The auction for selecting over 175 players for 10 franchisees of Season-2 (April-2025) Kodava Cricket Leather Ball Premier League to be organised under the aegis of Coorg Cricket Foundation at Pollibetta, was held at The Roost Hotel on Hunsur Road here yesterday.
The 10 Franchisees, which took part in the auction, are Kodava Warriors, Coorg United, Team Kodava Tribe, MTB Royals, Team Wildflower, Pragathi Cricketers, Coorg Blasters, Kodava Rising Stars, Western Ghat Warriors and Team Leverage.
Over 180 cricketers of Kodagu origin such as C.A. Karthik, C.R. Ayyappa and K.S. Devaiah took part in the auction and the Franchisees succeeded in getting the players they wanted by making a successful bid. Following the auction, Ranji player C.A. Karthik has been selected as Captain of Coorg Blasters, while C.R. Aiyyappa joined Western Ghat Warriors. Each franchisee selected 14 to 17 players depending upon their bid money.
Players aged from 15 to 60 are eligible to take part in the Tournament. The notable feature this year was the selection of 2 women players for the Tournament, which will be held on the lines of the popular Indian Premier League (IPL).
Coorg Cricket Foundation (CCF) President Porukonda Sunil said that the Tournament will commence from Apr. 1 and all the matches will be played at Tata Coffee Cricket Grounds at Pollibetta. The schedule will be finalised shortly, he said adding that the tournament is expected to be held over 12 days.
CCF office-bearers Palachanda Jagan, Madlanda Darshan, Charmandadanda Somanna, Chandira Rachan, Ballanda Reena Devaiah, Kulateera Shantha Kalappa, Keertiyanda Ganapathy, Annalamaada Roy Chinnappa and others were present.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / March 09th, 2025
Shangri-La Eros New Delhi welcomes guests to an exceptional Chef Pin pop-up featuring the authentic Kodava cuisine crafted by Home Chef Smitha Kuttayya Boppanda from February 6 to 8, 2025.
The culinary showcase at the hotel’s international restaurant, Tamra presents cherished family recipes passed down through generations, offering diners a genuine taste of Coorg’s rich heritage. Home Chef Smitha, a classical dancer, published author, and storyteller, brings her multifaceted expertise to this unique dining experience that celebrates the traditional flavors of Kodava households.
Home Chef Smitha Kuttayya Boppanda brings to Shangri-La Eros New Delhi the culmination of a remarkable 15-year culinary journey. From her initial venture ‘Limited Overs’ to the establishment of Baked Delights and now Global Theeni, she has consistently delivered flavors that reflect her Kodagu roots. Her impressive track record of curating food festivals at renowned hotels like Taj Fisherman’s Cove and Hyatt showcases her dedication to sharing personal, memory-laden interpretations of Coorg’s rich culinary heritage.
The Chef Pin pop-up captures the essence of Coorg’s culinary heritage with a carefully curated menu showcasing the region’s bold and earthy flavors. The experience begins with starters like Nugge Elayithkande, a flavorful drumstick and potato preparation, Kumm Barthad with crispy fried mushrooms, Balekai featuring golden fried raw plantains, and the richly spiced Erchi Barthad, a mutton fry.
The mains celebrate both vegetarian and non-vegetarian specialties, including Kumbala Curry with vibrant pumpkin, Baimbale Curry with bamboo shoots, and Kaad Maange Curry with wild mango. Meat lovers can savor Kaima Curry, Erchi Curry, and the iconic Pandi Curry with succulent pork.
Accompaniments like Kadambutt, Nooputtu, and Tarkari Pulav perfectly complement the meal, which ends on a sweet note with Kaskase Payasa and Madd Kool. Paired with Coorg’s celebrated coffee, this pop-up promises a memorable journey through Kodava cuisine.
The exclusive Chef Pin pop-up at Tamra promises an intimate dining experience where each dish shares a story from the heart of Kodagu. Guests can enjoy the Lunch Buffet at INR 3,200 plus taxes per person or the Dinner Buffet at INR 3,500 plus taxes per person, making it a truly memorable experience.
source: http://www.contentmediasolution.com / Content Media Solution / Home> Business / February 05th, 2025
Indian Tennis player Rohan Bopanna with young players during ‘Bhoomi’ programme for under privileged an initiative of Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy at MA Stadium in Jammu.
Jammu :
In a major step towards promoting tennis among underprivileged children, the Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy, in collaboration with the J&K Lawn Tennis Association and J&K Sports Council, conducted selection trials for its “Bhoomi” Programme in Jammu and Kashmir.
The trials, held in Jammu and Srinagar, aimed at identifying talented young players aged 8 to 10 years who come from underprivileged backgrounds.
The initiative, supported by the Kamal India Foundation, focuses on providing free tennis training, education, and overall development to deserving children.
Around 70-80 children participated in the trials in Jammu, showcasing their talent and enthusiasm for tennis.
BS Jaggi, General Secretary of the J&K Lawn Tennis Association, praised the event’s success and emphasized its significance in identifying and nurturing young talent. He also mentioned that Rohan Bopanna himself visited Srinagar and Jammu to personally oversee the selection process.
The selected children will receive free boarding, lodging, and education, following the CBSE syllabus up to the 10th standard, at the Sports School in Bengaluru, home to the Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy. In addition to the education, these children will undergo world-class tennis training to enhance their skills and prepare them for competitive play.
Meanwhile, Indian tennis star Rohan Bopanna also met with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to discuss the programme.
The Lt Governor lauded Bopanna’s efforts, appreciating the academy’s dedication to providing educational and sporting opportunities to underprivileged youth from Jammu and Kashmir. He further assured full support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of sports as a vehicle for empowering youth and promoting holistic development.
source: http://www.dailyexcelsior.com / DailyExcelsior.com / Home> Sports News / by Daily Excelsior / February 02nd, 2025
The Maragodu team from Kodagu emerged victorious in the throwball final, defeating Tamil Nadu’s P.G. Pudur team. The winners were awarded an attractive trophy and a cash prize of Rs. 5 lakh.
The event, launched by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev in 2004, is designed to revive the resilient spirit of rural communities through sports and playfulness. The thrilling matches captivated the audience against the backdrop of the 112-foot Adiyogi statue.
Prizes were distributed by Sadhguru along with cricket legends Virender Sehwag and Venkatesh Prasad, accompanied by other dignitaries.
Isha Gramotsavam has become a significant social initiative, fostering community well-being, empowering women and breaking social barriers.
This year’s event began in August and spanned across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala and Puducherry, with competitions held in 194 rural locations. Over 60,000 players, including 10,000 women, participated in sports like Kabaddi and Throwball, embodying the spirit of rural India.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / January 04th, 2025
Jammada Preeth Appaiah, a resident of Bannimantap in city, won a silver medal in the Senior Master’s Women’s Category at the 2nd Nagraj Rao Jagdale Shooting Contest and Championship-2025.
The event was held from Jan. 12 to 26 at the Sports Authority of India Shooting Range in Bengaluru, which the Karnataka State Rifle Association organised to promote Sports Shooting in Karnataka State and to have a State Ranking. Preeth won the medal in (A-103) .177 Open Sight10 M Air Rifle Senior Master’s Women’s (NR) Category.
Preeth Appaiah is a Mysuru Sports Shooting Academy (MSSA) student. In 2023, she achieved a remarkable feat by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain peak in Africa. Preeth is the wife of advocate Jammada M. Aiyanna.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / January 18th, 2025
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah handed over a cheque for Rs. 1 crore to the Kundyolanda family, organisers of the 2024 Kodava Hockey Festival, during a ceremony held here on Thursday.
The funds, allocated from the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, underscore the government’s commitment to promoting the unique sporting tradition of the Kodava community in Kodagu.
The event was attended by Virajpet MLA and Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna, MP Ajay Maken, Medical Education Minister Dr. Sharanprakash Patil, Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh, Chief Secretary to the Government Shalini Rajneesh, and Additional Chief Secretary to the CM and Additional Chief Secretary, Finance L.K. Atheeq.
Highlighting the cultural and sporting significance of the festival, CM Siddaramaiah praised the Kodava hockey tournament, which entered the Guinness World Record last year as the largest field hockey event.
The 2024 edition saw participation from 360 teams and 4,800 players, showcasing the unmatched passion of the Kodava community for hockey.
“Hockey is deeply rooted in Kodava culture, and it is a matter of pride that the tournament has gained global recognition. As the birthplace of hockey legends like Dhyan Chand, India must nurture this sport alongside cricket. The State Government remains steadfast in its support for elevating the Kodava Hockey Festival to greater heights,” Siddaramaiah stated.
The Kodava family hockey tournament, a hallmark of the Kodagu district, has been organised annually for over two decades. It began in 1997 with just 60 teams and has grown into a mega-event with international attention.
Many Kodavas have gone on to represent India in national hockey teams, further cementing the community’s association with the sport. CM Siddaramaiah expressed his hope for the tradition to flourish and promised continued support to sustain the festival’s legacy.
It may be recalled in Aug. 2024, Congress Rajya Sabha MP from Karnataka, Ajay Maken, speaking in the Rajya Sabha, had highlighted that the Kodava Family Hockey Tournament 2024 had earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records — a remarkable achievement accomplished without any support from the Union Government, though the State Government had fully backed the event. This, he had argued, underscores the urgent need for the Centre’s involvement in such significant sporting events.
He had also called upon the Centre to provide financial assistance for the Annual Kodava Family Hockey Tournament.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / January 13th, 2025
The much-anticipated 6th Edition of the CHAIROS BHEEMAIAH HOCKEY CUP will take place from 10th to 12th January 2025 at the Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Hockey Arena, Bengaluru.
Organized by the Coorg Challengers Chickpet Association (CCCA) under the aegis of Karnataka Hockey, this inter-state tournament will showcase the best of Indian hockey in an exciting 5-A-Side format.
Sponsored by QNET, India, the tournament will witness 180 players from 20 teams vying for the championship title. Among the participants, fans can look forward to watching legendary former Indian hockey stars such as V.R. Raghunath, V.S. Vinaya, Amar Aiyamma, Nithin Thimmaiah, and Nikkin Thimmaiah bring their skill and expertise to the event.
The grand finale on 12th January will be a momentous occasion, with the winning team being felicitated by Padma Shri and former Indian Hockey Player M.P. Ganesh. The presence of former Olympians will elevate the significance of the tournament and inspire the next generation of hockey enthusiasts.
Mr. K.D. Ganapathy, President CCCA, representing the organisers, said, “We at CCCA are thrilled to associate with QNET, to announce the 6th edition of the 5-A-Side CHAIROS BHEEMAIAH HOCKEY CUP, taking place from January 10th to 12th in Bengaluru. This tournament reflects our unwavering commitment to supporting India’s national sport, hockey, and providing players from across India, with a platform to showcase their talent, while also promoting the growth and recognition of this incredible sport.”
Speaking about their association with the tournament, Nischal C, Head – Corporate Communications, QNET India region said, “We are honoured to sponsor the 6th edition of the CHAIROS BHEEMAIAH HOCKEY CUP, a prestigious event that celebrates the rich legacy of Indian hockey, while fostering a passion for the game among emerging players. Hard work, commitment, teamwork, and focus – these are the qualities needed to succeed and reach the top, both in business and in sports. We are excited to be part of this incredible and inspiring journey.”
The tournament, a hallmark event in Indian hockey, returns after its last edition in 2021, where Team Canara Bank clinched the title, defeating Coorg Gulf in a thrilling final. This year, the competition promises even greater excitement and intensity as teams battle it out for the coveted championship. The CHAIROS BHEEMAIAH HOCKEY CUP 2025 is more than just a sporting event – it’s a celebration of India’s hockey legacy and a platform for showcasing extraordinary talent and camaraderie.
source: http://www.contentmediasolution.com / Content Media Solution / Home> Sports / January 10th, 2025
Explore Nagarhole National Park’s wildlife, from elephants to tigers. Visit Kabini River, Iruppu Falls, and Brahmagiri Sanctuary for an unforgettable adventure!
Exploring the natural beauty and wildlife of Nagarhole National Park. (Image: Canva)
Nestled in the lush landscapes of Karnataka, Nagarhole National Park, also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, is a treasure trove of wildlife and natural beauty. Located in the stunning Coorg district, this 640-square-kilometer park is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is a must-visit for any wildlife enthusiast or adventure seeker. With its tropical forests, rolling grasslands, and serene swamps, Nagarhole promises an unforgettable experience for those eager to discover the heart of India’s wilderness.
Best Time to Visit Nagarhole National Park For the best chance to spot the park’s incredible wildlife, plan your visit between October and May, when the dry season takes over and the animals come out to play. The park remains closed during the monsoon months (June to September) due to heavy rains and the risk of flooding, so be sure to plan accordingly!
Elephants roaming the lush forests of Nagarhole National Park, showcasing Karnataka’s wild beauty. (Image: Canva)
How to Reach Nagarhole National Park
*By Air: The nearest airport is Mysore Airport, about 95 kilometers away, while Bangalore International Airport (220 km) is a convenient option with well-connected roads.
*By Train: Hop off at Mysore Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities across India.
*By Road: Nagarhole is easily accessible by road from Coorg (80 km away), with several buses and private vehicles making the journey regularly.
What to Spot Inside Nagarhole National Park Step into the heart of nature at Nagarhole National Park, where the rich diversity of wildlife thrives in its lush landscapes. Keep your eyes sharp as you embark on a thrilling wildlife experience and look out for:
1. Elephants in Majestic Motion: Graceful Elephants roaming through the dense forests, an awe-inspiring sight that epitomizes the park’s grandeur.
2. Tigers and Leopards in Stealth: The elusive Tigers and Stealthy Leopards, whose silent movements through the shadows make every sighting a rare and unforgettable moment.
3. Indian Bison and Sambar Deer: Majestic Indian Bison (Gaur) and curious Sambar Deer, their imposing presence and calm demeanor adding to the park’s wild charm.
4. Sloth Bears and Wild Dogs: The elusive Sloth Bears, and the intelligent Wild Dogs, whose elusive nature and group dynamics make them exciting to spot.
5. Birdwatcher’s Paradise: A birdwatcher’s haven, with vibrant species like the Indian Peafowl and Malabar Grey Hornbill filling the air with their calls, offering a spectacular birding experience.
Immerse yourself in the lush greenery of Nagarhole National Park, a haven for nature lovers. (Image: Canva)
The diverse habitats within Nagarhole—from thick forests to open grasslands—create the ideal environment for wildlife, making it a photographer’s dream and a nature lover’s sanctuary. But the adventure doesn’t stop here—once you’ve immersed yourself in the wonders of Nagarhole, there are even more hidden gems nearby that will take your exploration to the next level.
Must-Explore Nearby Attractions While Nagarhole National Park offers incredible wildlife experiences, there are many more nearby attractions that will elevate your adventure to the next level. Extend your adventure beyond the park with these nearby gems:
1. Kabini River For a truly immersive experience, take a boat safari along the Kabini River. This peaceful waterway, lined by dense forests, offers glimpses of elephants, crocodiles, and a wide variety of bird species. It’s an intimate way to explore the wildlife of the region and capture unforgettable moments.
Iruppu Falls (Image: Canva)
2. Iruppu Falls Situated in the Brahmagiri Range, Iruppu Falls is a stunning waterfall set amidst lush greenery. A popular trekking destination, this picturesque cascade is the perfect spot for a refreshing dip or a peaceful picnic. The journey to the falls is as rewarding as the destination, with breathtaking views along the way.
3. Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary For a deeper connection with nature, explore the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, located near the Coorg and Wayanad borders. Known for its rich flora and fauna, it’s a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and trekkers alike. The sanctuary is home to tigers, leopards, elephants, and a diverse range of birds, making it a great spot for a nature walk or hike.
Whether you’re on a thrilling safari, spotting the ‘big cats’, or simply soaking in the sights and sounds of the jungle, Nagarhole National Park offers an experience that will captivate your heart and soul. Ready to escape into the wild? This park is calling your name.
source: http://www.moneycontrol.com / Money Control / Home> Travel / by Priyanka Roshan / January 09th, 2025
Rohan Bopanna, 44, has enjoyed a glittering career in doubles tennis, winning two Grand Slam titles – but he was forced to consider retirement in 2019 due to having injured knees.
Iyengar Yoga has changed Rohan Bopanna’s life
Tennis pro Rohan Bopanna has opened up about the severe knee issues that almost led him to hang up his racket in 2019 – and the remedy he found to combat the pain.
The Bangalore-born doubles specialist, who boasts an impressive career record of 504 wins against 367 losses, including 26 titles and two Grand Slam victories, faced a major setback when he contemplated retirement due to having no cartilage in his knees.
Bopanna’s career highlights include clinching the mixed doubles title at the French Open in 2017 with Gabriela Dabrowski and securing another Grand Slam win at the 2024 Australian Open with Matthew Ebden. Yet, it was nearly a different story for Bopanna, as he revealed in an interview with Claytenis: “In 2019 I was contemplating retiring because I had no cartilages in my knees. I was in a lot of pain. I wanted to stop at the end of that year.”
He credits a discovery made during the pandemic for his remarkable turnaround, sharing (via Surrey Live): “During the pandemic, actually, I discovered Iyengar Yoga. And this changed my entire journey.
I was having almost two, three painkillers a day because my knees were torturing me so hard. Without being able to play tennis because of the lockdowns I was doing it four times a week, 90-minute sessions. And it really strengthened a lot of my muscles and everything.
“And I went from two, three painkillers a day to no painkillers. From pain to no pain. Because when you have pain as a tennis player, it’s tough. You know, always dealing with that every single day. You don’t want to wake up and be in pain. So now, thanks to Iyengar Yoga and having a good physio to really do a lot of strengthening. It has been incredible.”
Rohan Bopanna considered retiring from tennis in 2019
Iyengar Yoga focuses on detail, precision and alignment and uses longer poses than traditional Hatha Yoga. Meanwhile, props like blocks are often used in the practice, to allow people to adapt to certain poses which may otherwise be difficult in terms of strength and mobility.
Fast forward to 2024, and Bopanna believes that he would best his younger self if they ever met on the court despite his history with injury. Elsewhere in the conversation, he added: “Without a doubt. Experience is so important. I might have had more power, but tennis is not about power. It’s about experience and your mind strength.”
He continued: “I never think of the age, because both of us are there to play tennis in the same tournament. Because even if he’s older than me or younger than me, it makes no difference. Both of us are there to win the match. So I just go there and play my game. I’m not really looking at it as whether he’s young, old, he’s my age, he’s 15 years younger, 20 years younger. It doesn’t matter. Once you cross 18, everybody comes to the real world.”
Rohan Bopanna
Discussing his thoughts on retirement today, Bopanna expressed a desire to keep playing. He said: “As long as I’m enjoying the competition and travel, yeah. Why not? And my family is here in the Grand Slams. My wife is here, my daughter is traveling. I never would have thought my daughter would be watching me play live.
“If I had stopped at 35, this would not have happened. She would have been like, oh, my dad used to play tennis. Today she can say her dad is a tennis player.”
source: http://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk / Gloucestershire Live / Home> News> Health> Tennis / by Aaron Morris, Sr Sports Reporter & Maria Ortega / January 06th, 2025
Kanthur Friends team from Murnad (Maragodu) in Kodagu from Karnataka emerged victorious in the women’s throwball championship by defeating P G Pudur team from Coimbatore in straight sets.
Meanwhile, Alif Star team from Chikkamagaluru (seen in picture below) defeated Palli Friends team from Udupi in the men’s volleyball match in a thrilling contest.
The grand finale was held in the presence of the 112-foot-tall Adiyogi at the Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore. The winning teams won a cash prize of ₹5 lakh, bringing the event to a grand close.
Along with Sadhguru, cricket legends Virender Sehwag and Venkatesh Prasad graced the historic occasion. Thousands of spectators from India and abroad came to watch the event.
Isha Gramotsava is a two-month sports festival held across the South Indian states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry.
Held in over 162 rural areas, the festival saw the participation of over 43,000 players.
More than 10,000 of them were rural women, most of whom were housewives – volleyball and throwball Participated in matches.
Started by Sadhguru in 2004, Isha Gramotsava aims to bring sports and the spirit of play into the lives of rural communities.
Apart from professional players, the festival provides a platform for ordinary rural people, including daily wage workers, fishermen and housewives, to step away from their daily activities and experience the celebration and unifying power of sports.
source: http://www.mysoorunews.com / Mysooru News / Home> General / by Mysooru News Desk / January 01st, 2025
WELCOME. If you like what you see "SUBSCRIBE via EMAIL" to receive FREE regular UPDATES.
Read More »
