Category Archives: Sports

Joshna and Dipika: India gets new racquet queens

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Sports, World Opinion
ipika Pallikal (left) and Joshna Chinappa pose with their medals after winning the gold in women's doubles squash event during the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. (AFP Photo)
ipika Pallikal (left) and Joshna Chinappa pose with their medals after winning the gold in women’s doubles squash event during the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. (AFP Photo)

Glasgow :

Forget the gold. Few gave them a chance to even finish on the podium in the Commonwealth Games, given that teams with pedigree like Australia, England, New Zealand and Malaysia were in the fray.

But two girls from Chennai – Joshna Chinappa and Dipika Pallikal – squashed all doubts and did the impossible on Saturday to claim the top prize in women’s squash doubles. This is India’s first ever medal in the sport in the Commonwealth Games.

It took the fifth seeded Indian duo just 28 minutes to tame the top seeds Jenny Duncalf and Laura Massaro of England in straight games: 11-6, 11-8.

The scoreline might suggest that the game was a little one sided but it was not. The British pair, after losing the first game, roared back for a 7-2 lead in the second. The Indians fought back to clinch a famous victory .

“We were down for a while, but we were confident. We were telling ourselves that we could do it. We were not here to settle for the silver. We had the belief and the confidence that we could win the gold medal,” 22-year-old Dipika told TOI.

It was a tough competition for the Indian girls as the field included quite a few former Commonwealth Games medallists. “Doubles was a tough competition. It was important for us to take one match at a time, not thinking about whom we were going to play if we advanced. I guess that paid off as it took away the pressure,” she said.

Dipika admitted that the feeling that she and her 27-year-old partner Joshna were the architects of India’s first medal winners in squash was yet to sink in. “I guess it will take a couple of days to sink in. We are delighted.”

Former national champion Bhuvaneshwari Kumari, here as a coach, said the medal would do a world of good to the game back home. “It will inspire people back home. The government and the federation have been very supportive but I think this gold will help us get more support.”

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Sports> Tournaments> Commonwealth Games 2014 / by Biswajyoti Brahma, TNN / August 03rd, 2014

India A in Australia: Robin Uthappa’s men register 5th consecutive win

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports

Manoj Tiwary

In the Quadrangular A Team ODI tournament that is reaching its closing stages in Australia, India registered their fifth straight win on the trot, against Australia A, on Thursday. The loss ended Australia A’s five match unbeaten run that started in the first match of the tournament against the same opponents. Chasing 229 for win, India reached home with 5-wickets to spare.

Ambati Rayudu(77) and Kedar Jadhav(52) stitched together a 101-run partnership after India A lost three wickets early in the chase. Rayudu batted cautiously for his half-century, while Jadhav continued to be the aggressor. The Maharashtra batsman struck two sixes and three boundaries in his knock, which was eventually ended by Cameron White.

Sanju Samson joined Rayudu and continued from where Jadhav left; the duo added 52 off 59 balls that set India on course for the win. Parvez Rasool contributed 20 off 16 to guarantee a victory. The Kerala wicketkeeper-batsman finished on an unbeaten 49 from 51 balls.

Earlier in the day, White won the toss and decided to bat first at the Marrara Oval, Darwin. Opener Marcus Stoinis batted briskly for his 58, before falling to Akshar Patel. The breakthrough opened the gates for Manoj Tiwary who bagged his maiden five-wicket haul of his career by getting rid of the next five batsmen.

Peter Nevill (23) got stumped by Samson, while the captain did not last long. Phil Hughes, who scored the incredible record-breaking double century in his last outing, became the second batsman to be stumped off Tiwary’s leg-spin in the match, for 58.

Akshar Patel was extremely effective, bowling economically and also picking up important wickets. The left-arm spinner cleared off the tail that sneaked in some quick runs towards the end of the innings. Australia were eventually bowled out with 228 on board in the final over of the innings.

Indian skipper Robin Uthappa failed once again with the bat and is without a single half-century in this entire tour. In the end, it turned out to be a convincing victory for the visitors. The two sides will meet again in the finals on Saturday.

source: http://www.sportskeeda.com / Sports Keeda / Home> Report> Cricket / by Pradeep Kalamagam / July 31st, 2014

‘Entrust rafting at Dubare to Jungle Lodges’

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Sports

MLC M C Nanaiah has demanded the district administration and the government to hand over the complete operation of river rafting in Cauvery river at Dubare to the government owned Jungle Lodges.

RaftingKF31jul2014

In the letters written to Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Anurag Tewari and State government Chief Secretary Kaushik Mukherjee, he has requested to stop the dangerous rafting and harassment of tourists in Dubare. Permission has been granted by the forest department, tourism department and port and inland department to operate six boats for rafting purpose in Dubare. However, over 30 boats are operating here illegally.

“I have visited the place twice and have witnessed the illegal river rafting taking place in Cauvery river in Dubare. The permission given to private firms for operating this dangerous and adventurous sports has to be withdrawn immediately and hand over the operation to government owned Jungle Lodges for the safety of tourists,” he has said.

Further, he has mentioned that there is an unhealthy competition between the private water sports operators. Lack of safety equipment is another cause of concern.

Thus it will be a good decision to hand over the responsibility to Jungle Lodges, Nanaiah has said.

He has requested the DC to take a decision after discussing with the secretaries of the forest and tourism department.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / Madikeri, DHNS – July 30th, 2014

Vikramkant to lead Karnataka in National Hockey Championship

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports

Bangalore:

Vikarmkant will lead the 19-member men`s Karnataka hockey squad for the third Senior National Championship to be held at Pune from May 28 to June 10.

S K Uthappa, adjudged the best player in 2011 Senior Nationals in Bhopal where Karnataka had finished runners-up, will be the vice-captain of the state side.

The team is being coached by 1994 World Cupper K K Poonacha.

Karnataka is grouped in Pool C along with Services, SAI, Bihar and Goa. They will play their first match against Goa on June 3.

As many as 37 participating teams have been divided into eight pools and toppers of each pool will make it to the quarter finals. Pune had previously hosted the inaugural Hockey India Junior Men`s Nationals in 2011.

The championship will be telecast live on DD from the quarter final stage.

Pool A: Hockey Punjab, Hockey Delhi, Association of Indian Universities, Hockey Arunachal.

Pool B: Air India Sports Promotion Board, Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy, Hockey Puducherry, Tripura Hockey, Chhattisgarh Hockey.

Pool C: Hockey Karnataka, Services Sports Control Board, Hockey Bihar, Goans Hockey, Sports Authority of India.

Pool D: Hockey Haryana, Uttar Pradesh Hockey, Hockey Maharashtra, Hockey Andaman and Nicobar, Mumbai Hockey Association.

Pool E: Hockey Jharkhand, Hockey Odisha, Hockey Himachal Pradesh, Bengal Hockey Association, Comptroller and Auditor General.

Pool F: Railway Sports Promotion Board, Hockey Bhopal,

Sashastra Seema Bal, Hockey Jammu and Kashmir, Namdhari XI.

Pool G: Manipur Hockey, Hockey Andhra Pradesh, Hockey Uttarakhand, Hockey Kerala.

Pool H: Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu, Chandigarh Olympic Association, Hockey Assam, Hockey Rajasthan.

Karnataka squad: Jagdeep Dayal, K D Bidappa, S K Appachu, B P Chingappa, S M Rafeeq, Vikramkant (captain), C K Somanna, M B Aiyappa, S K Uthappa (vice captain), M G Poonacha, M K Muddappa, Mohan Muthanna, Nikkin Thimmaiah, Bipin Bopaiah, K B Thammaiah, P L Thimmanna, K M Somanna, P V Pramod and C U Bopanna.

Coach: K K Poonacha

Manager: Rickey Ganapathy

Physio and Trainer: Sampath Kumar.

PTI

source: http://www.zeenews.india.com / Z News / Home> Sports> Others / Thursday – May 30th, 2013

Young faces included in new hockey selection panel

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports

Hockey India made sweeping changes in the national selection committee, bringing in many young faces.

The nine-member selection committee will be headed by Olympian BP Govinda.

Former India captain Arjun Halappa is in the committee
Former India captain Arjun Halappa is in the committee

The new committee was decided at the HI Executive Board meeting recently and will come into effect from July 1.

It will have one-year tenure.

It includes former men’s team captains Gagan Ajit Singh and Arjun Halappa, besides women’s team skippers Savitri Purty, Mamta Kharab, Surinder Kaur and Saba Anjum, who is youngest member in the committee at 27.

The other two members in the panel are Olympian Syed Ali (1976 Olympics) and former international player RP Singh (World Cup in 1986 & 1990).

“The Selection Committee will work jointly with the High Performance and Development Committee to identify fresh talent in the country. The High Performance committee is a step forward in bringing uniformity in the development of the sport across the country.”

HI secretary general Narinder Batra said they have selected youngsters because they know the modern day hockey.

“The committee has been selected keeping in mind the present day environment. They know what it needs today to take Indian hockey forward,” he said.

“Besides we have people like BP Govinda and Harbinder Singh who is the government advisor in the committee. It is a fine mix of youth and experience,” he added.

source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk / Mail Online India / Home> India / by Mail Today Reporter / June 01st, 2013

Ajai, Nadia, Fouad hope to do well at Asiad

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports, World Opinion
Ajai Appachu, Nadia Haridass, Fouad Mirza and Silva Storai
Ajai Appachu, Nadia Haridass, Fouad Mirza and Silva Storai

Bangalore :

Three of Karnataka’s excellent show jumpers from Embassy International Riding School, Bangalore, will make their way to Incheon, Korea for the 17th Asian Games to be held from September 19 to October 4.

Ajai Appachu and Nadia Haridass will represent the country for the second time in the Asian Games, while Fouad Mirza will make his debut. In 2010, Ajai was selected for Asian Games, but did not make it due to technical issues.

Equestrian has featured in the Asian Games ever since it was first staged in New Delhi in 1982. To date, Japan leads in the number of accolades collected at the Asian Games followed by South Korea and India.

Appachu, Mirza and Haridass train at Bangalore’s premier horse riding school, Embassy International Riding School (EIRS). They have meticulously trained under reputed instructors.

Appachu has earned several accolades at events across the world. Recently, he stood second at the renowned Hopetoun Commonwealth Cup in Scotland.

At 22, Mirza has performed splendidly, having won over 50 regional and international championship medals. He stood fourth at the Hopetoun Commonwealth Cup.

Nadia, a dressage specialist, has been a consistent performer in the category and has gained recognition in equestrian circles by winning many laurels and representing the country at both national and international platforms.

“I think we stand a good chance of winning in South Korea as we have the best horses. In the run-up to the Asian Games, we have been training hard in Europe and also participating in tough competitions,” said Appachu. Nadia, who trains under Olympian Hubertus Schmidt in Dusseldorf, Germany, said: “Competing against the world’s best riders in the qualifying rounds of Asian Games has infused confidence in me ahead of the big event. Qatar has spent a huge amount of money to prepare for the race and they can be tough opponents.”

“I am optimistic about winning a medal in the team event. Overall, the championship will be tough as Korea, Japan and Qatar have invested heavily on buying a good breed of horses,” said Oxfordshire-based Fouad.

“Nowadays, more parents want their children to pursue the sport and I hope we have some good performances at Asian Games,” said EIRS director Silva Storai, who was a professional rider herself, not too long ago.

source: http://www.thenewindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bangalore / by S.S. Shreekumar / July 29th, 2014

Three horse riders from Bangalore for Incheon Asian Games

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports

Ajai Appachu, Fouaad Mirza and Nadia Haridass, three of Karnataka’s senior show jumpers, would take part in the equestrian event of the 17th Asian Games to be held in Incheon, South Korea, from September 19 to October 4.

Appachu, Mirza and Haridass train in Bangalore’s Embassy International Riding School (EIRS) and have qualified through five trials, qualifiers and competitions which were held from October last year to April this year, said a media release today.

There were five jury members involved in making the selections for each of the competition’s disciplines – jumping, dressage and eventing.

Appachu has earned several equestrian accolades at events world-wide and recently placed second at the Hopetoun Commonwealth Cup in Scotland and is also the chief instructor for budding equestrians at the school.

Mirza, 22, placed fourth at the Hopetoun Commonwealth Cup earlier this year while Nadia has been a consistent performer in the dressage category – representing the country at international meets, the release said.

The equestrian sport has been featured in the pan-Asian sports spectacle since the New Delhi Games in 1982 and to date, Japan leads the honours list, followed by South Korea and India in that order.

source: http://www.business-standard.com / Business Standard / Home> PTI Stories> National> News / Press Trust of India / Mumbai – July 24th, 2014

Ashwini urges fans to adopt homeless dogs in new PETA campaign

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Sports

Ace India shuttler Ashwini Ponnappa has teamed up with PETA India for a brand-new ad campaign that shows her relaxing with rescued dog ‘Shifu’ next to her racket with the caption reading, “Love All. Adopt a Dog or Cat From an Animal Shelter!”

Just before heading to the ongoing Commonwealth Games at Glasgow, Ashwini took time out of her busy schedule to team up with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India for this brand-new ad that encourages her fans to open up their homes to a homeless cat or dog.

“Stray dogs don’t have anywhere to go, and they’re chased a lot by people. They’re beaten up. They also get run over by cars,” she says.

“Instead of buying a dog, please go and adopt stray dogs and cats who need a home. And it will help them out and help you out, because you will have a companion at home.”

The ad was shot by ace photographer Sam Mohan, while Ashwini’s hair and make-up was done by Ralph Daniels.

“Pedigree” cats and dogs, who have been bred for certain exaggerated physical traits such as squashed-in noses and long ears, are more susceptible to developing medical problems, including cancer, kidney disease, joint ailments, hip dysplasia, heart defects, epilepsy and eye and ear infections.

Ponnappa won the gold medal in women’s doubles in the 2010 Commonwealth Games. She also won the bronze medal in the women’s doubles competition in the 2011 BWF World Championships.

source: http://www.business-standard.com / Business Standard / Home> PTI Stories> National> News / Press Trust of India / Mumbai – July 27th, 2014

SAI funds to boost Ashwini Nachappa’s foundation in Kodagu

Education, Sports

Union Sports Ministry sanctions Rs. 5.50 crore for the Foundation

Bangalore :

Budding athletes in Kodagu and surrounding districts have all reasons to smile as Ashwini Nachappa’s Sports Foundation at Kaikeri near Gonikoppa in Kodagu district will be converted into a national training hub for athletics with the installation of an eight-lane synthetic athletic track.

The sports foundation arena will be installed with synthetic track worth Rs. 5.50 crore. The idea of installing synthetic track was mooted by former international athlete Ashwini Nachappa in 2010 for which the Union Sports Ministry gave an approval at the beginning of this year. The Sports Ministry has decided to sanction the facility under the National Sports Development Scheme and is expected to the benefit the budding and national level athletes.

Sports Authority of India (SAI) Netaji Subhas Southern Centre, has signed an 30-year agreement with Ashwini’s Sports Foundation for utilisation of Synthetic Athletic Track and allied infrastructure to be built in the coming days.

The Rs 5.50 crore agreement was signed by Roque Dias, Regional Director, SAI and Arjun Awardee Ashwini Nachappa who is Founder and Managing Trustee of the Foundation, according to the sources.

The new facility at Kodagu will enable Sports Authority of India to conduct National Camps and organise sports events. The ministry is expected to release first installment (25 percent of the total cost) along with the finalisation of tender for the installation of the synthetic track. Technical Committee comprising of officials, experts and Olympians will look into the works which are expected to commence in November this year.

The entire project will cost Rs. 9.90 crore. With the Union Government funding Rs. 5.50 crore, the foundation will have to raise Rs. 4.40 crore.The Foundation is already being helped by Biocon’s Kiran Mazumbdar Shaw, Mohandas Pai and the Embassy Group to run the existing the facility. The foundation has 28 trainees and athletes between age group of 12-19 years in which few of them have already made a mark at the State and National level.

With Government coming forward to the support such initiatives, it will definitely help in country producing quality athletes who could make our country proud at international level.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / July 22nd, 2014

INTERVIEW: Chikkarangappa S: Winner, PGTI Kashmir Master

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports

‘Hospitality of Kashmiris will drive me to visit this place again and again’

ChikkarangappaKODAGU24jul2014

Chikkarangappa S could well be mistaken for a literature student. He talks with a poised fluency that matches his play on a golf course. The Bangalorean isn’t bad either with what has turned to be his ultimate career option.

At 24, he has teed off himself to be one of the most sought after professional golfer in Indian circuit, having already pocketed three Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) titles. His latest triumph came at the scenic Royal Springs Golf Course Srinagar, ensconced in the lap of picturesque Zabarwan Hills. His PGTI-Kashmir Masters victory was all skill, stamina and steady progress that has seen Chikka-as he is fondly known among his contemporaries- surge ahead of the established golfers in Jyoti Randhawa and Rashid Khan. Such was Chikka’s dominance; he was at the top of the leaderboard three times in the four-day event.

Chikka caught up Kashmir Reader Sports Editor after his winning show to talk about his victory, overall scenario of the sport in the valley and how Kashmir treated him.

KR: First things first, it must be one of your most cherished victories? Piping the likes of Jyoti Randhawa and Rashid Khan isn’t all that easy?

Chikka: There is no doubt the PGTI-Kashmir Masters title is something I will cherish whole life. To win the event where your opponents are some great golfers of India is very special. I grew up watching Jyoti Randhawa and to win the tourney he was participating in will be something I remember my whole life.

What made the win sweeter was the way I held my own for all of four days. I didn’t let others to have better off me.

KR: Going into the tournament, did you expect dominating show like the one you exhibited during the course of four days?

Chikka: Honestly, winning the tournament wasn’t in my mind. I didn’t have encouraging stint at the Pahalgam tourney, but found some form in the later stages of the event.

I had set certain goals for myself. I wanted to hit under-4 at least, but as the tournament progressed, I got better and better and even shot under-seven.

KR: It is your second trip to the Royal Springs Golf Course, Srinagar, you must have noticed a huge improvement in the overall quality of the venue.

Chikka: I came here in 2012 as an amateur and did well at that time as well. The facilities were excellent then and now things have improved to another level.

The greenness of the grass here is excellent. The natural beauty brings calmness and freshness in the overall setup. And, temperature here is fantastic to play in.

KR: You have played in Delhi, Bangalore and other leading venues of India, it must be refreshing to play here with temperatures always under 35 Degree Celsius?

Chikka: Obviously, it is fantastic to play in this part of the world. The temperatures aren’t that energy sapping as we see in Delhi or other venues. Players remain fresh throughout the day and mental and physical tiredness is taken care of by the lovely breeze that goes across the Royal Springs all the time.

The very location of the venue is soothing to the eyes and natural arrangement of the things here is something that will make you visit this place again and again.

KR: Lot is read in the Delhi based media about the dicey situation of the Valley, how did Kashmir treat you?

Chikka: I didn’t find any problem in walking around here in Srinagar. I could walk here as I do in any state of India. People here are loveable and hospitality here is something that will drive me to visit this place again and again.

KR: You coming back to Kashmir to visit and compete again?

Chikka: Most definitely, yes. I am looking forward to visit this place again and compete at one of the most beautiful golf courses in Asia.

KR: Kashmir is yet to produce a top professional golfer, how would that trend change?

Chikka: I feel there are lots of amateurs in Kashmir. They need to play with the professional more and more. Talent is definitely there but needs a proper coaching and direction.

Young golfers should come to watch the professionals play to pick up their mind and skill level from them. I am sure things will be better in coming years.

source: http://www.kashmirreader.com / Kashmir Reader / Home> Sports / Thursday – July 24th, 2014