The Ponnampet Kodava Samaja organised Kodava Samskrithika Dina and ‘Puthari Kolmand Namme,’ at Ponnampet on Monday.
The members, irrespective of age, participated actively in ‘Bolakat,’ ‘Ummathat,’ ‘Puthari Kolat,’ ‘Pareyakali,’ and ‘Valagathat’ cultural programmes. The event saw shooting coconuts, musical chair competitions for men and women, skit by T Shettigeri Schoolchildren and Puthari dance ballet by the students of Ponnampet Appacchakavi Vidyalaya.
The winners in various competitions are as follows:
Mahindra is on the verge of converting Goa into the next off-roading destination, as they conclude the 2nd edition of the Thar Club Challenge on August 5-6, at Dona Paula, Goa. Alongside the Club Challenge, Mahindra Adventure also kicked off the 1st edition of the Thar Fest, which aimed at bringing together the off-roading and the 4×4 community at one place.
Now what is the point of having a Thar and not making full use of its off-roading credibility? Mahindra had something similar in mind when they started with the Thar Club Challenge in 2015, which saw Bangalore Off-road Development Authority (B.O.D.A) take the glory. This year was no different, as 10 well-reputed off-road clubs battled it out to lift the coveted cup. However, the only thing that changed was the difficulty level and of course the winning team. Let’s talk about the five gruelling challenges first.
Day 1 kicked off with the Thar Fest, which included the scrutiny of the vehicles. After the scrutiny, all the Thars rallied to the track venue. After reaching the site, the 10 teams were briefed about the tasks before them. With each team consisting of three vehicle entries in the Stock, Modified and Pro-Modified category, the Club Challenge was about to begin.
Club Challenge 1
The first challenge was called ‘Pass the Baton’ which was a night event. In this, the teams had to sync all three Thars to pull a bundle of logs tied together with chains through rutted trenches and slush-pit, uphill climb negotiating sharp corners.
Now, as simple as this may sound, with the constant down-pour from the rain-gods, the muddy ground made sure that the participants had to really work their way to start the competition on a winning note. The Gerrari Off-roaders emerged victorious as the other teams were left tasting the mud behind.
Club Challenge 2
‘Trench Trouble’ was the second obstacle which was highly technical in terms of team involvement in dismantling all four wheels and putting the vehicle on stands. Carrying the tyre to the top of the trench in four different direction with the second team collecting it and putting it back on the vehicle and recovering themselves from the trench. With a second win in their pocket, the Gerrari Off-Roaders took a commendable lead in the front. But there was more to come and the others had not given up as yet.
Club Challenge 3
Day 2 began with an event that was my personal favourite. Why you ask? Because the 3rd challenge involved Thars and a ball. Yes, You read it right. The third obstacle was Goalll!!!, where the competitors were put in a slushy field with a ball with the aim to play football with his Thar and score a goal using his vehicle tyres and bumpers in the minimum time. This time, it were the defending champs, B.O.D.A who got the most points.
Club Challenge 4
The fourth challenge was unique as well and called Trench Trouble 2. The teams had to negotiate cones and various other obstacles and collect flags en-route. The more the number of flags the more the points. Surely this technical stage was challenging and the experienced V5 Coorg Off-Roaders took top trumps.
Club Challenge 5
The last and most interesting obstacle was the ‘Bus Stop’. In this obstacle the teams had to work together with props like ladder and spare tyres to negotiate a laid vehicle carnage which including climbing over a bus, water tanker and other vehicle debris.
Being the most difficult of all the obstacles, the teams showed unspoiled teamwork and devotion. There was a lot of screaming, pressure, fretting and energy, but it was only to win the title of the best off-roading club in the country.
Although, the Gerrari Off-roaders took a flying start to the event, it were the V5 Off-Roaders from Coorg who won the title in the end.
After a gruelling battle of over two days and 5 challenges, the defending champs B.O.D.A passed on the winning trophy to V5 Off-Roaders from Coorg, closely followed by Gerrari Off-Roaders from Chandigarh. The 2nd runner up title was won by Team Flywheel from Kerala, thus ending the Mahindra Thar Club Challenge on a high note.
source: http://www.indiatoday.intoday.in / Auto Today / IndiaToday.in / Auto> From the Magazine / by Pratik Rakshit / New Delhi, December 08th, 2016
Rohan Bopanna and Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan will lead the Indian challenge alongside Leander Paes and Brazil’s Andre Sa in the doubles category of the upcoming Aircel Chennai Open set to begin here on January 2.
Paes and Sa are seeded third, and Bopanna and Jeevan, seventh.
Bopanna and Jeevan reached the quarterfinals of the Chengdu Open in China early this year.
Purav Raja and Divij Sharan have teamed up as the other Indian entry for the category.
Jonathan Erlich (Israel) and Scott Lipsky (USA) is the top seeded pair.
Player field (doubles) (read as names, team ranking):
Jonathan Erlich (Isr) & Scott Lipsky (USA) (99); Guillermo Duran (Arg) & Andres Molteni (Arg) (111); Leander Paes (Ind) & Andre Sa (Bra) (112); Nicholas Monroe (USA) & Artem Sitak (NZ) (114); Wesley Koolhof (Ned) & Matwe Middelkoop (Ned) (117); Andre Begemann (Ger) & Yen-Hsun Lu (TPE) (126); Rohan Bopanna (Ind) & Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan (Ind) (128); Purav Raja (Ind) & Divij Sharan (Ind) (128); Steve Darcis (Bel) & Benoit Paire (Fra) (133); Johan Brunstrom (Swe) & Andreas Siljestrom (Swe) (136). — Sports Reporter
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sports> Tennis / by Sports Reporter / December 20th, 2016
The country’s fastest woman over a distance of 400 metres suffered a debilitating injury in 2012 but came back strongly and won the Arjuna Award in 2015.
Image credit: Twitter
“At Beijing I was just a reserve and at Rio I was a senior member of the team. In between, eight years have passed but nothing, absolutely nothing has changed,” says the 26-year old Machettira Raju Poovamma, an athlete not known to mince her words.
The athlete, living in Mangalore for the last 25 years, has been India’s fastest woman over a quarter-mile or 400 metres for the last three years and was a part of the 4×400 metres relay team that finished 13th at Rio 2016.
Scroll.in spoke to Poovamma on the sides of the GoSports Foundation’s annual awards function in Bengaluru. Poovamma, sponsored by the Foundation since 2015 was recognised as the ‘Most Consistent Performer’ for her contributions to Indian athletics over the years.
“They lift you up, then bring you crashing down”
Some readers may remember that Poovamma, who was a reserve for the women’s 4×400 metres relay team in Beijing was India’s youngest athlete at the Olympic Games in 2008.
She was expected to be a shoo-in for the London 2012 team, but as Poovamma found out, things don’t always go to plan. A month before the trials for the Olympics were to be conducted, the sprinter suffered a horrendous injury which kept her out for almost 10 months and made her forego what was almost a guaranteed spot on the team for a second successive Olympics.
As we sit in the well-lit lobby of the ITC Windsor, Poovamma sporting a blue blazer is almost choking as she forces the words out, “Those times were really dark. I want to erase those memories.”
But as I found out, Poovamma’s problem is an age-old one and not something unfamiliar in the Indian sports scene. We identify the talent after they’ve set the sporting scene alight, not before, mind you, hype them up to atmospheric levels and then turn on them when their performance levels go down or missing. Clearly, standing with our athletes in troubled times is something we still have to learn.
Undergoing weight training in the gym, Poovamma ruptured the L4-L5 vertebrae disc in her spine. The lumbar spine (or the lower back) consisting of the L1-L5 vertebrae helps in supporting the upper body and allowing motion in multiple directions. Degeneration of the L4-L5 disc can result in possible leg pain and/or severe back pain.
During that time, Poovamma says that the same journos who praised her for her achievements in the span leading up to London turned on her. She says, “I read newspaper reports saying that I had gone missing, questioning why I was not performing at any meet. These people, the same ones that lifted me, had brought me crashing down.”
Post this revelation, I ask Poovamma the only logical question that comes to my mind, “Didn’t anyone check with you?” to which her answer is a resounding no. “It was very difficult for me to even go to the washroom but no one bothered checking with me,” says Poovamma as her expression turns expectedly sombre.
A happy ending
Her injury is a recurring one, and she has had to go through rehabilitation therapy several times post recovery. She seems happier with the Bengaluru-based not-for-profit’s involvement, “When you undergo an injury like that, you want some help, some support. Their (the Foundation’s) backing has given me a moral boost,” lending further credence to the theory that private organisations like GoSports, Olympic Gold Quest, JSW Sports and Anglian Medal Quest are filling important gaps in India’s sporting infrastructure.
A self-proclaimed fan of Jamaican sprinter Sanya Richards-Ross, Poovamma says she took up the 400 metres “for fun.” Born to a contractor at the Mangalore airport and a homemaker, she says she took up the 100 and the 200 metres after which she tried her hand out at the 400 metres.
Her mother, M R Jaji, is a lucky charm according to the sprinter. “Since 2005, I can’t recall a single domestic meet that she has missed. They (parents) are old but they do their utmost best to motivate me,” says Poovamma of her family’s involvement.
As she goes up to collect her award, Poovamma doesn’t shy away when asked about her journey as she reiterates, “I’ve been around for eight years but the diet, the schedule, the way of training as prescribed by our sporting authorities, nothing has changed.”
The Rio debacle is still on her mind as she recollects, “Prior to the Olympics, everyone was training individually with their personal coaches. We came together a week prior to the Games. In these events (relay), you need coordination, especially for the baton pass. A fraction of a second can make a difference.”
The authorities, she insists, have done nothing to change the approach to athletics in India, “In the West, each athlete has his or her personal diet and training regime designed for them. Here, they spend their time in the run up to the Olympics predicting the number of medals. I can only be satisfied in the fact that I gave my best on the day.”
And give her best, she did. After returning from injury in April 2013, Poovamma won the relay gold and silver in the individual 400 metres at the Asian Championships held at Pune, also notching up her personal best of 51.75 seconds at Lucknow the same year.
Her finest moment came the following year at the Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea where India won the 4×400 m relay gold as she won the individual bronze. Poovamma is currently ranked second in the 400 m category in Asia as she sets her sights on the upcoming World Championships to be held in London in August 2017.
But for Povamma, her greatest achievement is not that she has scaled the heights to reach the top of her sport in the country but the fact that she has seen the depths and has climbed back up again.
We welcome your comments at letters@scroll.in.
source: http://www.thefield.scroll.in / Scroll.in / Home> The Field> Sports news and scores> World Athletics / by Arka Bhattacharya / December 17th, 2016
Kodagu-based international rugby player Madanda Thimmaiah, who is the Director for Indian branch of UAB, an American Sports Institute, has been selected for the sports management training to be held Los Angeles and Arizona from Dec. 9-22.
The special training programme will be held on precautions and arrangements to be done at the sporting venues. Thimmaiah has already left for the USA with 16 selected basketball players from our country.
Thimmaiah, who has represented the country’s rugby team in Asian and Common Wealth Games, has been working as coach cum player of American Football. He is also the director of UAB Institute for professional basketball.
He is the son of Advocate Madanda Poovaiah and Tunga Poovaiah, residents of Virajpet.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / December 12th, 2016
Ricky Monappa from Bengaluru plans on hosting forest marathons in namma city in the first week of December.
When Bengaluru-based Ricky Monappa decided to tread the entrepreneurial path, he was rather clear about his intent – to offer eco-friendly travel experiences and tours and promote his love for his hometown Coorg.
But that’s certainly not where it ends – the 32-year-old intrepid traveler is now persistent that his recent initiative, Tropical Rush – a forest marathon, an annual affair finds ground in namma ooru.
“During my engineering days, tourism in Coorg was taking its baby steps. There was no proper information for travelers. As a passionate traveler, I felt the urge to do my bit in spreading knowledge and the value of the place. Hence, Coorg Express started. And, what better place that Bengaluru which boasts of receptive and travel-frenzy town?”, shares the alumnus of BMS College of Engineering.
Despite hailing from a family that gave conventional wisdom more weight-age; Ricky had his sights set on starting up since the start. “My parents wanted me to be an engineer, which I did, But even while I initially took up a desk job, starting with my own venture was always on my mind and the cards. My earliest memories of travelling were only with parents. Later on, I began exploring a couple of places with my friends for fun. However, all through, I realised not every travel agency could do a neat job of planning and executing insightful tours. So, I thought of taking up the challenge of bringing about a difference to the travel scene in this city and state, which I wanted to see.”
On days when he just needs his downtime, its playing a game of hockey and socialising for this enterprising individual. “I love meeting new people and getting different perspectives. It is something which I love doing whenever I can.”
Two years since he conjured up the venture, and Ricky believes he’s still learning the tricks of the trade. “I wish to make the concept of camping, and sustainable tourism actually a reality. While I will always stick to offering wholesome travel experiences through this venture; the underlying idea is to also encourage environment-based programmes. Tropical rush forest marathon is one such initiative where I wish to have as many trees planted and pledge for more in future. I’m hoping this an annual affair gets the nod from Bengalureans.”
source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Lofestyle, Pets and Environment / by Pooja Prabhan, Deccan Chronicle / November 29th, 2016
Teresian Girls’ College won the inter-collegiate Coorg Cup Hockey tournament for girls, organised recently.
Mahadev Anjali, Manager, Teresian Institutions, Prof Jose V K, Principal, Teresian College, Shruthi D, HoD, Department of MCom, Teresian Post Graduation Centre, Anthony Moses, Physical Education department and others are seen in the picture.
Ashwini Ponnappa and N Sikki Reddy went down to top-seeded Russian combination of Olga Morozova and Anastasia Chervyakov 21-16 21-11.
Ashwini Ponnappa and N Sikki Reddy had comfortably beaten England’s Lauren Smith and Sophie Brown 21-16 21-18 in the semis.
India’s women’s doubles pair of Ashwini Ponnappa and N Sikki Reddy finished runners-up at the Welsh International Challenge badminton tournament after losing in straight games in the final.
The unseeded Indian duo went down to top-seeded Russian combination of Olga Morozova and Anastasia Chervyakov 21-16 21-11 in a contest that lasted just 37 minutes.
Earlier, Ashwini and Sikki had comfortably beaten England’s Lauren Smith and Sophie Brown 21-16 21-18 in their semifinal match. The Indians took 39 minutes to get the better of the English team.
Meanwhile, the men’s doubles combo of Jishnu Sanyal and Shivam Sharma lost in the semifinals against Liao Kuan Hao and Lu Chia Pin of Chinese Taipei.
The third-seeded Chinese Taipei pair needed half-an-hour to make it to the finals by beating sixth seeded Indians 21-17 21-15.
Indians bowed out in the semifinals of the mixed doubles event also as second seeded N Sikki Reddy and Pranaav Jerry Chopra lost to Malaysians Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Jemie Lai 16-21 14-21 in 39 minutes.
source: http://www.indianexpress.com / Indian Express / Home> Sports> Badminton / by PTI / Cardiff – December 04th, 2016
Rohan Bopanna, India’s doubles tennis specialist, is keen to put behind last year’s reverses and focus on achieving big things in 2017.
Rohan Bopanna said the singles rubbers against New Zealand hold key in Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group 1. (Source: Express File)
India’s doubles tennis specialist Rohan Bopanna said he is keen to put behind last year’s reverses and focus on achieving big things in 2017.
“There is no point in discussing negative matter (on his recent twitter spat with Leander Paes). We should focus on achieving big things in 2017,” Bopanna told reporters after announcement of EduSports and Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy tieup.
Drawing inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to perform better in coming season, Bopanna said, “Look at Modi, he has taken a bold step by enforcing demonetisation. He has shown us the way forward,” he added.
Asked about his new partner Pablo Cuevas, Bopanna said he would join the Argentinean as per his singles schedule.
“Cuevas’ priority is definitely singles. I will play as per his schedule. Wherever Cuevas wants to play in the singles section, I will join him and we will compete in doubles,” he said.
Bopanna had recently split with Florin Mergea. The 36-year-old will participate in Australian Open in Melbourne, but not before he would start the season at Chennai Open in January and then Apia International in Sydney.
Replying to a query, Bopanna said the singles rubbers against New Zealand hold key in Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group 1 first-round tie.
“To qualify to the world group, we need two good singles players because out of the five points, four comes from singles,” he said. “I am hopeful Saketh Myneni, Yuki (Bhambri) and Ram (Ramkumar Ramanathan) can beat the top guys now,” he added.
source: http://www.indianexpress.com / Indian Express / Home> Sports> Tennis / by PTI / Bengaluru – November 22nd, 2016
Tennis doubles player Rohan Bopanna today said that wheelchair tennis was already a big sport in the world, which is reflected in top players like Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic sharing the same locker-rooms with top wheelchair players.
“Roger Federer, Djokovic and top wheelchair players – all of them share the same locker-rooms. There is no difference between wheelchair tennis players and the straight players,” he said.
“That’s where it shows, how big the sport already is, and million and millions of people are already watching it and supporting it,” he added.
Bopanna said holding the All India Tennis Association ranking wheelchair tennis tournament shows interest in this sport.
“Holding the wheelchair tennis tournament is a fantastic initiative and big step, which shows the interest people have in it,” he said.
Asked what sort of support he would give to promote wheelchair tennis, Bopanna said he would share details of wheelchair tournaments held in different parts of the world.
“I am always with them, no matter what support they need. As I am travelling a lot, it will be easier for me to share the details which will be of great help for improving the sport in India,” he said.
Earlier, Bopanna announced India’s first AITA ranking Wheelchair Tennis Tournament – tabebuia – which will be played from December 2 to 4 at Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association.
The cash prize is Rs 2.5 lakh and the organisers have raised Rs 14 lakh from various sources including the corporate and individual donors, Sunil Jain, Founder Trustee of Astha, a part of Wheelchair Tennis, said.
As many as 40 wheelchair tennis players will participate in the tournament, he said.
Jain said the organisers would love to hold an International Tennis Federation tournament with the cooperation of AITA and KSLTA.
BDN PDS PDS
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> Sports> Tennis> Top Stories / PTI / November 29th, 2016
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