India also outclassed Pakistan in the 1975 WC final.
In the last half a decade, the Indian men’s hockey team have bagged two bronze medals at the Olympic Games, and that brought a lot of joy to the fraternity.
India had to wait a bit before experiencing Olympic glory, but that was not the case for a major part of the last 100 years. With 13 medals at the Olympic Games, and three at the World Cup, India is among the most decorated teams in the sport.
Reflecting on India’s glorious history, a two-time World Cup medallist (1973 and 1975) and an Olympic medallist (1972), BP Govinda said, “It is a nice thing and a big achievement that we can celebrate such a glorious 100 years of Indian hockey.
“The journey started all the way back in 1928 with our first Olympic medal, and we are all very happy that Hockey India is making a celebration of this landmark of 100 years.”
Considered to be one of the fastest players during his era, BP Govinda was a crucial part of the Indian team. In 1973, it was his goal that helped India overcome Pakistan in a thrilling semi-final, before they went onto finish with silver.
In the next World Cup in 1975, BP Govinda again played a big role in the team’s success, scoring important goals in the tournament, as India outclassed arch-rivals Pakistan in the final to win the coveted gold medal.
Reflecting on the memories of those World Cup campaigns, BP Govinda said, “1975 World Cup we really outclassed Pakistan in the finals, but before that Malaysia gave us a very tough time in the semi-finals.”
He further added, “When we won the gold medal in 1975 in the World Cup in Kuala Lumpur, there is no words to express the feeling. All the members of the Indian team were overjoyed, and there was a lot of emotions, as it was a first World Cup gold medal, and of course we were all very thrilled to stand on the podium.”
Now as a former player, and a fan of the sport, BP Govinda believes the current generation of players should always aim high.
He said, “As a team, the Indian men’s hockey team should always expect a lot from themselves. It is important to be aiming for the top prize, the team should always aim for a gold medal. We have won two bronze medals in the last two Olympics, I hope we can make it better in the next Olympics and World Cups.”
source: http://www.khelnow.com / Khel Now / Home> Field Hockey / by Alex / November 05th, 2025
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday announced a financial grant of Rs. 1 crore for Chenanda Cup Hockey Festival to be held in 2026 in Kodagu district.
Unveiling the Hockey Festival’s logo at his home Office ‘Krishna’ in Bengaluru, the CM praised Kodava community’s deep-rooted association with the sport.
The 26th Chenanda Cup Hockey will be held at Napoklu from Apr. 5 to May 2, 2026.
“Kodavas mean hockey and hockey means Kodavas,” he remarked, highlighting the region’s legacy of producing national and international-level players, including Asian Games.
Siddaramaiah lauded the Kodava community for preserving its cultural identity while excelling in sports. “Kodava culture has retained its distinctiveness and continues to thrive. It is a matter of pride for our heritage. Their talent and dedication have brought immense honour to the nation,” he said. Pledging Government support, he added, “We will provide Rs. 1 crore for Chenanda Cup Hockey-2026. I will also attend the matches.”
The event was attended by office-bearers of Chenanda Cup, Virajpet MLA and CM’s Legal Advisor Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna, Kodagu District Minister N.S. Boseraju, Ministers Byrathi Suresh and Shivaraj Thangadgi.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / November 04th, 2025
Kodagu’s Gaurav Appanna Chendanda has earned a coveted spot among the 39 probables shortlisted for the prestigious Cooch Behar Under-19 cricket tournament conducted by the BCCI.
This year he is the only player selected from Kodagu district making this achievement significant for the region.
An all-rounder, Gaurav is a right-arm fast bowler and a right-handed batsman known for his discipline, work ethic and consistent performances. At just 18, he has been pursuing cricket professionally for the past decade. He is the son of Chendanda Naveen and Reshma couple, who hails from Chembebellur village near Virajpet.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / November 03rd, 2025
Hundreds of school and college students took part in the Star of Mysore and Mysuru Mithra Founder-Editor Dr. K.B. Ganapathy (KBG) Memorial Road Race organised by Mysore Athletics Club at University of Mysore Athletic Ground (Oval Grounds) in city this morning.
The event was inaugurated by senior journalist Amshi Prasannakumar.
The event was held in five categories — Children below 5 years (100 mts), Primary School (Boys and Girls – 400 mts), Higher Primary School (Boys and Girls – 800 mts), High School (Boys and Girls – 1.5 km) and PUC (Boys and Girls – 2 km). Winners were awarded with medals and cash prizes.
Mysore Athletics Club President Dr. Chainsingh Rajpurohit presided. Senior Journalist Narasimhamurthy, University of Mysore’s Department of Physical Education (DPE) Director Dr. C. Venkatesh, KSA (Bengaluru) Pistol Sharp Shooter H.D. Aravind Gowda, Social Worker Harish Moganna, Mysore Athletics Club Patron Dr. C. Krishna, Secretary M. Yogendra, Organising Secretary G.R. Prabhakar and Executive Committee Members were present.
Results
Primary School (400 mts Run) Boys: 1. N. Pavan (BVB, Mysuru), 2. U. Rishaan (St. Joseph’s School), 3. Aryan Kavan (DPIRS), 4. S. Kashish (BVB), 5. S. Surya (MWLSS), 6. Sayug Kuttappa (Podar International School) and 7. Ganvith. G. Gowda (KNC).
Girls: 1. E. Uthra (BVB, Mysuru), 2. B.P. Vriddhi Ponnanna (Gnanaganga School), 3. C. Sinchana (Kurubur), 4. Sinchana (Kurubur), 5. Sanvi (Kurubur) and 6. Lalitya (Christ Public School).
Higher Primary School (800 mts) Boys: 1. N. Subash Gowda (New Oxford Public School), 2. M.S. Vishal (Baden Powell Public School), 3. N. Tanmay (BVB, Mysuru), 4. Janvik (DAV Public School), 5. K.S. Anush (BVB) and 6. S.M. Ayush (BVB).
Girls: 1. R. Niha (St. Joseph’s School), 2. K.M. Pragathi (Vidya Darshini, Kurubur), 3. M. Meghna (Vidya Darshini, Kurubur), 4. S. Prakruthi (Vidya Darshini, Kurubur), 5. Bindu (Vidya Darshini, Kurubur) and 6. M.K. Gowri (BVB, Mysuru).
High School (1.5 km) Boys: 1. P. Lasith Kishore (Vijaya Vittala Vidyashala), 2. S. Shreyas (Rotary West), 3. H.V. Chirag (VVS B.M. Shree School), 4. Chiranth H.G. Gowda (KNCIGS, Mysuru), 5. V. Sudarshan Jain (Capital Public School) and 6. M. Meghanath Gowda (K.P. Convent).
Girls: 1. Inchara (Kurubur Club), 2. Mamatha (Kurubur Club), 3. S. Jayashree (Sri Chamundeshwari Sports Club), 4. H. Saha (St. Joseph’s School), 5. Divyashree (Sri Chamundeshwari Sports Club) and 6. Varsha (DAV Public School).
PUC (2 km) Boys: 1. K.U. Omkar (SBRR Mahajana PU College), 2. Varun (Vidya Jyothi PU College), 3. M. Dileep (Vivekananda College), 4. R. Srujan (Vivekananda College), 5. P. Yashwanth (Vivekananda College) and 6. R. Koushik (Vijaya Vittala PU College).
Girls: 1. N. Manasa (Kurubur), 2. S. Ankitha (Kurubur), 3. Deepashree (Kurubur), 4. M. Ananya (Kurubur), 5. Manasa (Kurubur) and 6. N. Vaishnavi (Mysuru).
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / October 19th, 2025
Kodagu’s Thekkada Bhavani becomes the firstIndian woman to win international skiing medals
While many youngsters influenced by Bollywood dream of entering the world of glamour and fame, here is a girl who chose a very different path — the icy slopes of the mountains. Inspired by adventure and driven by determination, she turned her passion for mountaineering into a historic achievement, becoming the first Indian woman to win medals at an international-level cross-country skiing championship.
A native of Napoklu in Kodagu district, Thekkada Bhavani Nanjunda defied all odds to make not just her hometown, but the entire State and Nation proud. She clinched bronze medals in the 5 km distance race and 1.3 km sprint at the South American Cross-Country Skiing FIS Competition held at Corralco, Chile, in September this year.
Bhavani has represented India at several prestigious international events, including the Nordic World Championships and the Asian Winter Games. A multiple medal winner at the Khelo India Games and the National Skiing Championship, she is now rigorously training to qualify for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
Daughter of Thekkada Nanjunda (Shambu) and Parvathi (Divya) of Perur village near Napoklu, Bhavani draws her strength from her roots and family support. Her younger sister, Thekkada Seethamma, works for a private firm in Bengaluru.
Star of Mysore caught up with the trailblazing athlete to learn more about her journey, challenges and preparations for the upcoming Olympics. Excerpts…
Bhavani (second from right) seen with her father Thekkada Nanjunda (Shambu), mother Parvathi (Divya) and younger sister Thekkada Seethamma.
Star of Mysore (SOM): How did your journey in cross-country skiing begin?
Bhavani: It all started after I watched the movie ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’. That’s when I first learned about the majestic Himalayan mountain range, which inspired me to join the NCC Air Wing during my college days.
In 2014, I attended a mountaineering camp in Manali — that was my first encounter with snow, something we never see back home in Kodagu. The experience changed my life completely. I wanted to explore the mountains more deeply and decided to take up skiing so I could glide down the peaks I climbed. Over time, I discovered cross-country skiing and fell in love with it for the endurance, precision, and mental strength it demands.
SOM: What inspired you to pursue adventure sports, and cross-country skiing in particular?
Bhavani: I’ve always been drawn to the outdoors and adventure. But my biggest inspiration came from Marit Bjørgen of Norway — one of the greatest cross-country skiers in history. Her strength, determination, and consistency truly motivated me. Watching her made me want to follow that path and represent India in a sport that very few from our country have even attempted.
SOM: Cross-country skiing is known for its toughness. How did you master such a demanding sport?
Bhavani: It’s been a long and challenging journey. I had no background in snow sports and limited access to proper facilities in the beginning. But I stayed consistent — training first in India, then in New Zealand, and later in Europe. Each season taught me something new — from refining my technique to building endurance and mental resilience. It’s a constant process of learning, and even today, every single day on the snow feels like an opportunity to improve.
SOM: How does it feel to be the only Indian woman to win cross-country skiing medals at an international event?
Bhavani: It’s an incredibly proud and emotional feeling. Standing on the podium with the Indian flag was one of the most special moments of my life. But beyond the medals, it’s about proving that Indian athletes can compete in winter sports at the highest level. I hope my journey inspires more youngsters, especially girls, to explore lesser-known sports and believe that nothing is impossible.
SOM: How have your parents supported you throughout your journey?
Bhavani: My parents have been my biggest strength. Even though they didn’t fully understand the sport initially, they always believed in me and supported my dreams. Their encouragement gave me the courage to pursue such an unconventional path. Every achievement of mine belongs to them as much as it does to me.
SOM: Now that you have reached the international stage, what is your next goal?
Bhavani: My primary focus is the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. I want to qualify and represent India with strong performances on the world stage. At the same time, I hope to raise awareness about winter sports and help build better infrastructure in India, so the next generation has opportunities I didn’t have.
SOM: What advice would you give to youngsters wanting to take up cross-country skiing?
Bhavani: I would say, just start. Don’t wait for perfect conditions or ideal facilities. Passion and perseverance can take you a long way. Cross-country skiing challenges you physically and mentally, but it also teaches resilience, patience, and self-belief. If I could do it, coming from a small town in South India, anyone can.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home > Feature Articles / October 19th, 2025
Two- time Asian champion Joshna Chinappa continued her remarkable comeback by winning the women’s singles title at the Japan Open 2025 squash tournament at Yokohama in Japan yesterday.
The 39-year-old Indian squash player, 117th in the women’s singles rankings and unseeded in Japan, defeated third seed and world No. 53 Haya Ali of Egypt 11-5, 11-9, 6-11, 11-8 to cap off an impressive run at the PSA Challenger event.
This triumph marked Joshna’s 11th career PSA title and her first since returning to full fitness after undergoing knee surgery after the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, where she was also part of India’s bronze-winning women’s team.
Joshna teamed up with teenage prodigy Anahat Singh earlier this year to win the women’s doubles title at the Asian Championships in June and also reached the semi-finals of the Indian Open, where she lost to eventual champion Anahat.
At the Japan Open, Joshna displayed dominant form throughout the tournament. She defeated Malaysia’s Anrie Goh 11-6, 11-6, 11-6 in her tournament opener, followed by a straight game win over French fifth seed Lauren Baltayan 11-7, 11-4, 11-9 in the second round.
In the quarter finals, she overcame Egypt’s second seed Nardine Garas 11-8, 15-13, 11-9 and then overwhelmed fourth-seeded Egyptian Rana Ismail 11-7, 11-1, 11-5 in the semi-finals.
Squash will make its Olympic debut at the LA 2028 Games.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / October 15th, 2025
Bopanna surpassed Paes’s record and stands only behind the legendary McEnroe on the list of oldest players to reach a men’s doubles finals.
Indian tennis ace Rohan Bopanna added another feather to his illustrious cap as he became the oldest player to reach the final of an ATP 500 event with his run alongside doubles partner Takeru Yuzuki to the final of the Japan Open 2025.
Bopanna and Yusuki, who eventually surrendered the final to Moncao’s Hugo Nys and France’s Edouard Roger-Vasselin 5-7, 5-7, Bopanna better compatriot Leander Paes’s record of being the oldest player to reach the summit clash of the ATP category event.
Bopanna, at the age of 45 years, 6 months shattered Paes’ record of having made the final in the men’s doubles of a ATP 500 final at the age of 44 years, 9 months when the latter reached the summit clash of the Dubai Tennis Championships in the year 2018. Paes, who partnered along with American James Carretani went down to Jean-Julien Rojer and Horia Tecau.
Bopanna stands as the second-oldest player after the legendary John McEnroe to reach the final of a men’s doubles event of an ATP-level competition.
McEnroe accomplished the feat at the ripe old age of 47 years, when he won the 2006 San Jose, an ATP International Series event, a category which was replaced by an ATP 250 event in 2009, crown with Jonas Bjorkman. The event marked one of the two events McEnroe took part in after coming out of retirement. Bopanna also joined McEnroe a the only players to play a men’s doubles event after turning 45.
Bopanna also stands as the oldest player to win a Men’s doubles Grand Slam with his victory at the Australian Open in 2024 and the ATP 1000 Title in Miami Open 2024 en route to becoming the oldest first-time World No.1 ranked player last year.
source: http://www.news18.com / News 18 / Home> English Edition / by Vivek Ganapathy / October 01st, 2025
Strokeplay Net (H/C 0 to 12) — [Gen. K.S. Thimmaiah Memorial Trophy – Sponsored by Mandovi Motors]: Jhatin A. Ahuja (65 Net) – Winner; Varun Ganapathy (69 Net) – Runner (Better Back 9 Over M.R. Mohan Kumar).
Strokeplay Net (H/C 13 to 18) — [Sqn. Ldr. M.B. Chittiappa Memorial Trophy – Sponsored by Mallengada B. Nanaiah]: Samarth S. Urs (62 Net) – Winner; Dr. S. Ravi Kumar (65 Net) – Runner.
Stableford Net (H/C 0 to 18) — [Kodagu Warriors Trophy – Sponsored by Star of Mysore]: K.C. Vishwananda Bhat (41 Points) – Winner; C.P. Kariappa (40 Points) – Runner (Better Back 9 Over Gp.Capt. HMV Murthy, Dr. Maneesh S. Giri).
Stableford Net (H/C 19 to 24) — [Kodagu Challenge Trophy – Sponsored by P.C. Naren Uthaiah]: K. Shankar (41 Points) – Winner; Mrinalini Chinnappa (40 Points) – Runner.
Stableford Net (H/C 0 to 24) for Seniors 65 Years & Above [Senior Challenge Trophy – Sponsored by B.G. Jeeth Uthaiah]: Gp. Capt. HMV Murthy (39 Points) – Winner; Cmde. Ajay Kumar Sharma (38 Points) – Runner.
Stableford Net (H/C 0 to 24) for Super Seniors 75 Years & Above — [Super Seniors Challenge Trophy – Sponsored by Dr. P.A. Kushalappa]: G.B. Hiremaneyavar (39 Points) – Winner.
Best Kodagu Golfer – Stableford Net (H/C 0 to 24) — [Sponsored by Bopy’s Inn]: A.N. Bopanna (39 Points) – Winner.
Best Lady Golfer – Stableford Net (H/C 0 to 30) — [Sponsored by C.B. Changappa]: Sonam Chugh (36 Points) – Winner.
Nearest to the Pin – 2nd Hole — [Sponsored by P.K. Somaiah]: Yuktha Janardhan (9 Feet 11 Inches) – Winner.
Nearest to the Pin – 6th Hole — [Sponsored by Travel Parkz]: G. Hrithik (9 Feet 1 Inches) – Winner.
Nearest to the Pin – 12th Hole — [Sponsored by Praveen Chengappa]: V. Suresh (5 Feet 5 Inches) – Winner.
Nearest to the Pin – 15th Hole — [Sponsored by K.B. Kushalappa]: Gp. Capt. HMV Murthy (3 Feet) – Winner.
Straightest Drive – 14th — [Sponsored by Brig N.N. Madappa]: H.M. Manu (2 Inches on The Line) – Winner.
A total of 294 golfers took part in the Championship, according to a press release from Tournament Sub-Committee Chairperson Sonam Chugh and Hon. Secretary V.G. Achar.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / September 30th, 2025
The tournament marks India’s first Pickleball World Ranking (PWR) 1000 event and featured prominent names, including former Asian Games tennis player Prajnesh Gunneswaran, who took to the court in both singles and doubles events, partnering with Venkatesh Nagarajan.
Joshna Chinappa returns a shot during her doubles contest; Prajnesh Gunneswaran at the event
Chennai :
A handful of tennis players traded racquets for paddles on Friday, as the inaugural day of the Rise Up Championship – Pickleball by the Bay tournament got underway in Chennai.
The tournament marks India’s first Pickleball World Ranking (PWR) 1000 event and featured prominent names, including former Asian Games tennis player Prajnesh Gunneswaran, who took to the court in both singles and doubles events, partnering with Venkatesh Nagarajan.
Having announced his retirement from professional tennis last year, Prajnesh has taken to playing pickleball casually on weekends with friends. His participation in a few ranking tournaments in the past helped him secure a spot in the qualifier draw of the PWR 1000 event.
I enjoy the sport. Most of the pickleball tournaments happen during weekends, and if it’s convenient, I make sure to take part,” Prajnesh told DT Next.
The Pickleball by the Bay event saw participation from a wide age group — including players over 50 — something Prajnesh believes highlights the sport’s inclusive nature.
“Pickleball courts in the city are mostly full, which shows people are willing to play — across all ages. In other sports, it’s a lot harder: one, you need to be athletic; and two, if you haven’t played from a young age, it becomes difficult,” he added.
Former world No 10 squash player and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Joshna Chinappa also featured at the event, pairing with Niranthara Muthiah to win the doubles qualifier and advance to the main draw. Discussing the similarities between racquet sports and pickleball, Prajnesh said that although he doesn’t play full-time, his background in tennis helps him adapt quickly.
The basics are quite similar. Pickleball came a bit easier to me because of my tennis background,” he said. Former Olympian sailor Varun Thakkar was also present at the event to show his support for the emerging sport.
“I think many players are picking up pickleball because it feels familiar. A lot of common people are taking it up because it’s not too harsh on the body,” said Selvakumar Baalu, Founder of the Rise Up Championship Foundation.
“Sports is a small community where people support each other. At Pickleball by the Bay, we’re happy to provide a platform for that.”
source: http://www.dtnext.in / DT NEXT / Home> News> Sports / by Jayantha Sengupta / September 27th, 2025
Rajya Sabha member Ajay Maken and MLA for Virajpet A.S. Ponnanna, who is also Legal Advisor to the Chief Minister, looking at a map during an inspection of a site reserved for a sports facility in Kodagu on Monday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Rajya Sabha member Ajay Maken has assured to provide funds from his grants for the construction of a Sports Training Residential Hostel in Kodagu.
Mr. Maken, along with the Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor and MLA for Virajpet A.S. Ponnanna, inspected a site reserved for a high-level sports facility at V. Badaga village in Virajpet in Kodagu district on Monday.
During the inspection, Mr. Ponnanna explained to the Rajya Sabha member that the residential hostel in Kodagu will attract athletes, especially those from Kodagu.
Mr. Maken, during the inspection of the 11.2 acres of land reserved for the sports facility, assured that maximum possible funds from his grants will be allocated to the hostel.
Speaking to reporters, Mr. Ponnanna recalled that he had submitted a request to the MP earlier and the latter had fondly remembered Kodagu’s proud contributions to sports and armed forces, while assuring full support by providing grants to the best of his ability.
A statement said that preparatory work for the construction of the Sports Training Residential Hostel has already been under way. An official programme in the presence of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Sports Minister and Mr. Maken will be held likely in November this year and the date for the same will be finalised later.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / September 15th, 2025
WELCOME. If you like what you see "SUBSCRIBE via EMAIL" to receive FREE regular UPDATES.
Read More »
