Category Archives: Sports

Revving up a career… Tasmai Cariappa shifts gears in racing circuit

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Kodagu, often hailed as the ‘Land of Spices’ and the ‘Scotland of India’, is not only known for its lush coffee estates and spice plantations but also for producing some of the country’s finest athletes and brave soldiers. Adding to this legacy is 22-year-old Monnanda Tasmai Cariappa, an emerging talent in the world of motorcycle racing.

Tasmai recently made a stunning international debut by clinching second place in the SP400 (400cc) category at the BRIC Superbike Championship-2025 held in Thailand, a performance that has turned heads in the racing circuit.

Now, with his eyes set firmly on representing India at the highest level of motorsport, Tasmai is revving up for Indian Superbikes League (ISBL) selections scheduled to take place in Bengaluru next week. His passion runs so deep that he made the bold decision to put academics on hold — despite excelling in his II PUC — to pursue a professional career in motorsport.

A resident of Kuvempunagar in Mysuru, Tasmai is the son of Dr. Monnanda Nalini Somaiah, Professor, Department of Studies in Botany, Manasagangothri, University of Mysore.

Star of Mysore caught up with the promising racer as he gears up for the ISBL trials. Excerpts…

Star of Mysore (SOM): Being such a high-risk sport, how did you get into motorcycle racing?

Tasmai Cariappa: I’ve been passionate about racing from a young age. I grew up watching MotoGP and other races on television, which sparked my interest. After I turned 18, I got my first bike — a KTM Duke 390 — and started riding on the curvy roads of Chamundi Hill, which I loved.

During those rides, I met a few fellow enthusiasts who were already participating in races organised by KTM. That motivated me to take things more seriously. I enrolled in track training academies in 2019 and again in 2022, held in Coimbatore and Chennai. After completing the training, I began competing in Indian National Racing events in the 165cc category.

From the album – Tasmai Cariappa with his racing icon Marc Marquez of Spain.

SOM: Who has been your biggest inspiration among professional racers?

Tasmai Cariappa: Spanish racer Marc Márquez has been a huge inspiration for me. It’s not just his aggressive racing style, but also his mental strength and unshakeable determination that I admire. Despite suffering multiple injuries, he’s always managed to make a strong comeback and dominate on the track.

SOM: How did your family react when you told them you wanted to pursue racing?

Tasmai Cariappa: In the beginning, I didn’t inform my parents. I first shared my interest with my grandmother, Monnanda Jooby Somaiah, who supported me financially so I could join a racing academy. Only after completing my training did I inform my mother and my aunt, Rajini Somaiah, who works as a scientist in St. Louis, USA. Since then, they’ve all been very supportive of my racing journey.

SOM: Mysuru doesn’t have dedicated racing tracks. Where do you usually practice?

Tasmai Cariappa: I regularly train in Bengaluru, Coimbatore and Chennai. Bengaluru is my primary practice location because it has three Go-Kart tracks. I frequently ride at the Velocity International Circuit in Kolathur and the Aruani Grid in Dommasandra. Additionally, I visit the Madras International Circuit in Chennai and the Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore every month for advanced training.

SOM: Motorcycle racing involves a high risk of accidents. How do you manage that risk?

Tasmai Cariappa: Yes, the risks are there. But as you gain experience and improve your riding skills, the risk starts to reduce. A major part of staying safe also depends on the quality of your racing gear — your race suit, helmet, gloves and boots.

High-quality gear plays a crucial role in protecting you during crashes. Apart from that, maintaining physical fitness is essential — it strengthens your body and helps you recover quickly in case of a fall.

SOM: Injuries take time to heal and can be expensive to treat. Since motorsport doesn’t get much support in India, how do you manage your finances?

Tasmai Cariappa: In professional racing, we have what’s called Circuit Insurance, which covers medical expenses during events. However, beyond that, it’s essential to consult reputable doctors and physiotherapists. They help design recovery plans, recommend the right nutrition, and guide you to bounce back faster and stronger.

SOM: Is the fitness routine for motorsport different from other sports?

Tasmai Cariappa: Absolutely. Racing demands both physical and mental strength. It’s not just about building muscle or endurance — it’s about total body fitness. My routine includes CrossFit, Yoga, mobility drills, reflex training for quicker reactions, and stamina-building exercises. Mental sharpness is just as important as physical readiness when you’re on the track.

SOM: What kind of diet do you follow?

Tasmai Cariappa: Diet varies from person to person based on their age, weight, and the bike category — whether it’s 400cc, 600cc or 1000cc. As the G-force increases with higher-capacity bikes, your body needs to be strong enough to handle it. So, nutrition plays a critical role. Most of us follow a high-protein, low-carb, and fibre-rich diet. You can’t just eat anything — every element in the diet must be planned to support your performance.

SOM: You’ve chosen the Kawasaki Ninja 400 as your race bike. Why that model?

Tasmai Cariappa: In my category, riders can opt for the Yamaha R3 or KTM RC 390 as well. But I’ve chosen the Kawasaki Ninja 400 because it performs better at the top end and has a more reliable engine.

It also has a slight edge in displacement — about 50cc more than the Yamaha R3 and KTM RC 390, which makes a difference in race conditions. For long runs of 8-10 laps, engine reliability becomes crucial, and the Ninja 400 holds up very well.

Proud moment – Tasmai with his mother Dr Nalini Somaiah

OM: Do you see yourself racing in higher categories in the future?

Tasmai Cariappa: Yes. I want to race in higher categories — especially in the 1000cc segment. But I believe in taking it step by step. It’s a physically demanding sport, and it’s important to gradually build your knowledge of the bike and your own skill level before moving up. My dream is to represent India on the global stage at world championship-level events.

SOM: What are your thoughts on the newly launched Indian Superbike League (ISBL)?

Tasmai Cariappa: Indian motorsport is growing and the ISBL is a fantastic opportunity for aspiring racers. It’s especially valuable for those who are passionate about racing but don’t own a superbike. Ducati stepping in to provide the bike and gear for selected riders is a big move for the sport in India. The selection process will be tough, but getting through it would be a game-changing opportunity for any racer.

SOM: Thank you, and all the best !

Tasmai Cariappa: Thank you !

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by S N Venkatnag Sobers / July 12th, 2025

Kodava Hockey Premier League-2025:  Pale Taluk emerge champions

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Mysuru:

Team Pale Taluk emerged as the champions of Kodava Hockey Premier League – 2025 defeating Coorg Titans 3-1 in the finals held at Chamundi Vihar Stadium Hockey Grounds here yesterday.

In the first half, Coorg Titans was leading 1-0 after converting a penalty. Pale Taluk came back strongly in the second half to score three consecutive goals to emerge champions. Kodavu Warriors won the third place.

The winners were awarded a cash prize of Rs. 1.50 lakh while the runner-up team received Rs. 1 lakh cash reward along with trophies.

The jubilant Pale Taluk team posing with winner’s trophy at Chamundi Vihar Stadium in city yesterday.

Earlier, presiding over the valedictory event, Legal Advisor to Chief Minister and MLA Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna expressed his happiness over the tournament being organised in Mysuru for the Kodava community and also congratulated Kodava Samaja Youth Wing Mysuru, Kodava Samaja Mysuru and Hockey Mysore for the success of 3-day tournament.

“We have been encouraging all sports including hockey in Kodagu as sports is an integral part of our culture. The State Government has been providing sufficient funds for promoting sports which has to be utilised efficiently. An 11-acre land has been identified in Virajpet taluk which will be developed into a sports facility,” he added.

Coorg Titans posing with their runner-up trophy.

Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYES) Commissioner R. Chethan, in his address, expressed concerns about youngsters committing suicide even for a small loss despite being excellent in their academics. He called upon the sportspersons to take the loss positively and come back stronger to emerge victorious.

Urging the parents to encourage their children to take up sports which not only helps in being physically fit but mentally stronger as well, Chethan lauded the Kodava Samaja Youth Wing for hosting the tournament by bringing community people from Mysuru and Kodagu together.

No players from Karnataka in National team

DYES Commissioner Chethan regretted the absence of Karnataka players in the National side. “Earlier, at least 3-4 players from the State, majority from Kodagu, were a part of the National Hockey team. However, it is disheartening to note that not a single player from the State was a part of the National team which won bronze in the previous Olympics.

A detailed discussion has been held with Hockey Karnataka and DYES is ready to provide all necessary facilities to improve the sport,” he added.

United Kodava Organisation Convener Kokkalemada Manju Chinnappa, Vamcy Merla Sports Foundation’s Pradeep Urs, Hockey Mysore President Konganda Dilip Biddappa, Kodava Samaja Mysuru President Ponjanda A. Ganapathy, Gynaecologist Dr. Appaneravanda Sonia Mandappa, actor Shwetha Chengappa, advocate Smitha Devaiah, Indian Hockey player C.B. Poovanna, Kodava Samaja Youth Wing Mysuru President Kotera Vedith Uthaiah, Technical Official Pullangada Rohini Bopanna, motorsport enthusiast Vamcy Merla and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / June 30th, 2025

Shooting: Kodagu girl qualifies for Nationals

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Harshel Kaveri, a member of Ashwini Sports Foundation – Karumbaiah Academy for Learning & Sports (KALS), Kodagu, has qualified for Nationals in Shooting with a score of 377/400 at the 29th All India G.V. Mavalankar Shooting Championship-2019  held at Ahmedabad from Sept.13 to 29.

She took part in the 10m Peep sight Air Rifle (NR) Championship in the Youth, Women Individual category which was the pre-nationals event held at Ahmedabad, Gujarat, last month.

Harshel Kaveri, a Grade 10 student of KALS School, Gonikoppal, is the granddaughter of Chenanda Pandith and Gange, residents of Kuvempunagar, Mysuru.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / October 17th, 2019

Sainik School Kodagu holds parade to celebrate U-17 football team’s victory

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The Under-17 Junior Football Team of Sainik School Kodagu, which emerged as runners-up in the All India Sainik Schools Inter-Zone Football Tournament 2025, with the dignitaries after a victory parade on the school campus at Kudige recently. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Sainik School Kodagu held a victory parade to celebrate the achievement of its Under-17 Junior Football Team, which emerged as runners-up in the All India Sainik Schools Inter-Zone Football Tournament 2025, also known as the Pre-Subroto Cup, held at Sainik School Bhubaneswar from June 9 to 15.

The cadets marched with their trophy, marking the school’s first-ever podium finish at the national level. Cadet Aryan, who was adjudged the Best Goalkeeper of the tournament, received an individual achiever’s trophy for his performance.

The victory parade commenced from Old Kudige and concluded on the school campus, drawing participation from cadets, teaching and non-teaching staff, NCC units, and local residents.

The Sub-Junior and Girls’ football teams took part in the procession, celebrating the collective spirit of sportsmanship, a press release said.

Principal Col. Amar Jeet Singh, administrative officer Wing Commnander Prakash Rao, vice-principal Squadron Leader Mohammad Shaji, and others attended the event. Girl cadets clad in traditional Kodava attire welcomed the players with flowers, while cultural performances such as ‘Dollu Kunita’ and the school’s ‘Tamate’ ensemble added vibrancy to the event, the release added.

The team was felicitated with citations and certificates. Col. Singh praised the team’s determination, skill, and resilience, and commended the dedicated efforts of coach Shek Ajjed and the entire coaching staff.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu /Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / June 20th, 2025

Three-day Kodava Hockey Premier League 2025 from June 27

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Auction creates buzz; franchise owners draft 175 players from a talent pool of 270 registered players

Mysuru:

The Kodava Hockey Premier League (KHPL) — Player Auction 2025 was held with much fanfare on June 1. KHPL 2025 is scheduled for June 27, 28 and 29 at Chamundi Vihar Stadium, Mysuru, promising three days of fierce competition and Kodava pride.

Organised by the Kodava Samaja Youth Wing Mysuru, in association with Kodava Samaja Mysuru and under the aegis of Hockey Mysore, the event witnessed a remarkable blend of tradition, sport and strategy.

Ten franchises — Coorg United, Connecting Kodavas, Anjigeri Naad, Pale Taluk, South Side Rangers, Coorg Titans, MTB Royals, Kodava Tribe, Kodavu Warriors and Kakot Strikers — each began by selecting three icon players, and then went on to build 18-member squads with calculated precision from a talent pool of 270 registered players. A total of 175 players were drafted into the KHPL 2025 league.

The auction’s digital footprint was equally impressive, with over 10,000 views on the Kodava Swara YouTube channel, the event’s official broadcast partner. Powered by M9 Sports, the live stream delivered a seamless, front-row experience for online viewers who followed the action from across the globe.

The event was held at Hotel Ibis Styles, Mysuru. The auction was attended by a host of dignitaries, including Ponjanda Ganapathy (President, Kodava Samaja Mysuru), Pandanda Bopanna (President, Kodava Hockey Academy), Konganda Dilip Biddappa (President, Hockey Mysore), Kotera Muddaiah (Vice-President, Hockey Mysore), Muckattira Somaiah (Director, Kodava Hockey Academy), Appanervanda Dr. Sonia Mandappa (Obstetrician & Gynaecologist), Bollepanda Kariappa (Coach, Indian Junior Hockey), Ganesh Iyer (GM, Ibis Styles Mysuru) and Machanda Prakash (Vice-President, Kodava Samaja Cultural & Sports Club, Mysuru).

Ajjetira Vikram Uthappa anchored the high-octane evening as Master of Ceremonies, while the Kottangada Ayudh Appanna fired up the crowd as the official auctioneer, adding energy and excitement to every bid.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports /June 04th, 2025

This Kodagu girl aims to create badminton history

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Shuttle badminton has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, with a growing number of young players taking it up professionally. What began as a recreational pastime among British expatriates in the 1860s has steadily evolved into a mainstream sport embraced by the younger generation. Pioneers like Prakash Padukone, the first Indian to win the All England Badminton Championship in 1980, played a key role in bringing national recognition to the sport. He was followed by Pullela Gopichand, who also won the prestigious All England title, Olympic medallists like Saina Nehwal — India’s first Olympic badminton medal winner — and P.V. Sindhu, a double Olympic medallist and BWF World Champion, who helped place India firmly on the global badminton map.

Kodagu, a region renowned for producing hockey legends, has also made its mark in badminton through players like Ashwini Ponnappa, who has won multiple medals in international competitions. Now joining the list of Kodagu’s badminton achievers is 17-year-old Boppanda Diya Bheemaiah.

Coming from a family of sports people, Diya has made significant strides in national and international badminton. She was part of the Indian women’s team that participated in the Asian U-17 Badminton Championship held in Chengdu, China, last year, where she competed in the doubles event.

Her achievements include: Bronze in singles and silver in doubles at the Nepal Junior International Series held in Tripureswar in December 2024; Silver in singles and bronze in mixed doubles at the 36th Sub-Junior Badminton Tournament held in Tamil Nadu in 2024; and Winner of the U-19 All India Krishna Khaitan Badminton Tournament – 2024, held in Panchkula, Haryana, among other accolades.

A II PUC student at Vidyaashram College in Mysuru, Diya trains under coach Arun Pemmaiah at Sports Park, Mysuru. Her father, Boppanda B. Bheemaiah, is also a badminton coach, while her mother, K.K. Kusuma (Kambiranda), a former international athlete, now works as a fitness coach. Diya’s younger brother, B.B. Vishal Uthappa, is also a budding badminton player.

Star of Mysore caught up with Diya Bheemaiah for an interview as she prepares for the upcoming National Junior Championship to be held in Bengaluru. Following this, she will head to Guwahati, Assam, to train at the National Centre of Excellence — a facility where only a select few players are offered the opportunity to train. Excerpts…

Star of Mysore (SOM): What inspired you to take up badminton?

Diya Bheemaiah: I used to watch my father play when I was a kid. Initially, I picked it up just for fun, but I gradually developed a deep interest in the sport. I’ve been playing professionally for the past eight years now.

SOM: Why did you shift your base  from Madikeri in Kodagu to Mysuru?

Diya Bheemaiah: It was purely for badminton. I moved here when I was in the 6th standard and stayed in a PG accommodation. After the COVID-19 pandemic, my family shifted to Mysuru. It had become difficult to practice in Madikeri, my hometown, especially during the rainy season when we could barely step out of the house. That’s when we decided to move to Mysuru permanently.

SOM: Can you tell us about your daily routine and diet?

Diya Bheemaiah: I wake up around 5 am and attend my fitness session from 5.45 am to 7.15 am. After a short break, I have my on-court session from 9.30 am to 12 noon, where I focus on strokes and technique. Then there’s a lunch break, followed by another session from 1.30 pm. After that, I take a two-hour break before heading to the gym from 6 pm to 7.15 pm. That’s my daily routine for now.

As for my diet, my mother is particular about it. She prepares nutritious meals every day. Of course, to achieve anything great in sports, you have to sacrifice your cravings. It’s been a couple of years since I’ve had ice cream and junk food is completely off my list.

SOM: How have your parents supported you in your badminton endeavours?

Diya Bheemaiah: They’ve been extremely supportive. My mother takes care of my diet and fitness, while my father helps me improve my game. One of them always accompanies me during tournaments to ensure I stay focused and eat healthy.

SOM: You play in all three categories — singles, doubles & mixed doubles. How do you manage different techniques and mindsets required?

Diya Bheemaiah: In singles, the player is solely responsible for his/her performance and has to give the best. In doubles, it’s all about trust and coordination with your partner. When things aren’t going well, it’s also about encouraging each other and making a strong comeback together.

SOM: Badminton is an expensive sport. How have you been managing?

Diya Bheemaiah: Right now, my parents and coaches are supporting me financially. But there is a need for sponsorship. Even though many of us perform well, we often don’t receive any sponsorship. Players end up spending from their own pockets for racquets, training and travel. The State Government has not been very supportive either. The Karnataka Badminton Association only covers our travel and stay during the national championships. I feel that society should come forward and support sportspersons who are consistently performing.

Diya Bheemaiah seen with her father Boppanda B. Bheemaiah, mother K.K. Kusuma and younger brother B.B. Vishal Uthappa.

SOM: Being a Science student, how are you managing your studies along with badminton?

Diya Bheemaiah: Thankfully, my college has been supportive. They not only consider my attendance but also send me daily online class recordings, which help me stay updated academically. Besides, my teachers are always available. I can call them anytime to clarify my doubts.

SOM: Your plans after II PUC?

Diya Bheemaiah: Professional badminton will always be my priority. However, I also intend to specialise in Sports Psychology. But for now, my focus is on badminton and completing my II PUC with good marks. As for my dream — I aspire to become the World No. 1 and make history by winning three Olympic medals for the country.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by S N Venkatanag Sobers / May 31st, 2025

Kodava Samaja Youth Wing Mysuru to host Kodava Hockey Premier League 2025

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10 Teams. 3 Days. 1 Legacy

Mysuru:

In a celebration of heritage, athleticism and community spirit, the Kodava Samaja Youth Wing Mysuru (KSYWM) is set to host the Kodava Hockey Premier League (KHPL 2025) in association with Kodava Samaja Mysuru and under the aegis of Hockey Mysuru. The much-anticipated tournament will take place on June 27, 28 and 29 at the Chamundi Vihar Stadium, Mysuru.

KHPL 2025 will feature ten dynamic franchises — Coorg United, Kodavu Warriors, Pale Taluk, South Side Rangers, Team Kodava Tribe, Connecting Kodavas, Anjigeri Naad, Coorg Titans, Kakot Strikers and MTB Royals — who will compete in what promises to be three days of thrilling hockey action.

The grand player auction is scheduled for June 1 at ibis Styles Mysuru, the official hospitality partner for   KHPL 2025.

Office-bearers and Working Committee Members of Kodava Samaja Youth Wing Mysuru — President: Kotera Vedith Uthaiah, Vice-President: Pebbatira Dimple Danny, Secretary: Battira Bojanna, Joint Secretary: Appaneravanda Viharika Mandappa, Treasurer: Hanchettira Varun Nanjappa, Joint Treasurer: Kademada Shreyas Muthanna — seen during the KHPL 2025 logo launch.

Lending prestige and vision to the league is a distinguished panel of advisors including Anjaparvanda B. Subbaiah, Honorary Secretary of Hockey Karnataka and former Olympian; Konganda Dilip Biddappa, President of Hockey Mysore; Pandanda Bopanna, President of Kodava Hockey Academy and Kotera Muddaiah, Vice-President of Hockey Mysore. Mentoring the young talents are two accomplished hockey personalities — Bolliyapanda J. Cariappa, Coach of Indian Junior Hockey Team, and Karineravanda Somanna, a former Indian hockey player.

In a historic first for Kodava hockey, KHPL 2025 mandates each team to include one female player and two emerging players under 18. This progressive step brings gender inclusivity and youth empowerment to the forefront, ensuring 10 women and 20 young talents shine on the Kodava hockey stage.

For details, contact KSYWM

President Kotera Vedith Uthaiah on Mob: 88804-01206.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / May31st, 2025

Q & A with Joshna Chinappa | Still smashing

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Thirty-eight-year-old squash champion Joshna Chinappa’s win at the National Doubles Championships shows she’s still in fine form.

Q. You recently won the women’s final at the National Doubles Championships alongside Anahat Singh. Do you have a long-term plan with this pairing?

Anahat and I were casually discussing the doubles and decided to play together. We will be playing the Asian Doubles Championships in Malaysia in June. She is a solid player, so it makes it easier and more fun.

Q. How have you modified your game with age?

I have a deep appreciation and respect for my body and what it has done over the past three decades for me to be able to play squash professionally. I definitely have to put in more work in terms of how I prepare for a game with my strength training, fitness, diet, etc.

Q. You’ve been playing squash for three decades now. How has the game evolved over the years?

The game has definitely gotten a lot more intense physically and you have so many different players with amazing skill to add to that physicality. There are so many tournaments happening all around the world and in India.

Q. What do you make of the next generation of Indian players?

There are a good crop of young players doing well at the junior and professional level. It’s so good to see about 6-7 of them playing the big PSA events consistently. I hope more juniors make the switch to go pro because that’s where the real test is.

source: http://www.indiatoday.in / India Today / Home> News> Leisure / by Pratibha Joy / June 10th, 2025

St Peter’s hockey: Coorg XI beat Mansi Foundation

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Salman Ambi, Omkar Musale and Sanket Sapkal got on the scoresheet for Coorg XI, while Karan Thosar pulled one back for Mansi Foundation

Representational Image. Pic Courtesy/iStock

Coorg X beat Mansi Foundation 3-1 in a men’s open match of the St Peter’s hockey tournament at Bandra on Tuesday.

Salman Ambi, Omkar Musale and Sanket Sapkal got on the scoresheet for Coorg XI, while Karan Thosar pulled one back for Mansi Foundation. 

In a boys U-16 fixture, Don Bosco beat Children’s Academy 6-2. 

Arnav Khot scored a brace  while Jap Topiwala, Parth Chintal, Raj Shirke and Samarth S added a goal each. 

For Children’s Academy, Kartikeyan Pandey and Austin reduced the margin of defeat. 

source: http://www.mid-day.com / Mid-Day / Home> Sports News> Other Sports News> Articles / by mid-day.com , Mumbai / May 29th, 2025

‘I have never had a Plan B, hockey has always been my top priority’: Poovanna aims to make India debut after recovering from serious injury 

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 Poovanna suffered a facial injury during the Hero Hockey India League 2024/25 

Bengaluru :

After a brief stint with the Indian junior team in 2023, Poovanna Chandura Boby is now training with the senior core group ahead of European leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League leg. The 22-year-old is currently part of the senior national camp at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre in Bengaluru and has made it into the 40-member core group.

With the junior team, Poovanna had a fruitful spell winning the Gold and Bronze medals at the 2022 and 2023 Sultan of Johar Cup respectively. He was also part of India’s Men’s Junior Asia Cup winning squad in 2023 and made it to the senior national camp in August 2024. 

About his experience training in the camp, Poovanna said, “I’ve played for junior team in 2023 and now training with the senior players, I see a lot of differences between them and us. There’s a lot of work we need to put in to get to that level. It doesn’t matter how fit you are, you need to get much better to compete against European teams. We are getting gassed out every session, but we need to push hard to keep up. It has been a brilliant journey so far.”

Poovanna played the Hero Hockey India League 2024/25 for champions Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, however, he couldn’t play the complete tournament due to an unfortunate injury. In their seventh match against JSW Soorma Hockey Club, Poovanna suffered a facial injury while defending a penalty corner.

“It was a penalty corner and I generally don’t rush third, so I didn’t have my face mask on. Harmanpreet Singh fired a shot and it deflected off my teammate’s stick and hit my upper cheek. So, I was rushed off the field and I had to get my surgery done right away. I couldn’t play the rest of the tournament,” he explained.

He also revealed that he could have made his senior team debut during the home leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25 in Bhubaneswar but missed out on the opportunity due to his injury. “Thankfully we won the HIL but the coach told me that I was called up for the Pro League squad but I couldn’t go because of my injury. Hence, I joined the camp early, worked with the physio in order to get in good shape for the training camp in March,” he added.

Hailing from Kodagu, formerly known as Coorg, Poovana comes from a family where hockey is a proud tradition. The Kodava hockey festival is renowned worldwide for being one of the world’s largest hockey tournaments, with hundreds of families participating in the event as tradition. 

“When I was a kid I used to watch those games and I always wanted to wear my family jersey, so that inspired me to start playing in school and I got naturally good at it. Playing for my family team was a dream come true for me after which I pursued the sport professionally. I have never had a Plan B, hockey has always been my top priority.”

Talking about the dynamic he shares with the other senior players of the squad, Poovanna shared, “The seniors are very easy to talk to and we youngsters learn a lot from them since they have been playing for a lot of years and have much better experience than us. We need to learn from them because we need to carry forward their legacy ahead in the coming years.”

“I look up to Manpreet Singh and Hardik Singh a lot because they play the position I play in midfield. I like how calm and composed they are when they get the ball and progress the game ahead. Some things that they do on the field are truly inspiring.”

Poovanna also spoke about his experience training under coach Craig Fulton. “I’m training under him right now and he’s really good. He’s easy to approach and you can ask him whatever you want and he gives you clear answers. Whenever we train, if someone does something wrong, he stops the game and he teaches them, which helps us a lot and gives a very valuable perspective.”

After missing out the opportunity in February, Poovanna is determined to make his Indian senior team debut and solidify his position in the squad during the European leg of the FIH Pro League. “The upcoming tournament is crucial for me and I will ensure I work on my shortcomings tirelessly and do my best with whatever chances I get,” he concluded on a strong note.

source: http://www.hockeyindia.org / Hockey India / Home / May 16th, 2025