On Friday, Indian tennis player Rohan Bopanna and his Australian partner Matthew Ebden took home the men’s doubles championship in the Qatar Open 2023 tennis competition in Doha. The pair defeated Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands and Constant Lestienne of France 6(5)-7(7), 6-4, 10-6.
It was Rohan Bopanna’s second victory in the Qatar Open. He had finished second last year with Canadian Denis Shapovalov in the doubles competition after winning it in 2020 with his Dutch partner Wesley Koolhof.
Throughout his career, Rohan Bopanna has already won 23 doubles championships. It was his first time playing alongside current Wimbledon doubles winner Matthew Ebden. At Tel Aviv, Pune, and Adelaide, the Indian tennis player won three championships last year. Bopanna’s first championship of 2023 was the ATP 250 victory in Qatar.
Bopanna and Ebden also advanced to the Rotterdam Open ATP 500 final last week, but they fell to Austin Krajicek of the USA and Ivan Dodig of Croatia in the match tiebreaker following the winning point.
The third-seeded Indian-Australian combination in Doha on Friday had a break advantage at 6-5 in the first set before being pushed back and dropping the set in a tiebreaker. In the second game, both defences improved, and the teams maintained their serves until the ninth game. Bopanna and Ebden, though, triumphed in the tenth game to force a match tiebreak.
Bopanna is ranked No. 37 in the world and No. 17 in the ATP doubles rankings. The match tiebreaker was won in 99 minutes by Ebden after they successfully converted four of six break-point opportunities.
source: http://www.sportscafe.in / Sportscafe / Home> Tennis> National> News / by SportsCafe Desk / February 25th, 2023
The issues and problems affecting women in sports in the country came up for discussion with Olympian wrestler Vinesh Phogat focussing on sexual harassment faced by women sportspersons and badminton star Jwala Gutta pointing at the lack of a proper attitude towards female athletes.
Former sprinter and Olympian Ashwini Nachappa pointed at the need for change in the mindset of administrators and in the governance of sports.
All these issues were raised during the ‘Fight like a Woman – Guts, Grit and Glory’ session during the second edition of ABP’s ‘Ideas of India’ summit here.
Speaking on the occasion, Arjuna Awardee and Commonwealth gold winner, Vineesh Phogat opened up about her own struggles of sexual misconduct that goes unnoticed in the field of sports.
“Every day was an internal battle to not let powerful people break you with their antics and torture,” she said.
After playing at a senior position for several years, she added “I felt in a secure position to be able to speak about the issues so girls at the start of their career don’t face what I had to go through.”
Vinesh believed that “A clean-up of society is essential for women to flourish in sports and speak about sexual misconduct.”
Jwala Gutta, also spoke about her struggles in the #MeToo movement. �
“I was threatened where ultimately I had to knock on the doors of the High Court,” she said.
“Sports in our country is considered as a good hobby or habit for girls until you win a medal, and then suddenly you become ‘Bharat ki Beti’,” added Jwala, Arjuna Awardee and Commonwealth Games gold medal winner.
The panel was further enlightened by Nachappa, former international athlete and Arjuna Awardee, who spoke about the evolution in sports over the past few decades.
“I think the process of a complete overhaul of the sports federation has begun as we see a lot more women across the sports board,” she said.
In 2010, she started the ‘Clean Sports India Movement’ with 8-9 other sportspersons to speak about the issues in the federation.
The Indian hockey player, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam and the Pro Squash player and Arjuna Awardee and Commonwealth gold Winner, Joshna Chinappa also highlighted the positive change they witnessed.
“We have come a long way from when we started out,” they said.
Further commenting on the changes required in the sports administration in India, Nachappa said, “Its important that more professionals come into the management of sports, under an umbrella that is autonomous, which actually manages and holds federations accountable.”
Adding to this, Vinesh said, “If a sportsperson or professional leads the federation, it can create a positive impact on the industry as they understand the needs of an athlete and can even support them emotionally.”
A need for better coaches and support staff in the industry was also highlighted by the panel. “We need a good programme for coaches to overcome the lack of the same, only then we will be able make good athletes.”
The summit had an invigorating line-up of speakers with prominent figures from the world of business, politics, artists from the Hindi film industry, authors and other eminent sectors. The two-day event primarily addressed India’s stand as a burgeoning economy and global leader in shaping the future.
source: http://www.morungexpress.com / The Morung Express / Home> Sports / by IANS / February 25th, 2023
All of 37, Mayur Subbaiah, once a part of India’s medal-winning hockey team, now takes pride in working for the South Western Railways as Deputy Chief Inspector. He was a vital cog in Indian hockey as a drag specialist and an expert in penalty corner conversion.
Mayur might not have been born under a lucky star as the most sought-after Indian hockey player, but he has made his mark in the Indian Hockey arena and his love for the game and sense of duty keeps him going. He continues his passion for the game and does not miss a chance to wield the hockey stick and wants to do something worthwhile for his home district of Kodagu, the cradle of hockey.
Born to Bollajira Jaya Subbaiah and Rathi Subbaiah at Balaji village in South Kodagu on 18.7.1986, Mayur did his primary at Lions School, Gonikoppal from 1990 to 1995 and later went to Bangalore to join Junior Sports Authority of India (SAI) Training Centre in 1996 for hockey selection and he was the youngest and talented player.
He did his schooling at St. Joseph’s Indian High School from Seventh to Tenth Standard and played for several School, District, State and National-level School games. His position in the game was right half and back. Coach Manohar Katige recognised Mayur’s talent and game skills and motivated him. “I hold him in great respect and fondly recall the memories of Manohar Sir who groomed me,” Mayur reveals.
Making the mark very young
“I used to dream of playing for the Karnataka Team and later on Indian Team. I was the youngest player in the school team and many seniors and my coach encouraged me and I had a chance to play for the senior SAI Team in my ninth standard itself. I worked hard and got selected for senior SAI team in 2000 and was a regular player for that team,” he says.
“I saw many senior players on the SAI campus and my inspiration was Anjaparavanda B. Subbaiah, the former Indian hockey goalkeeper and coach. His passion, confidence and positive attitude further motivated me and I had a deep desire of wearing the Indian jersey. At SAI, I saw many Indian top players play like Dhanraj Pillai, Ashish Ballal, Sabu Varkey, Prabhjot Singh and Baljit Singh in action and that was inspirational,” he recalls.
Mayur has played for several Sub-Junior Karnataka, Junior Karnataka and Senior Karnataka hockey teams and he was a specialist in drag-flick. He has played multiple nationals in all categories Under-16, Under-19 and Senior National. He was a part of the Sub-Junior India team in Singapore in 1999 and emerged winners, played for Junior Indian Hockey Team Under-21 match in Dhaka in 2004 and was in the World Cup Under-21 in Chennai.
Lost out due to political lobbying
Though he had a vast experience in playing, Mayur could not play much for India due to political lobbying. “I was best in the ground and was the best in drag-flick and dribbling and no one could match my skills. Still, the selectors preferred some other players over me and this demotivated me. But I managed to make my mark in Indian hockey, despite the politics played by the selectors to include their family members in the national team. If I had support then at my peak, I would have been an ex-Olympian now,” Mayur says with a wry smile.
Mayur was upgraded to the senior SAI camp at the young age of 17. “Len Aiyappa taught me the drag-flick (penalty corner conversion). It involves a player crouching down low next to the ball. It is then picked up by the shaft of the hockey stick and pushed along the ground, while the stick acts like a sling. This helps accelerate the ball. These penalty corners are always taken by a specialist player, known as the drag-flicker. I am proud to say that drag-flick always falls upon the shoulders of someone who is proficient,” Mayur says with confidence.
Camp with commandos
A memorable experience was his time in the National Security Guard (NSG) 45-day Army fitness camp in Manesar with senior Indian hockey team probables where Mayur had the opportunity to play with Dhanraj Pillay, Jugraj, Dilip Tirkey, Ignace Tirkey and many more senior players. This was to make the players mentally tough and increase their endurance levels. “I got an A-1 certificate at the camp,” he adds.
“Being at Senior SAI, I was even playing for the Air India team, Bombay. Bombay was part of the Air India team and I got a job at South Central Railway (Secunderabad) when I was just 18 years and two months. I got through in talent quota and was directly appointed by the Railway Board, New Delhi in 2005 and was the youngest sportsperson of Railway Sports Promotion Board,” he recalls.
Contribution in the Railways teams
As the youngest employee in the Railways, playing for South Central Railway, he gained more experience and laurels and entered the Indian Railways Hockey Teams. Mayur played in All-India tournaments and Senior National Hockey tournaments to win several medals.
“I got the Best Player of the Year Award from the Railway Board. In 2007, I got a call from the Indian Hockey Federation for the Indian National Camp for Olympic Qualifiers Camp and Asia Cup. I got selected for the Asia Cup held in Chennai in 2007 and continued my hockey journey in the Indian Railways and South Central Railway. After playing many All-India tournaments and winning several medals, I got transferred from South Central Railway to South Western Railways,” he says.
“The South Western Railways is the nearest station to my native Kodagu. From 2012 to 2019, I played for this Division and had a successful hockey career for over 22 years. I am now concentrating on my duty as Deputy Chief Inspector. I have received many awards like the DRM Award, PCCM Award and even the GM Award. The motivation provided by the Railway administration helps me keep my dreams alive and every day is a learning experience. Whatever I am today is because of the Indian Railways,” he says.
On future plans, Mayur wants to give back to society. “I want to extend a helping hand to my village, my town, my land and my community which have brought me so much name and fame,” he signs off.
Words of praise from the mentor
“We have had drag-flickers in the team but they are not well-versed in other areas, but Mayur Subbaiah is exceptional. He has the uncanny ability to play in all areas, under any circumstance. If he is provided with a chance in the senior team, he will definitely make a world of difference. I coached Mayur when he was representing SAI and he does not lack in any area because he has got strong basics coming from SAI. His dedication to learning more in the game is tremendous. He has got the passion, is consistent, aggressive, hard-working and has the game.”
[Two-time Olympian and former Indian Goalkeeper Anjaparavanda B. Subbaiah said this about Mayur Subbaiah to a sports magazine]
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by B.C. Thimmaiah / February 16th, 2023
Bhavani TN is like a tourist at her native Kodagu, spending a maximum of ten days in a year. Her last visit was in September. The skier spends more time at Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir and Leh in Ladakh to train in snowy conditions. She has also travelled to Norway and Italy to improve her skills at her own expense in the last two years.
Each foreign training stint costs around Rs 12-15 lakh for approximately 45 days, which includes hiring a coach there, flight tickets, lodging expenses and use of facilities among others. Her parents, coffee planters, bear almost 80 percent of her expenses.
Poor facilities
“The winter sports facilities and the infrastructure in India is not enough — though developing — for us to compete against the Europeans, that is why I go abroad and train. It is expensive. We have one of the biggest mountain ranges with good snowy conditions in the Himalayas. If India has good facilities, it will be great for winter sports,” Bhavani, 27, who began practising the sport seriously around five years ago, told TOI. “Good facilities in the country can be beneficial because of the altitude, which helps in increasing stamina.”
Despite the odds, Bhavani’s dedication has borne fruit with the Kodagu girl set to compete in the 5km cross-country distance freestyle event at the Nordic Ski World Championships in Slovenia from February 21.
Qualifying for the big event did not happen overnight for Bhavani, who gave up her ski instructor’s role at the Jawaharlal Institute of Mountaineering in Jammu and Kashmir in 2021 to pursue bigger dreams.
She won gold and bronze at the Khelo India Winter Games in 2021. She also collected gold and two silver medals in the National Cross Country Skiing Championships in 2022. She featured in the recent Khelo India Winter Games, winning a gold, silver and bronze, facing some tough conditions which helped her prepare for the Worlds bash.
Earlier, she caught the attention of all last December when she clinched a silver (5km skiing) at the Raiffeisen Langlauf Cup in Italy.
Setting bigger goals
Bhavani is buoyant and has set bigger goals for Slovenia. “The World Championships is as big as the Winter Olympics. I know it is going to be tough. As of now, I am looking for a top-ten finish (5km event). If I manage to do that, I will be eligible to compete in one more event — in the 10km,” said the skier, who will leave for Slovenia on February 19.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home News> City News> Bengaluru News / by Ashim Sunam / February 17th, 2023
Abhay Singh and Joshna Chinappa with their reward for emerging on top in the 78th senior National squash championships in Chennai on Saturday. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Joshna Chinappa kept her date with destiny by bagging a record 19th women’s title while Abhay Singh won his maiden crown in the HCL-78th senior National squash championships here on Saturday.
Joshna, seeded No. 1, overcame a strong challenge from Anahat Singh, the second seed, 11-8, 11-9, 11-9 in the final, with assured court-coverage and precise shot execution. Abhay, the men’s top seed, powered past S. Velavan (5/8) 11-13, 11-7, 11-6,11-4 in the summit clash.
A composed Joshna attacked with power and used her vast experience to deceive the 14-year-old. In all three games, the 36-year-old took a sizeable lead only to find Anahat come back strongly.
Anahat fought for every point, showing her skills on the forecourt and backcourt with delicate drops, forehand and backhand winners. But Joshna was too good on the day.
“She played a fearless game and handled the pressure well. I remembered my first finals against Vaidehi Reddy, in the 2000 Nationals here, as a 14-year-old. It feels great,” said Joshna, who was resting for four months after suffering a knee injury and took the decision to play only days prior to the Nationals.
Velavan, playing in his first final, did well to save four game points to win the first game against Abhay. But the 24-year-old, who had won three PSA titles this year, came back strongly, pushing his State-mate to both sides of court and finishing the points with backhand crosscourt placements and forehand flourishes.
“Winning the Nationals was a dream for me and winning it in my first final is great. It is certainly my biggest win and very special,” said Abhay.
K. P. Karthikeyan, Member Secretary, SDAT, gave away the prizes.
The results (finals): Men: Abhay Singh (TN) bt S. Velavan (TN) 11-13, 11-7, 11-6, 11-4.
Following the game, a fan called Bopanna’s wife as the “most beautiful woman” on Twitter. Bopanna replied, “I agree,” to the viral tweet.
Tennis players Rohan Bopanna and Sania Mirza, both from India, lost in the Friday mixed-doubles final of the Australian Open. Rafael Matos and Luisa Stefani of Brazil defeated Bopanna and Sania in straight sets (6-7, 2-6) at Rod Laver Arena. Sania’s Grand Slam career came to an end with the game as well. For Sania’s final match, her family, including her son Izhaan, was present at Melbourne Park. Bopanna’s wife and children were also seen supporting the Indian duo.
Following the game, a fan called Bopanna’s wife as the “most beautiful woman” on Twitter. Bopanna replied, “I agree,” to the viral tweet.
Isn’t it the cutest reply ever? Well, netizens agreed as they flooded the comment section with heartfelt reactions. Take a look here:
source: http://www.dnaindia.com / DNA / Home> Viral / by DNA Web Team / January 29th, 2023
Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna reached the mixed doubles final of the 2023 Australian Open in Sania’s final Grand Slam appearance.
Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna of India converse during the mixed doubles semifinals against Neal Skupski and Desirae Krawczyk at the 2023 Australian Open on January 25, 2023 | Photo Credit: Getty Images
Playing the last Grand Slam tournament of her career, Sania Mirza earned the chance to win her seventh major title by reaching the Australian Open mixed doubles final with compatriot Rohan Bopanna here on Wednesday.
The unseeded Indian pair knocked out third seeds Desirae Krawczyk and Neal Skupski 7-6(5) 6-7(5) 10-6 in the semifinal that lasted one hour and 52 minutes.
Sania has won three women’s doubles and as many mixed doubles titles in her career while Bopanna has won one mixed doubles title.
Sania has announced that the WTA event in Dubai in February will be her swansong.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport> Tennis / by PTI / January 25th, 2023
Pic. right: Attrangada Sharath Nanjappa who won ‘Man of the Series’ title posing with trophy.
Sri Kaveri Kodava Association, Mysore East, Siddartha Layout, emerged winners of the Kannambira N. Kushalappa Memorial Inter-Kodava Sangha Tennis Ball Cricket Tournament held at Mysore University Grounds on Jan. 15 by defeating Team Igguthappa Kodava Kshemabhivridhi Sangha, Hebbal.
The tourney was conducted by Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club, Vijayanagar, Mysuru.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Photo News / January 18th, 2023
The throwball team of Sree Igguthappa Kodava Kshemabhivrudhi Sangha, Hebbal, which won Dr. Adengada A. Kuttappa Memorial Throwball Tournament organised by Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club, Mysuru, at Sree Cauvery School Grounds in Kuvempunagar recently, is seen posing with the trophy.
Others seen are chief guest Ponjanda Lovely Appaiah, President, Sri Kaveri Kodagu Mahila Sangha, Mysuru.
Guests of honour Mechanda M. Shashi Ponnappa, President, Kodava Samaja, Mysuru; Kekada M. Belliappa, Chairman, Sree Cauvery Educational Institutions, Mysuru; Adengada Geetha Kuttappa and Kuttimada D. Muthappa, President, Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club, Mysuru.
source:http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Photo News / January 09th, 2023
Sainik School Kodagu hosted the Brahmagiri Sahodaya School Complex Inter-School Football and Handball Competition (12-16 year age group) recently.
Six schools, namely SMS Academy of Central Education, Arameri, Virajpet, ALG Crescent School, Madikeri, KVG International School, Sullia, National Academy School, Attur, Gonikoppa, Ankur Public School, Napoklu and Sainik School Kodagu, participated in the competition.
The girls team of SMS Academy of Central Education, Arameri, Virajpet, stood victorious in Handball Competition and Ankur Public School, Napoklu, was adjudged runners-up.
Ankur Public School, Napoklu, won the Football Championship and KVG International School, Sullia, was declared runners-up.
Akhil from Ankur Public School, Napoklu and Sanjana from SMS Academy of Central Education, Arameri, Virajpet, were adjudged ‘Best Player’ in football and handball competition respectively.
Col. G. Kannan, Principal of Sainik School Kodagu, was the chief guest. K. Suresh, PGT (Mathematics), the Event Coordinator, BHM Raneesh, CHM Stalin, Corporal Shiva, Sergeant C. Roy and faculty members of participant and host school were present on the occasion.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / January 02nd, 2023
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