Category Archives: Sports

Bopanna-Qureshi in Stockholm Open finals

Sports

India’s Rohan Bopanna and his Pakistani partner Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi yesterday advanced to the final of men’s doubles competition of the Stockholm Open tennis tournament after a hard-fought victory over Marcos Baghdatis and Juan Martin Del Potro.

The top-seeded Indo-Pak pair beat the duo of Baghdatis of Cyprus and Del Potro of Argentina 2-6 6-2 10-8 in a thrilling semi-final match of the 600,000 Euro tournament, which lasted one hour and eight minutes.

The ‘Indo-Pak Express’ had earlier beaten German pair of Michael Kohlmann and Alexander Wask 7-6(5) 7-5 in the quarter-finals.

In the final, the duo will take on the winner of the semifinal match between Juan Ignacio Chela of Argentina and Brazilian Andre SA and Brazilian pair of Marcelo Melo and Bruno Soares.

Bopanna and Aisam were rusty in the opening set as they struggled with their serves with four double faults to none of their opponents. Baghdatis and Potro were also much better on service returns as they bagged the first set in quick time.

The Indo-Pak pair fought back in the second set with a much improved service game, which put pressure on their opponents in committing unforced errors, and took the match to the decider.

The deciding set saw both the sides sparing no inch to their opponents but Bopanna and Aisam came up with better serves and held their nerves at crucial moments to come out winners.

Bopanna and Qureshi, who had won the Gerry Weber Open in Halle, Germany earlier this year, are currently No 7 for the Battle for London — the ATP World Tour Finals next month — with just three qualifying spots left for grab.

source: http://www.bangaloremirror.com / Bangalore> Sports / PTI / Friday, October 21st, 2011

Udupi: 28th State Athletic Meet Inaugurated in M.G. Stadium

Sports

Udupi, 14 October 2011:

28th State athletic meet for Juniors – Seniors was inaugurated on Thursday at Mahatma Gandhi Stadium Udupi. The 3 day long athletic meet was inaugurated by former International athlete Ashwini Nachappa. Speaking on this occasion, she said that, in the last year’s athletic meet in Mysore, 21 state records were broken. This time more records should be broken, she wished.

Inaugurating the inaugural program, District In Charge Minister Dr. V.S. Acharya said that, Udupi district has been a example in the field of education already. Now that many sports persons of the district are excelling in the International level, the district will go ahead in the sports field also. Already the Indoor Stadium has been constructed in Udupi and is already being used. Foundation stone is already laid for the swimming pool. For the installation of the synthetic tracks to the District Stadium already rupees 4 crores have been allotted. The work will be completed in this financial year, he said.

Chief Guest of the program Dr. Mohan Alva of Alva’s Educational Society Moodbidri conveyed his best wishes to the sports persons in the athletic meet. Other guests and dignitaries present on the dias were; Karnataka Athletics Association Secretary Sathyanarayana, Municipal President Kiran Kumar, Taluk Panchayath President Devdas Hebbar, Jilla Yuvajana Seva and Sports Officer Seethanadi Vittala Shetty, Corporation Bank General Manager B.R. Bhat, Deputy General Manager C.K. Gopal, Uttam Kumar of Mangalore M.R.P.L..

President of the Sports Committee and Udupi MLA K. Raghupathi Bhat welcomed the guests and the gathering. Hon. President Yashpal Suvarna proposed vote of thanks. Prior to the inauguration attractive march past was conducted by the athletes. Deputy Commissioner Dr. T.M. Reju received the guard of honour. Before this school children and Saswahaya Sangha members conducted the Sports Jatha with the still pictures, in the city.

In this athletic meet Alva’s Educational Society Moodbidri who were the champions of the last 4 athletic meets, MEG Bangalore, Sports Clubs such as Sayee, Udupi District team, so all together 23 teams with 2,500 athletes are participating at 4 divisions in the 240 competitions. During this athletic meet in all 3 days evenings Alva’s College Students Moodbidri will be presenting the entertainment programs.

source: http://www.bellevision.com / by Snehalatha, Udupi / Bellevision News Network

Uthappa eyes opening slot

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports

NAGPUR:

It’s been a strange career so far for  Robin Uthappa . He was always considered an impact player, someone who could take the game away within no time; someone who could blast any bowling attack; someone who could respond with fire.

Five years ago, when the 20-year-old Uthappa announced his arrival on the international stage with a fluent fifty against the touring England side, everyone felt he was going to stay for a long time.

Five years later, the Karnataka opener is still searching for a permanent spot in the team. Once an integral part of India’s one-day team, Uthappa was used as floater by skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni but now he is eyeing a comeback as an opener.

Back to his favourite opening position, Uthappa blasted 189 runs in two innings of the Challenger Trophy. On Tuesday, he missed out on a bright start while playing an unnecessary shot.

The next day he showed everyone how dangerous he could be if he bats for a long time. The India Green opener made mockery of India Blue and went on to make a brilliant 132 (103b, 14×4, 3×6).

“I enjoy opening. I play my best at the top order and when things go my way, more often than not I put the team into a good position. I like to open, whichever format I play. When I played for the Indian team, I chose to bat up and down for the sake of the team. But now I will stick to the opening and not anywhere else. It’s a good start to the season. I will try to build on these good starts to big scores,” Uthappa said.

The 25-year-old feels he is coming back to his best because he has again started playing his natural game.

“I have been playing my natural game in the last four five months. I enjoy myself when I open the batting and I really feel I am coming into my own . The season has just begun. It will be a very important one season, especially with Ranji Trophy coming. I am ready for the challenge,” he said.

Uthappa has been a confidence player. When he looks assured, he generally makes any bowling attack look ordinary. India Red and India Blue sides have already suffered at his hands on successive days.

“I am an instinctive player. Instinctively, when I feel like going for a shot, I back myself and go for it. There are advantages and disadvantages of instinctive and aggressive batsman. When it comes up right, it looks beautiful, but the same shot looks ugly when you get out. I am definitely trying to play longer because if I do that it would be beneficial for the side I am playing for. I am working hard on that, but you don’t expect results overnight. It’s a process,” Uthappa said.

His aggressive intents have often led to his downfall but he is unfazed by it. “I have played cricket one way all my life. It’s better for me to continue playing the way I have been playing. If I play like Rahul Dravid or Badrinath, I won’t be very successful. I am going to play aggressively and that brings out the best in me. That’s the way my team and people like to me to bat,” said Uthappa.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / by Ruchir Mishra / TNN/ Home> Sports> Cricket> Interview / October 13th, 2011

Ford shows Endeavour’s off-roading capabilities in Delhi

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports

An SUV is a vehicle not just for the run of the mill office to home and back schedule. Its got a lot to do with the vehicle’s true nature. However, this is something we all know about. The Ford Endeavour is one off in the Sports Utility Vehicle Segment. With its long stance and right seat ergonomics, this vehicle is just right for off roading and a whole lot of fun.

On 2nd of this month, Ford organised The Great Ford Endeavour Drive, where in a remote location on the foot hills of the Aravali, Endeavour owners got the experience and exposure to what their Ford is really capable of. To help with getting the idea, Ford had called in Jagat Nanjappa, who needs no introduction to the world of rallying and off roading and has over thousands of kilometers clicked with his trusted vehicles..

Ford Endeavour off-roading

With Jagat in the driver’s seat, Endeavour owners got to know about what their SUV is capable of. A properly laid out track with a number of jumps, an open area for donuts, a slush patch and some man-made humps made out of sandbags and to add to this, Jagat made all this look like all in a days work. When asked, Jagat replied, “This is the perfect track for testing out the Endeavour. It has the right kind of obstacles which show the true capability of the vehicle.”

Add to this, ten points to keep in mind while off-roading, here is what he had to say.

Ford Endeavour off-roading

I Never go off-roading alone. One must have a rescue car or if nothing else, then another car.

II Carry as much as equipment like Winch, inflator, that you can

III Do not be embarrassed if your car is stuck. It is wise to get a little dirty.

IV Make sure your tires are in good shape.

V Trust your instincts. If you know you cannot do a task, back up.

VI If you are a first-timer, take an expert along who knows what has to be done in a difficult situation

source: http://www.zigwheels.com / Home>  News & Features / by Sukhpreet Singh / October 07th, 2011

 

Lot of rewards at stake for Indians at Asian Amateur golf

Sports, , , , , , ,

Singapore, Oct 2 (PTI) :

Young Honey Baisoya and national champion Seenappa Chikkrangappa finished as the best Indians in the 46th place with a total of seven-over 295 at the end of the Asian Amateur Golf Championships here today.

Baisoya carded 74 and Chikkra returned 73. The other Indians had a less than a happy day. Trishul Chinappa (74) ended tied 53rd at nine-over 297 and Angad Cheema, the only Indian to return a under-par card on any of the days, had a final round of 74. He finished at 10-over 298 and in 54th place.In the first, Cheema shot 71, the only time any of the six Indians had a sub-par round.

Khalin Joshi and Abhijit Chadha carded 76 each, but Joshi was tied 58th at 11-over and Chadha ended 61st at 15-over.Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama successfully defended his Asian Amateur Championship with a superb final round of 67 for a total of 18-under at The Singapore Island Country Club.

The 19-year-old defending champion, who won the title in Japan last year, was one shot clear of South Korea�s Lee Soo-min, who signed for the lowest score of the week after a birdie on the 18th hole secured a round of 64. The win means a return to the Masters Tournament in April for Matsuyama, where he made history last year by becoming the first Asian golfer to win the Silver Cup for low amateur.

Matsuyama finished T-27 at last year’s Masters to record the third best finish ever by an international amateur. Overnight leader Ben Campbell stayed in touch with the winner after recovering from a difficult start to shoot 70 and finish in third place at 16-under thanks to late birdies on holes 16 and 17. Although Lee missed out on the title, he, as runner-up, will join Matsuyama in International Final Qualifying for The Open Championship 2012.The fourth Asian Amateur Championship will be staged at Amata Spring Country Club in Chonburi, southeast of Thailand’s capital city of Bangkok, from November 1�4 next year

source: http://www.ibnlive.in.com/ PTI / September 28th, 2011

City game for ‘American league’

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports, , , , , , , , , ,
American football could become big in the country with a tournament being planned in the next two years
 

A lot of sports, most of which a majority of the average Indians aren’t aware of, are making inroads into our society. The latest being American football, the top US sport which has at least five per cent of American population earning through the game, apart from players, coaches and staff directly involved with the game.

History has it that only four players of Indian origin have played in the National Football League (NFL), a lucrative organisation that runs the sport in the US. One of the four, Brandon Chillar, who has his roots in Punjab, was convinced the game had something to offer for the Indian masses. He felt it could become big and give the average Indian a chance to excel in it.

TEAMS’ FORMATION
The Elite Football League of India (EFLI) was launched in India in August this year and the government of India and the Sports Authority of India decided to back the game. A custom-fit stadium is ready in Pune, where the inaugural EFLI will be held within the next two years between eight teams from different states.

Having already formed four teams, the EFLI concentrated on Karnataka. Thimmaiah Madanda, a former India rugby player, with a passion for contact sport, was brought in as coach of the state team. The Kodava took his job seriously. He scouted for talent in Kodagu, Shimoga, Devanahalli and Bangalore. “I went to all these places and mostly visited government colleges and finally invited 140 players. A first shortlist of 115 went through a four-day orientation programme last week,” he said.

Thimmaiah, Sailesh Devrukhkar, the chief coach of EFLI, and Jeff Whelan, EFLI coaching co-coordinator, watched the hopefuls through drills and games before settling on the final 44 who will represent Karnataka.

DECENT SALARY
EFLI is more unique than most associations in the country. It will pay players a salary rather than a match fee as does happen with most sporting disciplines. That too, a decent sum of Rs 15,000 per player. Jeff Whelan said, “This, we are offering till we sign a deal with Ten Sports to televise the league matches. Once we get everything in order, players will earn much more than what any coach earns.”

Does the average Indian have the physique or skill to compete in such a “ruthless sport”? All three men laugh it off and Thimmaiah says, “It is nothing like what the public imagine. Played with an elongated ball, the game offers 44 players the chance of being involved in a game (including substitutions). The game accommodates all physical attributes; athletes from any sport can take to this game. It calls for power, speed and agility. It does not need special skills,” he says.

The forwards and interiors do not even touch the ball, leave alone catch it. Their job is only to defend the quarter-backs… to stop the opposition from getting to the quarter-backs,” said Thimmaiah, adding: “You have a defending team, an attacking team and a kicking team. It is not about just 11 on field. Thirty players are used in each game, with the other 14 used for substitutions. So, it involves a lot of people and does not need any one qualification or requirement to play the game.”

TALENT APLENTY
The EFLI does have some convictions that other sports administrators mostly talk about. “We know that if we search enough, we could find the right guys. The right athletes are in the villages of India,” said Jeff. “The game does not need any special skill. It combines a lot of disciplines like cricket, football, baseball, rugby,” he added.

Having watched the NFL mess it up in England when it tried to introduce the game there, the EFLI is more focused. “We are planning a league for players born and brought up in India. Unlike the NFL, we will not allow foreigners. That way, we know the cities can relate to players and will stand up for the team,” he said.

CHALLENGING CRICKET
“India, with its masses, offers an opportunity for us (EFLI) to become a top sport in the country. India is a one sport country (cricket) and we believe we stand a good chance of becoming a top sport. Because we feel we can offer more opportunities for athletes and people of India,” said Jeff.

“We plan to have eight Indian teams and will invite two from Sri Lanka, one from Bangladesh, and each team will only be allowed proper citizens to represent them. No outsiders, guests or foreign players,” he said.

“At some point of time, we hope to invite a team from Pakistan to play a series against an Indian team. Because that is the ultimate battle in this part of the globe and we are sure millions will tune in to that game and the whole world will watch,” he said.

source: http://www.BangaloreMirror.com/ Home> News> City / by R Sathish Paul / Tuesday October 04th, 2011

 

Opening Vistas, The right platform for growth

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports
Kids INK, a one-day conference that opens up new vistas of art, science and culture to students in the City, is being held on September 24, 10 am to 3 pm at Alliance Francaise.
Mesmerising: Ugesh Sarcar, a street magician, will perform during the conference. The conference will include speeches, performances and workshops which will give students exposure to different forms of visual arts, writing, as well as science and technology. 

The speakers for the conference include well-known names such as cricketer Robin Uthappa; Shantanu Moitra, the music composer for the film 3 Idiots; street magician Ugesh Sarcar and Shailaja Gupta, creative designer of Shah Rukh Khan’s new movie Ra.One.

It will also include accomplished individuals doing various interesting things, like Heer Singh, who teaches break dance to slum children.

About the conference, a representative from Kids INK, and one of the organisers of the event, said that it was created with the intention of exploring the overall potential of children. “Most kids go to schools that have a strict curriculum but it’s important to give them an overall perspective as well. We honestly believe that children are very smart, and we were trying to figure out different ways to inspire them and get them to think out of the box,” she explained.

And the best way to do that, it was decided, was to bring them into contact with different speakers who could talk to students about how they started off with their careers.

“Robin Uthappa didn’t just start off being Robin Uthappa. He must have put in hours of practice and training to reach where he is. We wanted to include different people who would talk to the children about how important the journey itself is,”
she said.

While the conference includes some prominent names in the fields of art, science and sports, there were a few factors that INK had to keep in mind while organising it.

Since children do not like sitting down and listening to talks for a long period of time, the organisers of Kids INK have included afternoon workshops in the programme.

In fact, one of the participants will be Aravind Gupta, who will show the children how to conduct scientific experiments simply by using everyday trash.

Kids INK will also make an effort to encourage parent-child bonding. The workshops and talks include the parents of the participating children as well. As one of the organisers elaborated, “We are trying to initiate conversations between parents and children, and remove the disconnect that exists between them.”

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> Supplements> Metrolife / by DHNS

Team has a long way to go, says Hockey Coach Nobbs

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports, , , , , , , , , ,

Indian hockey coach Michael Nobbs.

Just months into his job as chief coach of the Indian men’s hockey team, Michael Nobbs is delighted with the title triumph in the Asian Champions Trophy but cautioned that India has a long way to go before becoming competitive against the top teams.

The Australian guided the players to glory in his first assignment but believes the team is still a work in progress.

“I don’t think that we are ready yet to take on the stronger teams. We have just started and have a long way to go,” Nobbs said on Tuesday after the squad’s return from Ordos, China.

The success at the Asian Champions Trophy has ignited hopes of securing a spot in the London Olympics, but the coach sounded a cautionary note.

“After this victory, the goal of Olympic qualification seems realistic. But it will be very difficult.

“We have been preparing for six months while other teams have been doing so for six years.

We are performing at just 40 per cent of our ability now. There are fitness and strength issues as well.

India hockey captain Rajpal Singh
India hockey captain Rajpal Singh holds the Asian Champions Trophy in New Delhi. Qamar Sibtain / Mail Today

“(Exercise physiologist) David John has been working hard with the boys, who love him. But we are still about nine months from reaching our peak. We are babies and still learning.” But the performance of the young side has given Nobbs hope that the team is on the right track.

“The enthusiasm of the boys was the key to our success. They wanted to play hockey for their country and gave everything they had,” the Aussie said.

“Six of the players had no international experience while two seniors walked out of the national camps just days before the departure. But that gave opportunities to a couple of youngsters.” Rupinder Pal Singh and Yuvraj Walmiki came in for special praise from Nobbs.

“Rupinder played a lot in the first four matches and gave a good performance. But he ran out of petrol thereafter and had to be used sparingly in the final two matches against Pakistan.

“Yuvraj will go a long way if he keeps his feet on the ground and keeps improving. He lends the spark of creativity to the team and can do the unexpected,” the coach felt.

Encouraged by the talent he has seen, Nobbs will now have a look at the juniors, who are being prepared for the 2013 Junior World Cup.

“The players will go back to the national camp in Bangalore, while I will go to Jalandhar for the junior national trials. I am sure there will be a few gems there.” The Asian Champions Trophy triumph is silver lining in the troubled times the national game is facing.

The International Hockey Federation has withdrawn the hosting rights of the Champions Trophy, which was scheduled to be held in the Capital, and Nobbs said it would not help the team’s preparation for the Olympic qualifiers in February.

“It will hinder our preparations but we will wait and see how we do in the Champions Challenge in South Africa. It’s a rocky road ahead but my goal is to see the team on the podium at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.” The Indian team is also scheduled to go to Australia for two tournaments and will look to peak during the Olympic qualifiers, scheduled to be held on home turf.

Sreejesh unperturbed by rule change

Goalkeeper PS Sreejesh was the hero of India’s title triumph at the Asian Champions Trophy as he made two crucial saves in the tie- breaker in the final against Pakistan.

It would have been a new experience for him as the traditional system of penalty strokes has been replaced by the one- on- one contest between the goalkeeper and attacker from the 23- yard line.

Far from being uncomfortable with the rule change, Sreejesh is enjoying it. ” I find the new rule easier. Other goalkeepers may think differently but I believe the new system gives me a better chance to make a save,” he told M AIL T ODAY . In the tie- breaker, the custodian has to make split- second decisions about whether to hold his ground or charge towards the attacker.

“It all depends on the situation and one has to judge on the basis of the particular player who is trying to score,” Sreejesh said.

At Ordos, the team management played Sreejesh and fellow goalkeeper Bharat Chetri in alternate matches. There is a healthy rivalry between them and they help each other out.

“Before the tie- breaker in the final, Bharat told me to just watch the ball,” Sreejesh said.

He also lauded former international AB Subbaiah and exgoalkeeping coach Romeo James for his improvement.

 

source: http://www.IndiaToday.intoday.in / by Tushar Bhaduri / New Delhi, September 14th, 2011

 

A Club of Aces

Sports, Uncategorized, , ,
Aditi Ashok 

Aditi Ashok

No matter how crazy a cricket fan you are, or how frenzied football makes you, the dignity and style associated with golf has never failed to impress.

Bengaluru’s talented young golfers like Aditi Ashok, Trishul Chinappa, Khalin Joshi and Shruthi Shenoy are creating waves in the golfing arena.

Shruthi Shenoy, 12, played at an international championship

Shruthi’s tryst with the game began with a plastic golf set. She became so enamoured that her father bought her a real one. Suffering a fracture early on, she was determined to improve her skills. She practices all week, after school and never misses a session.

“I played at the World Championships in Indonesia two months ago. It was fantastic meeting players and learning from them. My best moment was when I beat a senior player by just one shot.”

Khalin Joshi, 17, Bronze medallist, Nomura Cup

At just four, Khalin watched his uncle play golf and decided to become a professional golfer. This 17-year-old plays every week at various tournaments, corporate competitions and club events, and has become a force to reckon with among junior golfers.

He has won many international championships in Bangladesh, Malaysia and Philippines, but his most memorable win was in Philippines when his team bagged a bronze for India, “I can play for hours on end without feeling tired because I love this game. I will pursue golf professionally.”

Trishul Chinappa, 17, Gold medallist, Asian Junior Championship

Coorg boy Trishul Chinappa’s love for golf began at the age of three. He would try to hold a heavy golf stick and often stumble! At the age of 11, he played his first junior tournament and there has been no looking back. This 17-year-old Jain college student feels the mantra to good golf is fitness.

“You need tremendous amounts of mental stability and physical strength. I indulge in a three-way intake of proteins, carbohydrates and fat to fire up my metabolism.”

Trishul’s proudest moment was when he and his team won the gold medal for India at the Asian Junior Team Championship in Malaysia. He says, “My biggest inspiration is my father, my teammates Chikka and Khalin, and my love for the game.”

Aditi Ashok, 13, youngest golf pro in Bengaluru

“I know I’m as good as other players, so I am unfazed being the youngest. This time, I played under power consistently and it was a wonderful feeling to defeat experienced golfers.”

A student of Frank Anthony Public School, Aditi has a strong support system in her teachers, friends and parents. She has travelled to USA, France, Scotland and Thailand but feels she performed her best in USA and France.

“The beauty of golf is that it is an honest game. You are completely on your own and your dedication shows.”

 

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / by Sindhuja Balaji / Tabloid / DC/ Bangalore/ September 05th, 2011

India win team medal at Nomura Cup after 38 years

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports, , , , , , , , , ,

The President of the Indian Golf Union, Rohit Amit, hailed Indian team’s performance. “This performance of the Indian team shows how Indian golf has progressed in recent times. They won a silver medal at the Asian Games in Guangzhou and then the Asian Junior gold and now the bronze at the prestigious Nomura Cup.

“The Indian team has been going great guns and we have a fine bunch of young players, who will bring more laurels to the country. Individual performances of players like Khalin Joshi, third at Nomura Cup, besides Abhijit Chadha, winner of Faldo Series Asia Grand Final and Chikkarangappa shows Indian golf is in a very good health

” The High Performance coach of the Indian Golf Union, Alan Singh, said, “The Indian boys were superb and they did well on each of the four days and sometimes under very tough conditions. Their combination was excellent and this should be great for Indian golf.”

Final Team standings (after four rounds): 1. Australia 207 + 212 + 220 + 201 = 840 2. New Zealand 211 + 224 + 217 + 209 = 861 3. India 208 + 226 + 220 + 211 = 865 4. Korea 218 + 213 + 232 +207 = 870 5. Japan 215 + 233 + 233 + 206 = 887 Indian golfers’ final Individual scores: Khalin Joshi 285 (-3) T-3 Chikkarangappa 291 (+3) T-7 Abhijit Chadha 294 (+6) T-12 Angad Cheema 300 (+12) T-25.

source: http://www.ibnlive.in.com/ PTI / August 19th, 2011