Category Archives: Sports

Courting a sporty summer

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports


All eyes this Olympics will be on Bengaluru hudugi and badminton ace Ashwini Ponnappa. Humility and girl-next-door qualities are what best describe her. Currently training in Hyderabad, Ashwini spends seven hours a day getting her act together. The 22-year-old’s affair with the racquet started when she was eight-years-old. She says, “The pressure I put on myself is more than what people put on me. Here is something I really enjoy and I just go on court and have fun.”

This passionate tennis pro’s parents and brother will be travelling with her to London. About her trip to London she says, “I am looking forward to going to the mega event and doing well. I would also like to catch other matches, particularly tennis and the athletics 100 metre dash. If we get some free time, we can go out and explore London.”

Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa are currently number 14 in the world ranking in the women’s doubles category, after their victory at the 2010 Common Wealth Games and the World Championship last year. “I like listening and learning from Jwala. When we travel together, after the game we go shopping and discover places,” says Ashwini.

Ashwini admits she misses Bengaluru, but loves Hyderabad just as much. She says, “It’s a really nice place and the lifestyle is very different. The roads are really good in Hyderabad. Bengaluru is where my friends and cousins are and I really miss them.” She admits to being a spoilt child at home. She says, “After a game, it is nice to come home and talk to my family and get their opinion. I’ve never had to diet but with mom ensuring I eat healthy, I don’t have to worry about anything.”

Ashwini owes her success to her parents and coaches. She says, “I owe it to the coaches who have put in hard work to get me where I am. My folks sacrificed a lot and often took time off work for me.” Every sports person inspires this ambitious girl. “I tend to learn from everyone, for instance, I love how Roger Federer keeps his emotions within,” she says.

Her simplicity is so overwhelming that 10 minutes into the conversation, you get a feeling of chatting with a close friend. After the Olympics, she is looking forward to going on a long overdue holiday with friends. She says, “I love going out with my friends. I also like lazing around at home, watching TV and reading books. I watch movies when I am touring.” A romantic at heart, Ashwini adds, “I love romantic films and books. Once I have a really good book in hand, nothing can move me.”

About her frequent visits to Bengaluru, this girl with a sweet tooth says, “When I come I don’t even get time to breathe. I meet everyone and don’t miss out on the hot chocolate fudge at Corner House, Frescos, the Mississippi Mud pie at Shezan and all of Bengaluru’s other amazing dessert places.” After four years of staying in Hyderabad, Ashwini’s family is moving back to Bengaluru this August. She says, “I’m not sure where I’ll train.”

source: http://www.DeccanChronicle.com / Home> Tabloid> Bengaluru / by Khushali P. Madhwani , DC / June 27th, 2012

Bhupathi & Bopanna cruise to victory

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports


India’s Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna advanced to the second round of the men’s doubles event at the Wimbledon here today. File photo. / The Hindu
Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna advanced to the second round of the men’s doubles, defeating Uruguay’s Marcel Felder and Tunisia’sMalek Jaziri 6-0, 7-6(1), 6-2 in an hour and 36 minutes.

The Indians couldn’t have begun better: the first set featured 17 minutes of solid serves, angled returns, from Bopanna in the deuce court and Bhupathi in the ad court, and sharp volley exchanges. Especially impressive was the co-ordination in movement.

Felder and Jaziri, who didn’t know what hit them, were able to push the seventh seeds to a breaker in the second set, even endangering Bopanna’s serve in the fifth game.

But Bhupathi and Bopanna recovered to get the job done. “We really worked hard these past six months to get where we are, very pleased, and we’re hoping to continue our good form here and doing well this week,” said Bopanna.

Understandably there were questions about the incidents surroundingthe selection of India’s representatives to the Olympics.

Not true

“You know things couldn’t have got uglier for us in Indian tennis the last week,” said Bhupathi. “Everyone seems to think that I’m the one manipulating and pulling the strings for all these extremely individual and successful tennis players like Rohan and Sania. It’s not true.”

Bhupathi said he understood Sania Mirza’s criticism of the system,including him. “I obviously sympathise with Sania,” he said, before addressing Mirza’s comment about Bhupathi sacrificing his commitment to her. “As far as I am concerned, I am committed to her. We’re playing here, and if we get a chance to, we’ll play the Olympics.”

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> Sport> Tennis / by Special Correspondent / London, June 27th, 2012

Sajan Bopanna advances

Sports

Sajan Bopanna won both his group matches to advance to the round-of-32 in the men’s State-ranking 8-ball pool tournament here on Wednesday.

In the women’s event, defending champion R. Umadevi Nagaraj retained her crown while Judy Walia won second place in the event contested by four cueists.

The results:

Men: Group M: Sajan Bopanna bt S. Dhawat 5-0; Sufian Ahmed bt S. Dhawat 5-1; Sajan Bopanna bt Sufian Ahmed 5-3.

Group N: R. Santosh bt Vybhav Goel 5-1.

Michael Rebello bt Vybhav Goel 5-0; R. Santosh bt Michael Rebello 5-0.

Group O: Joginder Singh bt L. Nagaraj 5-3; L. Nagaraj bt Manav Saraf 5-0; Joginder Singh bt Manav Saraf 5-0.

Group P: H.E. Anand bt Madhu Nambiar 5-3.

Karl Alphonso bt Madhu Nambiar 5-2; H.E. Anand bt Karl Alphonso 5-2.

Women: R. Umadevi Nagaraj bt Bhanumathi Mendon 4-0; Judy Walia bt Indira Gowda 4-3; R.

Umadevi Nagaraj bt Judy Walia 4-0; Indira Gowda bt Bhanumathi Mendon 4-2.

Judy Walia bt Bhanumathi Mendon 4-1; R. Umadevi Nagaraj bt Indira Gowda 4-3.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> Sports> National / Bangalore, June 28th, 2012

Ashwini Ponnappa

Leaders, Records, All, Sports

KEY FACTS
Full Name: Ashwini Ponnappa
Height: 5’5″
Born: 18 September, 1989 (22 years)
Country: India
Sports: Badminton
___________________________________________________
About Ashwini Ponnappa

Ashwini Ponnappa is one of India’s leading badminton players in the women’s doubles category. She is known to represent India in the doubles’ category with Jwala Gutta. In 2010, she earned accolades and fame when she won the gold medal in the women’s doubles category partnering Gutta, in the Commonwealth Games.

Ashwini Ponnappa Medal Record

2006: Gold – South Asian Games
2009: Won – National Badminton Championships (Women’s Doubles)
2010: Gold – South Asian Games (Mixed Doubles)
2010: Gold – Commonwealth Games (Women’s Doubles)
2010: Silver – Commonwealth Games (Mixed Team Event)

Ponnappa won the National Badminton Championships title twice in doubles event in 2006 and 2007. She also won gold medal partnering India’s V Diju at the 2010 South Asian Games in the mixed doubles event.

Ponnappa again teamed up with Gutta to win the bronze medal at the World Badminton Championships in 2011. It was a significant event in Ponnappa’s life as it was her first semifinal of a key tournament.
__________________________________________________

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / TOI Home> Olympics 2012> Team India> Ashwini Ponnappa / June 29th, 2012

HI announces 16-member Olympic hockey squad

Sports

India today named a 16-member hockey squad, to be led by goalkeeper Bharat Chetri, for next month’s London Olympics, ending days of speculation but as expected without any major surprises.

Only two changes were made from the squad that finished third in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup tournament in Malaysia with striker Yuvraj Walmiki and Rupinderpal Singh being left out, preferring veteran Ignace Tirkey and Gurwinder Singh Chandi in their place.

Walmiki and Rupinderpal’s axing was on expected lines as the duo had been struggling of late. Walmiki has also not fully recovered from the injury he sustained during the Olympic qualifying event in February though he played in Malaysia.

The squad was picked after a two-day selection trials at the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune on June 6 and 7.

Star mid-fielder Sardar Singh will be the vice-captain of the team.

The selectors decided to go in with two goalkeepers in captain Chetri and PR Sreejesh for the quadrennial sporting extravaganza to be held in London from July 27 to August 12.

According to the squad announced by Hockey India, Sarwanjeet Singh and Kothajit Singh would travel with the team to London as standbys. The duo can only be included in the main team in case of any serious injury to the first 16 players.

Veteran Tirkey will marshall the three-man Indian defence along with drag-flick duo of Sandeep Singh and V R Raghunath.

Talismanic Sardar will lead the mid-field, India’s strongest area, in company of Manpreet Singh, Birendra Lakra and Gurbaj Singh.

Striker Gurwinder Singh Chandi made a return to the squad after recovering from his hamstring injury sustained during the Olympic test event in London last month.

Shivendra Singh, Danish Mujtaba, Tushar Khandker, S V Sunil, Dharamvir Singh and S K Uthappa complete the forward line-up.

Eight-time champions India have been placed in Pool B, alongside Germany, Korea, New Zealand, Belgium and the Netherlands.

India will open their Olympic campaign against the Netherlands on July 30 at the Riverbank Arena, followed by matches against New Zealand (August 1), reigning Olympic champions Germany (August 3), Korea (August 4) and Belgium (August 7).

The Squad:

Goalkeepers: Bharat Chetri (captain), P R Sreejesh.

Full Backs: V R Raghunath, Ignace Tirkey, Sandeep Singh.

Mid-fielders: Sardar Singh (vice-captain), Gurbaj Singh, Birendra Lakra, Manpreet Singh.

Forwards: S V Sunil, Gurwinder Singh Chandi, Shivendra Singh, Danish Mujtaba, Tushar Khandker, Dharamvir Singh, S K Uthappa.

Standbys: Sarvanjit Singh, Kothajit Singh.

Officials: Michael Nobbs (chief coach), Mohd Riaz (coach), Clarence Lobo (coach), David John (manager), Shrikant Iyengar (physiotherapist), Hari Shanker Narayanan (video analyst).

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> Hockey / PTI / New Delhi, June 11th, 2012

India thrive on Uthappas heroics

Sports

AZLAN SHAH CUP
Last-Minute deflection fetches Nobb’s boys their first victory

FINE EFFORT: SK Uthappas (centre) last-gasp goal gave India a crucial win
Bangalore:
A productive team meeting and a purposeful show on the field saw India edge past Korea 2-1 for their win in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament in Ipoh on Friday.

SK Uthappa scored the matchwinner in the final minute of a thrilling contest,deflecting the ball in off Tushar Khandker.Earlier,Sandeep Singh put India ahead off a penalty corner in the 11th minute before Nam Hyun-Woo’s low penalty corner flick in the 66th minute helped Korea restore parity.

Chief coach Michael Nobbs said the seeds of victory were sown in the meeting ahead of the match.The boys admitted to the mistakes they committed.Too many unforced errors were causing the problems and they said the same thing.The deep defence continues to be our main problem but the forwards realised could have helped more, he told TOI.

The first half was as perfect as it could be.The Koreans had one shot at goal and five circle penetrations and no penalty corners.It was textbook and the patterns we played worked perfectly.The second half was a little different and they pressed a little, the Aussie said,as he analysed the match.

The problem with trying to use a style of play that we have only just started to learn is that it takes time.There were occasions in the second half when we returned to the same old patterns again.I tried to get the message out to the team that we need to change the pattern but it didn’t work.This is something we need to focus on.

Nobbs was all praise for Uthappa for his unbelievable deflection goal. The SAI lad scored off a counter-attack that began after goalkeeper Bharat Chetri’s save in the circle.The move surprised Korean defenders and even before they could regroup,Uthappa had relayed the ball in.

Nobbs said his team would now concentrate on the next game against Great Britain on Sunday,after a day’s rest on Saturday.The young legs of the Malaysian team put the English team under pressure today,scoring two goals in the last five minutes to force a 3-3 draw.If we can get a point or more off GB then it opens it up for us to get to the final, he said.

In the other match,New Zealand coasted to a 5-2 victory over Argentina.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> Sports / TNN / Saturday, May 26th, 2012

Karnataka is encouraging hockey: Raghunath

Sports

When the Indian hockey squad, which included young Kodava V Raghunath, did not qualify for the 2008 Olympics, he went into something of a depression. “I felt victimized,” says Raghunath, adding, “I couldn’t digest the criticism coming our way.

We were the only (Indian) team that could have to Beijing, and when we failed to qualify, people were hard on us.”

But Raghunath got back to focusing on the game and his goal was the 2012 London Olympics. “Some of the members of the 2008 team have retired, but five of us from that old team have been retained and will go to London,” says Raghunath. While the 2008 disqualification kept playing on his mind till recently, Raghunath and his team could barely sleep the night they qualified for the London Olympics.

The team, which has been training hard under the observant eye of Michael Nobbs and David John, has a newfound confidence.

“The team has been performing well mentally and physically. At the end of the day, it’s all about mind games and we are training really hard this time,” says Raghunath, who has also been training in high-altitude places with lower levels of oxygen. He adds, “Strength training is our primary focus and some of us have gained weight, while others have lost some.”

It is also interesting to know that since they have qualified for the Olympics, the members of the Indian hockey team have been receiving quite a few sponsorship offers. “A lot of corporates have come forward to support us, but we need to win a lot of tournaments. That is when they will push the game,” says Raghunath.

He feels that promoting hockey in india is important, but adds that it will happen only when the hockey team makes winning a habit. Quiz him about the popularity that cricket commands over the national game and the young lad is quick to say, “I never compare sports. For me, at the end of the day, wearing the country’s jersey is important.” But it does help when celebrities promote a particular game, to which Raghunath replies, “Actor Suniel Shetty recently got signed up as the ambassador for Indian hockey and I think it will definitely go a long way in popularizing the game.”

Raghunath’s father, who was also a hockey player himself, encouraged his son to get into the game and today he is a happy man. Raghunath also feels that the training he has received in Bangalore is what has helped him become a better player. “Karnataka is doing well in hockey and the state is encouraging the game. Five members of the hockey team going to London are from here,” says Raghunath, who has got a lot more from the game than what he has given. “We are looking for a podium finish this year,” he signs off.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> Sports> Hockey / by Taniya Talukdar / TNN, May 27th, 2012

Modelling is fun — Ashwini

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports

“It all began after our doubles triumph at the Delhi Commonwealth Games. Jwala (Gutta) and I did a shoot for a magazine supplement, with makeup on and much prompting from photographers. Jwala moved far more freely, while I was more guarded,” recalls Ashwini of the quiet and reserved traits she typifies. By A. Joseph Antony.
K. RAMESH BABU

Ashwini Ponnappa could well be the Ferrari of Indian badminton, all feline flair, yet packing punch and panache, carried over easily to the ramp. She may not launch a thousand ships, but should make a mark in modelling, where non-cricket sportspersons are rarely sighted.

“During a game, a fall needs only dusting off, but on the catwalk it spells disaster. Mercifully, there have been no awkward moments on either stage. While modelling for me is fun, to the professional it’s a lot more serious,” observes the 2011 badminton World Championship women’s doubles bronze medallist.

“It all began after our doubles triumph at the Delhi Commonwealth Games. Jwala (Gutta) and I did a shoot for a magazine supplement, with makeup on and much prompting from photographers. Jwala moved far more freely, while I was more guarded,” recalls Ashwini of the quiet and reserved traits she typifies.

An audio-visual TV commercial shoot for a Delhi real estate firm came next. “Dialogue delivery in English was a cakewalk, but tough in Hindi,” says the Bangalore-born lass, harking to her totally south Indian roots in breathtakingly beautiful Coorg, home to the martial race that produced famous Indian warriors, Field Marshall Cariappa and General K. S. Thimayya.

Some still photographs were taken of India’s dominant doubles duo for Li Ning, their sponsor, comprising shadow movements. With no briefing, preparation or rehearsal, Ashwini walked the ramp, dressed elegantly, yet casually, to support People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

“I watched the others before me and simply did the same. I walked down till the end of the ramp, paused for a moment and headed back. That stroll was short but sweet,” she says.

From the ferocity of on-court smashes, she’s genteel and gracious off it. “I like it when I can recognise myself. I hate makeup (she doesn’t really need it). It’s a lot easier smiling endlessly, say for a video than appearing serious in a still shoot, which needs a wider range of expressions or innovations,” says the fledgling model.

“Confidence is a must for both, although playing is a lot easier. While I’ll chase more titles in badminton, I won’t pursue modelling offers but instead wait for them to happen. After all, it’s the game that’s made me,” she reflects, leaving little doubt about her priorities.

She doesn’t ‘skirt’ the issue that raged recently in the sport. “It’s smarter wearing attire meant for women rather than appear like men, although some see dressing up well as lack of focus. To each her own, but if skirts in squash or tennis don’t raise eyebrows, why the fuss for badminton,” she asks.

Comfortable with natural light and a cause close to her heart, she kept her cool for a shoot on a Hyderabad terrace, tolerating temperatures well into the fiery forties. Her mother Cauvery launched a designer wear range themed a ‘revival of 70’s’ with Accedo and Manzoor Hussain in Hyderabad recently.

Posing for a professional shoot would be more challenging than say sitting for a family portrait or when taking those fun pictures with cousins in Coorg. “A smile routine is smooth but serious ones needed much guidance, hands shouldn’t dangle awkwardly or come in the way, the head should be turned this way or that and feet should be in their proper place,” says Ashwini.

Unlike badminton where she has no role models, choosing to learn from seniors, contemporaries and juniors, she admires Lakshmi Menon and Lisa Hayden in modelling. Ask her how suited is she to modelling and she replies, “That depends on how others see or judge me.”

Ashwini Ponnappa on the ramp at the All Star Fashion show, conducted by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) to promote adoption of homeless dogs.
Is modelling as taxing, tiring and frustrating as badminton? “Both are fun. Playing comes more naturally but posing needs conscious effort and is very different from what you regularly do,” she thinks.

Does she have a favourite photographer? “I haven’t worked with so many to like them but photography can be fascinating,” she notes. So is there a favourite/ideal location for a shoot? “I’d love to shoot with animals around. I’d also have loved to be a vet, but the studies were quite demanding,” she admits.

When asked whether she would resist/avoid endorsing certain products/brands on any principle(s), as some did of cola drinks, her reply was more pragmatic. “I’ll decide when the offers come but will be quiet till then to keep people guessing,” she says with a twinkle in her eye. “I am glad to have got the best of both worlds,” she says of her badminton career and modelling. To date, the sailing has been smooth and a career in modelling/endorsement is an option Ashwini is open to.

If ‘do unto others what you’d want them to do to you,’ is a credo she abides by, the svelte shuttler is clear she won’t go beyond a point. “Despite a very liberal upbringing, I value self respect immensely,” she stresses. But badminton comes first and in a country where cricket rules the roost, a shuttler need not be the only beneficiary when endorsing, but the sport could well gain too, she concludes.

source: http://www.tssonnet.com / SPORTSTAR / Home> General> Focus / Vol.No. 35, No.23 / June 07th, 2012

Joshna Chinappa claims the Chennai Open International Squash Championship

Leaders, Records, All, Sports


Joshna Chinappa claimed her maiden WISPA title at home, and sixth overall, as she rallied to beat third seed Sarah Jane Perry 3-1 in the final of the Chennai Open International Squash championship on Saturday 26th May.

The 2nd seeded Indian, ranked 71 in the world, recorded a 9-11, 11-4, 11-8, 12-10 win in the summit clash against her 3rd seeded British rival.

Joshna started off in a sluggish manner and lost the close opening game, in which score were 8-8 at one stage.

However, in the second game, Joshna build up a 6-3 advantage and was swift in her moves, covering the court well.

The Indian took five of the six points to draw the parity, pocketing the second game in just 10 minutes.

The third and the fourth games were closes affairs as Joshna trailed initially in both but showed tremendous fighting ability to come back and win.

Mukund Laddha
(Mukund Laddha GoforSports Special Contributor)

source: http://www.goforsports.org / by Mukund Laddha / Saturday, May 26th, 2012

Parlakoti team champion in Kodava family cricket

Sports

Kattemane to organise tournament in 2013

Parlakoti team has won ‘Academy cup- 2012’ cricket tournament between Kodava Gowda families organised by Kodagu Gowda Cultural Academy.

Parlakoti team beat Urubail team by eight wickets in the final match held at Madikeri district stadium ‘Man’s Compound’ on Sunday to win the cup consecutively for the second time.

Urubail team batted first and scored just 45 runs in 10 overs losing eight wickets.

Naveen was the top run scorer with 12 runs. Darshna and Sajan of Parlakoti team bagged two wickets. Parlakoti team successfully chased an average total just in 7.3 overs with eight wickets in hand. Saman played a decisive role in the match with 16 runs.

Special prize

Sajan of Parlakoti team bagged both ‘man of the match’ and ‘man of the series’ awards in the tournament which was held for two weeks. Mohan of Urubail team emerged as best bowler while Urubail Harish was the best batsman. Parlakoti Darshan, Dambekodi Deepu, Parlakoti Sajan won best wicket keeper, best fielder and best all rounder awards respectively.

Muddiyana Parashuram won the special prize for scoring 94 runs.

Throw ball award

Paremane team won the throw ball tourney organised for women for the first time. Kompuli, Muddiyana and Tuntaje teams were in second, third and fouth place respectively.

Kattemane Cup- 2013

Kattemane team will be organising Kodagu family cricket tournament in 2013. Kodagu Gowda Cultural Academy President Tuntaje Ganesh handed over the responsibility by handing over beetle leaves to Kattemane family heads.

‘Govt should give funds’

Kodagu Gowda Cultural Academy President Tuntaje Ganesh demanded that the government should fund the Kodagu Gowda cricket tournament.

Presiding over the valedictory function of the tournament Ganesh said that the State government is giving fund to the sports events organised by other communities, so government should extend the financial support to Kodava Gowda community also.

Ganesh said that Gowda Yuvaka Sangha which was started 10 years ago should be more creative. He declared Urubail Harish as the President of the Sangha. Names of Paikera Gagan and Parlakoti Sajan were mentioned for vice president and member posts. Muliya Keshava Prasad who sponsored the prizes opined that, the tournaments play a great role in uniting Kodava families.

Kodagu Pragatipara Sangha President Kuttholimane Appaiah, National- level hockey player Mudiyaru vinod were present. The State assembly Speaker K G Bopaiah kicked started the semi final matches in the morning.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District / Madikeri, DHNS / May 28th, 2012