engineering, which backs TSI Racing, said the European experience had strengthened the programme. “The ERC round and the training in Europe were extremely useful. The experience has helped Dean, Gagan and the entire team to better prepare for the WRC3 challenge.”
“Our journey so far has been very positive, with a lot of learning and valuable experience. We’re excited for our first gravel rally of the season. There is still a lot for us to learn from every rally,” said Dean after Thursday’s shakedown.
Founded in 2007 and backed by Sidvin Energy Engineering, TSI Racing was the first Indian team to enter the WRC in 2008 and has since provided an international platform for Indian drivers, including Gaurav Gill and Naren Kumar. Nearly two decades later, the team’s commitment to taking Indian rallying to the global stage continues with Mascarenhas and Karumbaiah.
–IANS
source: http://www.fmbharat.com / FM Bharat / Home> English / by IANS / August 08th, 2026
Two brothers with family roots in Kodagu and Mysuru have made their mark in American Ice Hockey after earning selection to competitive teams of the Frisco Hockey Association, Texas, USA.
While 15-year-old Mayon Machaiah Merianda has been selected to the Frisco Varsity Team, his 13-year-old younger brother Krish Machaiah Merianda has secured a place in the Frisco Varsity Junior Team for the Summer 2026 season.
Mayon, a Grade 10 student at Independence High School, Frisco, earned promotion to the Varsity squad following his performances in previous seasons. Krish, who recently completed Grade 8 at Nelson Middle School, secured his place in the Junior Varsity team after consistent performances at the developmental level.
The brothers belong to the Meriyanda family of Kodagu, with their ancestral roots tracing back to the historic Meriyanda Ainmane. They are the sons of Srikanth Thimmayya, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SHIRO Technologies and Dr. Gangamma Chenenda, a Physician based in Dallas, Texas.
Their late grandfather Merianda K. Thimmayya, was an advocate, who had settled in Mysuru after moving from Kodagu several decades ago while their grandmother Sharada Thimmayya, continues to reside in Mysuru. Despite growing up in the United States, Mayon and Krish maintain close ties with Karnataka through regular visits to Mysuru and Kodagu.
Their success stands as an inspiring example of how young people with roots in Kodagu and Mysuru are making their presence felt in diverse fields and sporting arenas across the world.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / June 03rd, 2026
While the main event spans 42 km, the 21 km race offered Bhavani a strategic platform to venture into long-distance racing and ski-marathon formats.
Madikeri :
In a notable achievement for Indian winter sports, Thekkada Bhavani from Kodagu has secured a silver medal at the Merino Muster cross-country skiing event held at Snow Farm in New Zealand.
Competing in the Women’s 30s age category for the 21 km race on August 22, Bhavani completed the course in 1:34:38, making her the first Indian woman to both participate in and win a medal at an official Worldloppet Skiing Federation event.
The Merino Muster stands as one of New Zealand’s premier long-distance cross-country skiing competitions and serves as a key leg on the international Worldloppet circuit.
While the main event spans 42 km, the 21 km race offered Bhavani a strategic platform to venture into long-distance racing and ski-marathon formats.
Bhavani’s remarkable finish in New Zealand is another addition to her recent international successes.
During the 2025-26 winter season, Bhavani earned distinction as the first Indian woman to win an International Skiing and Snowboard Federation (FIS) medal.
She also holds the honour of being the first Indian cross-country skier to qualify and race in the FIS Cross-Country Ski World Cup, expanding her competitive range from sprint and distance races into long-distance endurance circuits.
Bhavani is currently undergoing an extended international training program at Snow Farm. Her preparation and international exposure have been made possible through financial and logistical backing from the Reliance Foundation and the Government of Karnataka, which contributed Rs 10 lakh through its Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports to support her training.
Reflecting on her achievement, Bhavani noted that competing in her first Worldloppet race served as an important test of her endurance training.
She expressed that earning a category win in the 21 km event provides substantial confidence as she prepares for the upcoming international season.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home / by Express News Service / August 25th, 2026
Rohan Bopanna slammed the country’s trimmed squad for the upcoming Asian Games 2026 after 5 players were removed by the Sports Ministry from the list of 12 submitted by All India Tennis Association (AITA).
File photo of Rohan Bopanna / @ Getty Images
Legendary Indian tennis player Rohan Bopanna slammed the country’s trimmed squad for the upcoming Asian Games 2026 after 5 players were removed by the Sports Ministry from the list of 12 submitted by All India Tennis Association (AITA). In a post shared on Linkedin, Bopanna said that athletes should be given the chance to prove themselves on the court and their chances should not be determined on paper. “I’m a proud Indian. And today, I want to speak up for these tennis players who deserve better. They didn’t ask for mercy. They asked for a chance,” Bopanna said in the post.
The Sports Ministry removed the names of Manas Dhamne, Vaishnavi Adkar, Sahaja Yamalapalli, Vaidehee Chaudhari and Prarthana Thombare from the list submitted by the AITA.”The move reduced India’s women’s singles options, including the exclusion of Sahaja Yamalapalli, currently the country’s highest-ranked women’s singles player.”
Bopanna pointed out that the five players already proved themselves on the court thanks to their performances.
“Dhamne. Adkar. Yamalapalli. Vaidehee. Thombare. Five players — including India’s No. 1 and No. 2 in women’s singles, who earned their rankings the hard way. No shortcuts. No favors. They competed internationally, qualified and proved where they stand.”
The final squad featured 7 players – Sumit Nagal and Dhakshineswar Suresh in men’s singles, Yuki Bhambri, N Sriram Balaji and Anirudh Chandrasekhar in men’s doubles, while Ankita Raina and Ruturaj Bhosale were the two women who found a place.
“If outcomes are already decided, why have qualifications at all? Why rankings?” Bopanna said.
“This isn’t just a call about five athletes. It’s a message to every parent, every sponsor who backed them before the country did, who bet on merit and results, not on being pre-approved,” he added. “Telling these players they’re ‘not medal prospects’ tells every one of those parents and sponsors: your judgment doesn’t matter here.”
Bopanna further said that the authorities need to look beyond just medal potential on the paper.
“Let them walk onto the court. Let their years of work count for something. Let sport decide. Not a spreadsheet.”
source: http://www.sports.ndtv.com / NDTV /Home> Sports> Tennis>News / by NDTV Sports Desk / August 25th, 2026
Second seeded pair Diya Bheemaiah and Baruni Parshwal won the Girls’ Doubles title at the Kotak Junior International Badminton Tournament in Hyderabad, defeating third seeds Lakshmi Devineni and Ananya Manikandan in a closely contested final.
Diya and Baruni won the match 21-18, 14-21, 22-20. After taking the opening game, they lost the second as Devineni and Manikandan levelled the contest. The deciding game went down to the wire, with Diya and Baruni eventually prevailing 22-20 to secure the title.
The victory marks another achievement for Diya on the junior badminton circuit as she continues her competitive journey. She currently is training at the prestigious National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) in Guwahati, Assam, under the tutelage of former All England champion and coach Ivan Sozonov.
Diya is the daughter of Boppanda P Bheemaiah and Kusuma K K (Thamane Kambiranda).
source: http://www.clnnews.in / CoffeeLandNews /Home> Sports / by CLN Newsdesk / August 24th, 2026
Boxing needs a bigger push in South India, says Indian men’s boxing head coach C.A. Kuttappa.
Hailing from Kokeri village in Napoklu, Kodagu, the land known for producing Olympians and brave hearts, Chenanda Achaiah Kuttappa (C.A. Kuttappa) is an internationally known boxing coach who has been credited with shaping some of the best Indian boxers, including Olympic medallist Vijender Singh, Suranjoy Singh, Shiva Thapa and Amit Panghal, among others..
An ex-serviceman, Kuttappa, who retired as a Subedar from the Madras Engineering Group (MEG) earlier this year, is currently the head coach of the Indian men’s boxing team that won two gold and two silver medals at the recently held Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
Kuttappa training one of the boxers during the preparatory camp for Commonwealth Games-2026 which concluded recently.
A Dronacharya Awardee (2018), Kuttappa previously worked with the Indian men’s boxing team as head coach from 2018 to 2021, during which an Indian boxer won a silver medal at the 2019 World Championships.
Kuttappa (standing second from right) seen with the Indian men boxers at Glasgow, Scotland.
Kuttappa was also part of the Indian boxing support staff during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, when Vijender Singh won a bronze medal. He was also the head coach during the Paris 2024 Olympics.
After a break of a year, the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) re-appointed him as the head coach of the Indian men’s boxing team ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.
Kuttappa flanked by his wife P.U. Ashwini (right) and daughter C.K. Yudhi.
A resident of Gokulam 1st Stage in Mysuru city, Kuttappa is married to P.U. Ashwini and the couple has a daughter, C.K. Yudhi
Star of Mysore caught up with C.A. Kuttappa during his recent visit to Mysuru following the heroics of the Indian boxing team at the Commonwealth Games 2026. Excerpts:
Star of Mysore (SOM): Sir, firstly, thank you for talking to Star of Mysore. The recent achievements in boxing at the Commonwealth Games-2026 have been spectacular compared to previous Games. What do you have to say about that?
C.A. Kuttappa: The achievements have been remarkable. We have been able to achieve success because of our hard work and the efforts of the coaches and supporting staff, including doctors, physiotherapists, psychologists, nutritionists and others.
SOM: How was the preparation for the Commonwealth Games? Winning seven gold medals in boxing is a great achievement.
Kuttappa: After the Nationals, we went for build-up competitions in Spain and the Czech Republic, where we won a lot of medals. Later, we got good opportunities to participate in other international boxing events in which our top boxers selected for the Commonwealth Games took part. We also keep track of the progress being made by lower-ranked boxers who are in the No. 2 and No. 3 positions.
They play a crucial role as backups in case the top-ranked players miss the main event due to injuries or other reasons. We have been able to achieve good results because of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), as they provided us with the much-needed exposure and opportunities to prove our potential, which we did at the Commonwealth Games.
SOM: Compared to previous years, the Government of India has been encouraging sports. How do you think it has helped sportspersons?
Kuttappa: Yes, we are getting a good budget for boxing as well. People always compare other sports with cricket. It is a different sport. They have done extremely well and we cannot be compared with them.
We also need to do well at the international level. If we want to be considered at the same level as cricket, we need to work hard, plan well and execute those plans to win more medals at the international level.
SOM: What was the feeling when the boxers you coached were winning gold medals at Glasgow?
Kuttappa: As a coach, it is a completely different feeling. We always plan before the bouts. Watching videos of the opponents and discussing their styles, attacks and movements are some of the things we do. It is important as it helps our boxers understand the strengths and weaknesses of their opponents.
There are times when we change our strategies and tactics during the bout. When our execution goes according to our plans, the results will be satisfactory, just like at the Commonwealth Games.
SOM: With the Commonwealth Games mission accomplished, the next target is the Asian Games. How are the preparations?
Kuttappa: Yes, we are now preparing for the Asian Games to be held in Japan from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4. Compared to the Commonwealth Games, the Asian Games is a tougher competition. Countries like Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, which are among the top-ranked boxing countries in the world, will be competing as well.
They are really good in terms of technique and tactics. The intensity of the bouts will be high and mentally demanding. Come what may, we are confident of doing well in the Asian Games, similar to what we achieved in the Commonwealth Games.
SOM: Talking about boxing, most of our boxers are either from North or Northeast India. Where is South India lacking?
Kuttappa: Most of our boxers are indeed from the North or Northeast. People there think of boxing as a sport, but here it is considered fighting. I always tell my boxers not to take the punch but to hit the punch. We need to educate parents and children about boxing as a sport in South India.
In the North or Northeast, the situation is entirely different. People take up boxing as a profession. There are boxers earning a good Rs. 15 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh every month. The State Governments have been extending all necessary help, with sponsors also coming forward to support top-ranked and high-performing boxers.
In the South, importance is given to very few sports and people insist on getting their children educated rather than allowing them to pursue sports as a profession.
SOM: Speaking about yourself, you come from Kodagu, which is famous for hockey and producing soldiers for the Indian Army. How did boxing happen to you?
Kuttappa: I started my boxing career in 1992. Before that, there was a selection process for only three sports disciplines: Swimming, volleyball and boxing. Since I was good at athletics and sports, I passed the physical fitness test and they asked me to choose between the three games. I asked them for some time and told them I would like to try all three sports before making a choice. I tried all three and finally selected boxing.
In fact, one of my father’s cousins, C.C. Machaiah, who is an Arjuna Awardee in boxing, had also told me about how boxing as a profession would be useful and help me financially.
In the first year, there were no results as I was still in the learning process. In the next two years, I won the sub-junior and junior titles for Karnataka and the junior national championship. After joining the Indian Army, I represented Karnataka in many national-level competitions and also won a bronze medal at the National Games held in 1997.
After I was injured and stopped boxing, I was thinking about what to do next when my senior officers advised me to continue with boxing. So, I completed my diploma in boxing and joined the national camp as a coach. I have trained Olympic medallist Vijender Singh, Akhil and other top boxers and continue to train boxers even today.
SOM: How does it feel to be awarded the prestigious Dronacharya Award at a young age?
Kuttappa: It is satisfying. I believe it is a result of hard work and sacrifice. You should ask my wife and my mother. They both know the amount of time I have dedicated to my profession.
I only get to spend one or two months at home. Most of the time, I am travelling with the team, preparing them for competitions. I have taken up the responsibility of the national team and it is my duty to ensure they do well and bring laurels to the country.
SOM: Sir, thank you so much for your time and all the best for the Asian Games and the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Kuttappa: Thank you.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Columns> Special Interview / by S.N. Venkatnag Sobers / August 12th, 2026
Aiyanna is seen with his wife Tulsi, daughters Priya and Preethi, son-in-law Ranjan Nanaiah and the Sangha members.
Gokulam Kodava Sangha honoured its senior member and past President Wing Commander Mundumada D. Aiyanna (retd.) at its AGM held at Kodava Samaja premises in Vijayanagar recently in recognition of his service to the nation and his achievements in golf.
A notable veteran golfer, he has won multiple trophies and prizes in golf tournaments hosted in Mysuru, including the 39th Edition of the Air Force Golf Cup 2025-26 (Stableford Net Senior Golf tournament).
Aiyanna is seen with his wife Tulsi, daughters Priya and Preethi, son-in-law Ranjan Nanaiah and the Sangha members.
Annarkanda Prathima Thimmaiah compered.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Gallery> Photo News / August 19th, 2026
A group photo of the Mysuru Kodava Samaja Youth Wing team, who will be hosting the Kodava Hockey Premier League in Mysuru.
10 franchises take part in players’ auction, total
of 174 players drafted to various teams
Mysuru – The stage is set for the second edition of the Kodava Hockey Premier League (KHPL), with organisers successfully conducting the player auction ahead of the much-anticipated tournament scheduled to be held from July 3 to 5 at the Chamundi Vihar Stadium Hockey Turf in city.
Organised by the Kodava Samaja Youth Wing Mysuru in association with Kodava Samaja, Mysuru, under the aegis of Hockey Mysore, KHPL has emerged as a unique franchise-based hockey competition aimed at promoting the sport while nurturing emerging talent from the Kodava community.
The player auction, held at a private hotel in city, witnessed enthusiastic participation from franchise owners, players, community leaders and hockey enthusiasts.
More than 268 players had registered for the league, from which 174 players were drafted across 10 franchise teams, while 30 icon players were retained by their respective franchises.
Every franchise squad comprises 18 players and is mandated to include two U-18 players and one woman player. The format provides young players with an opportunity to share the dressing room and playing field alongside experienced professional and national-level players, thereby gaining valuable exposure, mentorship and first-hand learning experiences.
The auction ceremony was attended by Kodava Samaja Mysuru President Ponjanda Ganapathy, Vice-President Machimada P. Nanaiah, Treasurer Kottangada Pemmaiah, Pandanda Bopanna and Muddanda Rashin Subbaiah besides several office-bearers and members of the Kodava community.
A symbolic highlight of the event was the ceremonial handover of the rolling trophy by Pale Taluk, champions of the inaugural edition, marking the commencement of another competitive season.
Organisers have confirmed that all matches of KHPL Season-2 will also be telecast live on YouTube, enabling supporters and hockey enthusiasts worldwide to follow the three-day tournament.
According to the organisers, KHPL has evolved into more than just a sporting competition, serving as a platform for youth empowerment, grassroots hockey development and community engagement. Several players associated with previous editions have progressed to higher levels of competition, underscoring the league’s growing contribution to the sport.
With an expected footfall of over 8,000 spectators and a projected digital reach exceeding 20,000 viewers through live streaming, KHPL Season-2 is expected to draw significant attention from hockey enthusiasts.
The three-day tournament promises high-quality hockey action, competitive rivalries and a celebration of the Kodava community’s longstanding contribution to Indian hockey.
For further information interested may contact Kodaga Samaja Youth Wing President Varun Nanjappa Hanchettira on Mob: 89519-49351 or e-mail: ksywmysuru@gmail.com
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / June 09th,2026
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