Category Archives: Sports

Chethan Chengappa wins pro category, Nang Suwana wins ‘best women category’ award

Jktyre Orange 4×4 Fury: A thrilling finale at Bizari Mayhem stage

Bizari :  

The final day of the Jktyre Orange 4×4 Fury rally culminated in an exhilarating fashion at the Bizari Mayhem stage, where competitors faced off against some of the most challenging terrain yet.

The event drew spectators and adrenaline junkies alike, eager to witness the fierce competition amidst the iconic landscapes of Arunachal Pradesh.

Chethan Chengappa won the first place while V.M Gujral and Aditya Mein secured the second and third place, respectively, in the pro category.

Despite a did not finish (DNF) due to a mechanical failure, Chethan Chengappa claimed the top honours and was crowned the undisputed King of Offroading in Arunachal Pradesh-2024, thanks to the commanding lead he built over the previous two days. His consistency and skill throughout the event earned him a revered place in off-roading history.

Ujjal Namsum and Chow Tseng Tsing Mein were also jointly awarded the ‘best sportsman spirit award’, recognising their courage and empathy towards fellow competitors throughout the event.

In the stock category, Nabam Katung came first, followed by Jawjun Mirip Singpho and Naku Hage Chada, who claimed the second place. Atong Tithak from Jairampur secured the third place.

Nang Suwana was honoured with the ‘best women category award’, highlighting her exceptional performance and inspiring presence.

Sports minister Kento Jini, alongside sports secretary Abu Tayeng and youth affairs director Ramesh Linggi gave away the prizes to the winners in the presence of Jktyre Motorsports head of operations Hari Singh.

source: http://www.arunachaltimes.in / The Arunachal Times / Home> State News / December 16th, 2024

Rain plays spoilsport at Muddanda Cup Hockey Festival 2025: Mandepanda Champions

Chenanda to host 26th edition of Family Hockey Tournament at Napoklu in 2026

Madikeri:

The Mandepanda family was declared the winner of the Muddanda Hockey Festival 2025 held at Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Grounds, Madikeri, after heavy rain interrupted their final against the Chendanda family yesterday.

Mandepanda was leading 1-0 when a downpour forced the match to be abandoned just over 12 minutes into play. Later, the organisers issued a statement confirming Mandepanda as the champions of the Silver Jubilee edition of the Kodava Family Hockey Festival.

Amidst overcast skies and thunderous cheers from the crowd, the much-anticipated final had begun with high energy. Chendanda earned the first penalty corner early on, but Olympian Nikin Thimmaiah failed to convert the opportunity.

Mandepanda responded with sharp counterattacks, securing their first penalty corner, which Gautam successfully converted to give Mandepanda a crucial 1-0 lead in the first quarter.

Rain began to intensify during the second quarter as Chendanda pushed hard for an equaliser. Despite earning back-to-back penalty corners, they failed to break through Mandepanda’s defence. As lightning flashed and thunder rolled, torrential rain forced a suspension of play.

Relentless downpour left the field waterlogged. After about half an hour of efforts to clear the standing water, the match briefly resumed. Chendanda came close to scoring, but Mandepanda’s young goalkeeper Dhyan Bopanna made a brilliant save to preserve his team’s lead.

 Moments later, the rain returned with greater intensity, turning the ground into a virtual stream. With further play impossible, officials from the Kodava Hockey Academy, referees and team managers declared Mandepanda the winners.

Despite being soaked twice over, the spirit of the crowd remained unbroken. Spectators packed into gallery corners, cheering, clapping and even dancing in the rain. However, disappointment lingered among fans and organisers alike, as many had hoped for a full and thrilling conclusion to the Silver Jubilee tournament. Earlier, in the third-place match, Nellamakkada defeated Kuppanda (Kaikeri) 2-1 to claim third spot.

The Kambiranda family that won the Muddanda Cup Women’s Hockey Festival 2025.

VIP speeches delay action

The final was marred by significant delays and drew heavy criticism from spectators. Many expressed frustration over poor planning and coordination, blaming the organisers for nearly four-hour delay in starting the final.

Originally scheduled to begin at 11 am, the final was postponed due to an extended inaugural ceremony where several Ministers and elected representatives delivered prolonged speeches, pushing the start time to around 2 pm.

Home Minister Dr. Parameshwara addressing the gathering.

Mere minutes after play commenced, heavy rain lashed Madikeri, leading to the abandonment of the match. “When a match is scheduled for 11 am, starting it at 2.30 pm is simply unacceptable — especially with rain forecasts and spectators waiting, hungry and eager, to watch the finals,” many said.

“Are we here to watch hockey or to listen to endless speeches?” one frustrated fan remarked. Spectators further noted that in professional tournaments, VIPs attend to witness the sport, not to hold the mic and deliver lengthy lectures, disregarding the value of spectators’ time.

Among the speakers were Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara, Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh, Higher Education Minister Dr. M.C. Sudhakar, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, Virajpet MLA and CM’s Legal Advisor Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna, Madikeri MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda, MLC Mandepanda Suja Kushalappa, Kodava Hockey Academy President Pandanda Bopanna and Muddanda Hockey Festival Committee President Muddanda Rashin Subbaiah.

Just minutes after the final match between the Mandepanda and Chendanda began, heavy rains lashed Madikeri, leading to waterlogged grounds.

World Wide Book of Records recognition

The Silver Jubilee Muddanda Cup set a new record with 396 men’s teams comprising 5,544 players competing in 397 matches, alongside 58 women’s teams with 464 players competing in 57 matches during the five-a-side tournament.

The festival was officially entered into the World Wide Book of Records, with Sindhuja, a representative from the record book, announcing the recognition at the closing ceremony and presenting the certificate to the Muddanda family.

The 26th Kodava Family Hockey Festival will be hosted by Chenanda family at Napoklu in 2026. The family ceremoniously accepted leadership during a flag procession held on the Muddanda Cup Grounds.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> Sports / April 28th, 2025

CIT Ponnampet wins MYCAS Hockey Tournament

Mysuru: 

Coorg Institute of Technology (CIT), Ponnampet, won the State-level Inter-Collegiate Hockey Tournament, organised by MYCAS College in city recently. A total of 9 colleges from across the State participated in the tournament.

CIT, Ponnampet and Anugraha College, Kushalnagar, reached the finals and fought fiercely for the trophy. After scoring 2 goals each in a closely fought final match, the match went to a penalty shoot-out.

CIT won the battle and lifted the trophy and a cash prize of Rs. 10,000 while Anugraha College took the second place and received a cash prize of Rs. 7,000 and a trophy. Individual medals were presented to the players. While Best Player award was won by Gokul from Anugraha College, Bevan Ganapathy from CIT bagged Best Goal-keeper award.

Earlier, the tournament was inaugurated by Muruvanda Spoorthi Seethamma, an ultra-marathoner. Chethan, Brown and Abhishek were the referees.

G. Ramacharan, Director (Operations), MYCAS College, C. Archana, Principal, MYCAS PU College and Dr. T.J. Ramya, Lead Student and faculty development were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / April 21st, 2025

Muddanda Hockey Festival from tomorrow

Kodava family hockey tournament celebrates silver jubilee

Madikeri:

Stage is set for the premier Kodava Family Hockey Festival which begins at Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Grounds from tomorrow.

This year’s ‘Muddanda Hockey Namme’ also marks the 25th edition of the tournament. A total of 396 teams have registered to take part in the tournament compared to 360 teams in last year’s Kundyolanda Hockey Fest. The tournament will be inaugurated by Legal Advisor to Chief Minister and MLA Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna at Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Grounds at 12 noon. Prior to the inaugural event, a traditional Kodava rally will be held from Gen. K.S. Thimayya Circle in the town till the College grounds.

Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Wadiyar, District Minister N.S. Boseraju, Madikeri MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda, MLC Mandepanda Suja Kushalappa, Ajuna Awardee Anjaparavanda B. Subbaiah and Madikeri Kodava Samaja President Manduvanda P. Muthappa will be chief guests. Deputy Commissioner Venkatraja, SP K. Ramarajan and Kodagu University Vice-Chancellor Ashok Sangappa Alura will be the guests.

The inaugural ceremony will also feature an exhibition match between Kodagu Hockey Academy XI and Karnataka XI.

This year matches will take place at Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Grounds and at Police Parade Grounds. As part of the festival’s silver jubilee, a special ‘Kreeda Jyothi’ (Sports Torch) marathon will be held, visiting the Ainmanes (ancestral homes) of Kodava families. The marathon was flagged off by MLA A.S. Ponnanna and Leela Kuttappa, wife of Pandanda Kuttappa, the Founder of Kodava Family Hockey Tournament, on Mar. 25 at the Ainmane of Pandanda family in Karada village.

The Kreeda Jyothi has passed through the ancestral houses of Cheppudira, Alamenganda, Kallichanda, Machamada, Chekkera, Maneyapanda, Kuppanda, Nellamakkada, Mandepanda, Thathanda, Mandetira, Muddanda, Iychettira, Ballachanda, Biddanda among others.

To commemorate 25 years of the festival, a women’s hockey tournament has been introduced as part of the Muddanda Hockey Festival. So far, 40 women’s teams have registered and more entries are expected before Apr. 10 deadline. The women’s matches will be played at the Police Parade Grounds in Madikeri.

Tournament organisers have announced Rs. 5 lakh cash reward and a trophy for the winners of Muddanda Hockey Fest. Runners will receive Rs. 3 lakh cash reward along with a trophy and the losing teams in semi-finals will receive Rs. 1 lakh cash along with trophies.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> Sports / March 27th, 2025

Mysurean emerges Champion at Trump International Golf

Mysuru:

The 24-year-old Mysurean, Drishti Karumbaya, who emerged the Ladies’ Golf Champion at Trump International Golf Club in Palm Beach County, Florida, celebrated her victory with the 78-year-old US President Donald Trump, who won the Men’s Golf Championship.

“I just won the Golf Club Championship, probably my last, at Trump International Golf Club, in Palm Beach County, Florida,” Trump wrote on social media on Sunday afternoon.

Drishti, daughter of Dentist Dr. P.G. Karumbaya (Palachanda Chethan) and Swetha Karumbaya (Kandrathanda), residents of Yadavagiri in Mysuru, is working as a Golf Coach at Palm Beach Atlantic University and is a member of Trump International Golf Club.

An alumnus of St. Joseph’s Central School and NPS International in Vijayanagar, Mysuru, she is a double major in Sociology and Human Development from California State University.

Having initiated into golfing when she was 9 years old at JWGC, Mysuru, Drishti had a Career Best Ranking of #5 in the U-13 category in India, was the runner-up in the Wester India Ladies & Junior Girls Championship in 2014, winner of the CGL Indian Gold Union South Zone Event by 11 strokes in 2015 and winner of the Prestige Golfshire IGU South Zone Junior Championship in 2016. She has also won various Championships representing  California State University.

At the Trump International Golf Club Championship, Drishti won Stableford on day-1 and Matchplay on day-2 and 3.

Drishti’s younger brother Dhruv Bopanna is also a pro-golfer in Mysuru.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> Sports / March 19th, 2025

Kodava Hockey Festival adds all-women 5s event

The month-long ‘Kodava Hockey Namme’, popularly known as Coorg’s hockey festival, is set to begin on March 28 in Madikeri and the household of the Muddandas – the host family for this year – is eager to make it grander than ever as it is the 25th edition of the tournament.

The Kodava Hockey Festival, a family-based tournament, is celebrating its silver jubilee this year.  Credit: Special Arrangement 

Bengaluru:

A sense of excitement is brewing in the coffee land of Kodagu as the hilly region prepares for its annual celebration of a sport close to the hearts of Kodavas. 

The month-long ‘Kodava Hockey Namme’, popularly known as Coorg’s hockey festival, is set to begin on March 28 in Madikeri and the household of the Muddandas – the host family for this year – is eager to make it grander than ever as it is the 25th edition of the tournament.  

And to mark this milestone, a 5-a-side all-women competition is being introduced in addition to the customary 11-a-side event. 

“This year being the silver jubilee, we wanted to add more to the festival and came up with this idea,” Rashin Subbaiah, president of the tournament and member of the host family, told DH.

“We observed that many young girls were interested in taking part. Though there has never been age or gender restriction, many women/ girls were reluctant to get onto the field. So we thought about introducing an exclusive all-women event to put them under the spotlight,” explained Subbaiah.

Undoubtedly, the response so far has been overwhelming as the organisers have already received entries from 37 teams for the 5s event. Those numbers are expected to cross 50 before the entry date closes on April 10. 

“The all-women’s 5s will begin in the last week of the festival with its final on April 26 when the main event has its semifinals scheduled. We planned this strategically because spectators come in big numbers to witness the final few days of the hockey extravaganza,” said Vikram Uthappa, another member of the organising committee. 

The no age/ gender bar tournament which began in 1997 with 60 teams, swelled to 360 in 2024 and will feature 396 squads on three grounds – two at the Field Marshal KM Cariappa College and one at the Police Grounds – this summer. Last year, 92-year-old Chittiappa, who made news as the oldest participant, will be seen in action for his team – Annadiyanda family – in this edition as well. 

Traditionally, the mixed-team tournament has had female participants playing with and against their male counterparts in the 11-a-side event. Former junior India women players – goalkeeper Shivachaliyanda Nilan, Mallamada N Ponnamma, Mallamada Leelavathi among others – from the region have been a part of the festival. 

A female participant, this year, can play in the 11s team and also turn out for a 5s squad as well. However, picking a team to play for in the 5s competition could be a bit of a quandary for a few.

While the choice of family to represent will be a no-brainer for the unmarried girls, the married women, however, will have to decide between her ‘Thamane’ (father’s house) and ‘Bakemane’ (husband’s house).

Irrespective of one’s choice, there will be one more reason to celebrate both women and hockey in the Kodava land come April.  

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Sports> Hockey / by Hita Prakash / March 20th, 2025

Kodava Family Hockey Namme turns 25: Stage set for Muddanda Cup Hockey Festival from Mar. 28

Madikeri:

The Kodava Family Hockey Namme (Festival) celebrates its 25th edition this year, with the Muddanda Cup Hockey Tournament set to begin on  Mar. 28 and continue until Apr. 27.

Matches will be played across three different grounds, with 370 teams already registered for the competition.

Addressing the media in Madikeri yesterday, Kodagu Hockey Academy President Pandanda K. Bopanna noted that while 360 teams participated in last year’s Kundyolanda Hockey Fest, this year’s registrations have already reached 370, with a few more days left for additional entries.

He announced that the inaugural ceremony will feature an exhibition match between Kodagu Hockey Academy XI and Karnataka XI.

Tournament Director Badakada Deena Poovaiah and Coordinator Muddanda Roy Thammaiah will oversee the event.

Cheppudira Cariappa will serve as the main commentator, assisted by Maletira Srinivas, while Kecchettira Prasanna will be in charge of match coordination. The inauguration will also include a special felicitation ceremony honouring the Kundyolanda family, which achieved a Guinness World Record last year.

Umpire training

Hockey Academy Working President Mekerira Ravi Pemmaiah revealed that a training programme for hockey umpires will be conducted on Mar. 19 and 20 at Cauvery College, Virajpet, urging young hockey enthusiasts to participate.

Academy Vice-President Kukkera Jaya Chinnappa stated that several dignitaries, including Virajpet MLA and Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor A.S. Ponnanna, Madikeri MLA Dr. Manthar Gowda, Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, MLC M.P. Suja Kushalappa, Rajya Sabha MP Ajay Maken, Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Vekatraja, and Kodagu SP K. Ramrajan, will attend the grand opening ceremony.

Kreeda Jyothi

Muddanda Hockey Festival Chairman Muddanda Rashin Subbaiah confirmed that matches will take place at Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Grounds and the Police Parade Grounds. As part of the festival’s silver jubilee celebrations, a special ‘Kreeda Jyothi’ (Sports Torch) marathon will be held, visiting the Ainmanes (ancestral homes) of Kodava families.

The marathon will commence at 8 am on Mar. 25 from the Ainmane of the Pandanda family in Karada village, the pioneers of the Kodava Family Hockey Festival.

It will pass through eight Ainmanes in Ponnampet and surrounding areas before concluding on Mar. 28. On the inaugural day, a rally carrying the sports torch will proceed from General Thimayya Circle to Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Grounds, flagged off by MLA A.S. Ponnanna.

To commemorate 25 years of the festival, a women’s hockey tournament has been introduced as part of the Muddanda Hockey Festival. So far, 30 women’s teams have registered, and more entries are expected before the Apr. 10 deadline.

The women’s matches will be played at the Police Parade Grounds in Madikeri. Star Indian hockey players Lalremsiami Hmarzote from the women’s national team and Indian men’s team captain Harmanpreet Singh will visit Madikeri during the tournament.

Matrimonial meet

The festival will also feature a thand-bendhu (matrimonial meet) and a quiz competition at the venue. A special cyclothon is scheduled for Apr. 26, and DJ music will entertain spectators from the pre-quarterfinal stage through the final.

An open ‘Maja Run’ from Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Circle has also been planned as part of the celebrations. Parking arrangements have been made for 2,000 vehicles, and Bengaluru-based Vandana Trust will assist in waste management throughout the month-long event.

Additionally, a shooting competition will be held on Apr. 20 at Ground No. 2, featuring three categories: 50-metre .22 rifle shooting, 30-metre 12-bore gun shooting, and 15-metre air rifle egg shooting. A traditional coconut shooting competition will also be organised.

Muddanda Family President Muddanda B. Devaiah urged members of the Kodava community to participate in large numbers in the rally from General Thimayya Circle to Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Grounds, marking a significant milestone in the history of the Kodava Family Hockey Festival.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / March 16th, 2025

Players’ auction held for Kodava Cricket Leather Ball Premier League Season-2

Mysuru:

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

Commending Culinary Excellence: Shangri-La Eros New Delhi Brings Coorg’s Rich Flavours to Life

New Delhi : 

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

Bopanna conducts tennis trials for ‘Bhoomi’ programme in J&K, meets LG

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