Category Archives: Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

Bopanna and Divij to come together for ATP Tour

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All

Set to grab attention: Rohan Bopanna and Divij Sharan believe their styles complement each other well enough to go all the way.
Set to grab attention: Rohan Bopanna and Divij Sharan believe their styles complement each other well enough to go all the way.


Our lefty-righty combo will be to our advantage, says Divij

Not since 2013, when Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna combined, have two of the highest-ranked Indian doubles players come together to play on the ATP Tour.

As the 2019 season-opener, the Tata Open Maharashtra, gets underway from Monday, Bopanna teaming up with Divij Sharan is set to grab attention. The two best doubles practitioners in the land won the gold medal at the Asian Games in Jakarta and clearly have the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in their sights.

“Really happy to be playing with someone from India again,” said Bopanna. “It has been a long time and it is special to travel and compete with someone from your own country. We thought this may be a good opportunity looking at Tokyo as well.”

In fairness, the present seems nothing like the 2013 heyday when India had three players in the world’s top 10. Bopanna is now ranked 37 and Divij 39. Yet, it hasn’t stopped the duo from feeling upbeat. Divij in particular, after playing with a dozen partners this year, hoped the latest association might just be the right one.

“Rohan has got a big game, which can help us go all the way [in tournaments],” he explained. “Our lefty-righty combo will be to our advantage too. What will make a difference is us doing good in a few big tournaments, which was missing in my previous partnerships. I think both of us, with our strengths, can go really deep.”

Bopanna believed that they complement each other well. “Divij moves well at the net and volleys better while I hit with a lot of power from the back of the court,” said the 38-year-old. “It helped us at the Asian Games when we came through a couple of super tiebreaks by really working to our strengths. But we still have so much to learn.”

In such a nascent partnership, Divij felt that it was important not to worry about results and the accompanying pressures early on.

“We shouldn’t think too much even if we have a great first few weeks,” the 32-year-old said. “Initially you just try and get used to playing with each other. We are confident that we can do well. We just need to give ourselves that chance.”

Big-match experience
According to Bopanna, his big-match experience would come in handy. “Divij hasn’t had a full year playing all the Masters,” he said. “My being there to constantly guide him through that will be an advantage. It was a similar thing when I was with Mahesh because I had someone who had already done it at that level.”

“Also, training and being together makes a difference. Most successful doubles teams do that. When I played with [Pablo] Cuevas (in 2017), we had good results but we didn’t practise much because he was playing singles. So looking forward to competing alongside Divij.”

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport> Tennis / by N. Sudarshan / Pune, December 29th, 2018

‘Coorg Person of the Year’ award goes to two people

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All

The winners are Kolera Zaru Ganapathy, chairperson, Sai Shankar Educational Institutions, Ponnampet and Chennai-based industrialist Ashok Kumar Shetty, owner of Sincona Estate in Kodagu.

Bengaluru :

Two individuals who went out of their way to assist people affected during unprecedented floods and landslides which struck Kodagu district this August, have shared the title of ‘Coorg Person of the Year 2018’.

The winners are Kolera Zaru Ganapathy, chairperson, Sai Shankar Educational Institutions, Ponnampet and Chennai-based industrialist Ashok Kumar Shetty, owner of Sincona Estate in Kodagu.

AshokKumarKF28dec2018

The duo were joint winners in a poll conducted by www.coorgtourisminfo.com. This is the first time that the award is being shared by two people.

When educationist Zaru Ganapathy heard about the tragedy, he initially announced that he would take 25 students in his residential school. Gradually, parents of more children starting approaching him.

Ganapathy said there were 130 students at present from the affected villages who are accommodated in the residential school. “We are giving them free education and are ready to look after them for another three years,” he said.

The second Coorg Person of the Year is Chennai-based Ashok Kumar Shetty, owner of Sincona Estate, on the Madikeri-Somwarpet state highway, near Makkandur. A 450 metre-long stretch of the highway was washed away due to landslides, forcing villagers and students to trek through hills to reach their homes. Taking note of the plight of the villagers, Shetty offered nearly two acres of his land to the Public Works Department for restoring the highway line.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / December 27th, 2018

Kambeyanda C. Biddappa Is Coorg Wildlife Society President

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Green Initiatives / Environment, Leaders, Nature, Records, All

Madikeri:

New office-bearers have been elected for Coorg Wildlife Society.
KambeyandaKF30dec2018

Kambeyanda C. Biddappa has been elected as President, Ketolira A. Chengappa as Vice-President, Apparanda A. Cariappa as Secretary, Chendanda S. Poovaiah as Treasurer, Chendanda P. Aiyappa has been elected as Joint Secretary. Prof. Kambeyanda C. Belliappa, Iychettira M. Machaiah, Chendanda P. Jeffrey Muthanna, Bollera B. Chengappa, K.N. Madappa, B.A. Poonacha and C.K. Poovaiah have been elected as Executive Committee members.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / December 22nd, 2018

Kodava Makkala Janapada Samskruthika Habba enthrals all

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders
Former minister M C Nanaiah inaugurates the Kodava children's folk and cultural festival in Napoklu on Thursday, by dancing to the tune of Kodava traditional music.
Former minister M C Nanaiah inaugurates the Kodava children’s folk and cultural festival in Napoklu on Thursday, by dancing to the tune of Kodava traditional music.

Kodava people should remain united to protect their culture, said former minister M C Nanaiah.

He was speaking after inaugurating ‘Kodava Makkala Janapada Samskruthika Habba’ organised by Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy, in association with Kodava Makkada Koota, at the premises of Ankur Public School in Napoklu on Thursday.

Kodava people should not sell their properties to outsiders. If Kodagu is occupied by non-Kodavas, it would be difficult to save Kodava tradition. Kodava language and culture is unique and every Kodava has a role to play in preserving the same, Nanaiah added.

Kodava Sahitya Academy chairman Pemmanda K Ponnappa presided over the programme. Kodava Samaja president Biddatanda Ramesh Changappa was present.

Achievers Chirotira Thammaiah, Baleyada Uttappa, Kaibulira Subbaiah, Kundyolanda Subbaiah, Chiyakapoovanda Devaiah, Napaneravanda Somaiah and Boppanda Bollamma were felicitated on the occassion.

Students from 15 schools in Napoklu hobli took part in the programme. Children performed folk arts ‘Baloppatt’, ‘Bolakkatt’, ‘Ummattatt’ and ‘Kattiyatt’ during the fest.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Districts / by DH News Service / Napoklu – December 20th, 2018

Rohan Bopanna: It was scary travelling solo for the first time

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports, World Opinion

RohanBopanna01KF27dec2018

Rohan Bopanna has travelled the world now due to his tennis and the Indian recently spoke about cities he loves and also the place he wants to go to! Speaking about the place he loves going back to, he said, “New York City.

There is something in the air which keeps taking me back. The city is always buzzing. In fact, even the heat wave at the US Open did not bother me too much, maybe because at the Asian Games, it was equally humid. In a way, that helped me get used to the heat there.” Thoughts about travelling solo, Bopanna assessed, “It would be wrong to say it wasn’t scary travelling solo for the first time, but there was a sense of freedom.

Travelling to South Korea was my first solo trip. I was curious to know about a new country and most importantly, being fully responsible for everything.” A trip he felt was out of his comfort zone, “I had gone to Uzbekistan for a tournament.

My flight landed at 2 am and there was no one from the organisers to pick me up. I saw a co-passenger waiting for his friend. I went up to him and asked if he knew a place where I could stay for the night and he offered to take me to a hotel.

Trusting someone randomly and hoping for the best takes one out of their comfort zone. Luckily for me, it all ended well.” A place on his mind to travel, “Mauritius for the wonderful beaches and reefs.

source: http://www.tennisworldusa.org / Tennis World / Home> Tennis News> Tennis Interviews / by Philip Anderson / December 22nd, 2018

School track and field championship in Gonikoppa

Education, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Records, All, Sports
Participants take part in a march past at School Track and Field Championship, organised by Ashwini Sports Foundation, at CALS School grounds in Gonikoppa on Thursday.
Participants take part in a march past at School Track and Field Championship, organised by Ashwini Sports Foundation, at CALS School grounds in Gonikoppa on Thursday.

The district-level School Track and Field Championship, organised by Ashwini Sports Foundation, was inaugurated at CALS School grounds on Thursday.

On the occasion, Ashwini Sports Foundation managing director Ashwini Nachappa said the championship provides a platform for sports enthusiastic students to display their talents.

For the first time, the event is conducted on a track covered with artificial lawn, she added.

CALS President Datta Karumbaiah and principal Bachettira Gowramma Nanjappa were present.

Participants from various schools of the district took out a march past on the occasion.

Events such as race, hurdles, shot put, discus throw, high jump, long jump and relay events were held for both boys and girls.

Students aged 12,14 and 16 years took part in various events.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Districts / by DH News Service / Gonikoppa – December 20th, 2018

Joshna bags record-equalling 16th national title, Mahesh wins maiden crown

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Sports

Noida :

Squash star Joshna Chinappa equalled Bhuvneshwari Kumari’s record of 16 national titles while Mahesh Mangaonkar won his maiden crown on the concluding day of the premier domestic event at the HCL campus here on Sunday.

In the two contrasting finals, Mahesh pipped Vikram Malhotra 11-4, 13-15, 11-2, 5-11, 15-13 while Joshna edged out Urwashi Joshi 9-11, 11-1, 11-6, 11-5.

In comparison to the gruelling battle in the men’s final, Joshna had it easier though Urwashi Joshi of Maharashtra did surprise her by taking the first game.

As it turned out, the dent Joshna suffered was more of an aberration. The reigning champion ensured the ride was smooth from there on en route a record equalling crown.

The 32-year-old said it was always special to come back to the Nationals, where she won her maiden title as a 14-year-old. Overall, Joshna has played in a staggering 18 finals, losing just two of them.

“There is a funny story behind this. When I was 12, my father told me that ‘you have to win your first national title before you turn 16’ and I did it at 14. The plan at that point was to win as many Nationals as I could. For me, playing the Nationals is more about reliving the child in me every since I played my first as a 12 year old,” Joshna told .

Her achievements on the international stage easily eclipse Kumari’s feats and now Joshna wants to break her national record.

“Yes I do want to have the maximum number of titles, I am not going to lie abut that. It is nice to equal her record. To be here after 20 years in the sport, is a testament to the work I have done,” said the world number 15.

Joshna has dominated the National Championships over the last two decades but has also had some tough battles with Mekhala Subedar and longtime teammate Dipika Pallikal, who is not a regular at the domestic event.

“My biggest battles have been with Mekhala and Dipika. Everyone loves watching Dipika and me play. Shame she is not here,” added Joshna, who initially struggled to sight the ball in sunlight during the final played on a glass court.

In the men’s final, Mahesh outwitted Vikram Malhotra in a five game tussle of fluctuating fortunes.

Vikram had three match points to settle the argument but failed to grab them. A final can always be tense and Mahesh and Vikram displayed that no less. A year ago in a PSA event, the only occasion when the two had met on the professional circuit, Vikram had edged Mahesh, again over five games.

BS PDS PDS
source: http://www.outlookindia.com / Outlook / Home> The News Scroll December 16th, 2018

Short film ‘Nentathi Goode’ released

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All
Karnataka Arebhashe Samskrithi Mathu Sahitya Academy president P C Jayaram releases the short film ‘Nentathi Goode’.
Karnataka Arebhashe Samskrithi Mathu Sahitya Academy president P C Jayaram releases the short film ‘Nentathi Goode’.

All of us should develop self-respect for the mother tongue, said Karnataka Arebhashe Samskrithi Mathu Sahitya Academy president P C Jayaram.

Speaking after releasing an Arebhashe short film ‘Nentathi Goode’, he said, “All languages have there own distinct feature and culture. The younger generation should conserve the language for the future generation.”

He lauded the team of youths for coming out with a short film highlighting the culture and farming system of the Arebhashe speaking community members.

Madikeri Gowda Samaja president Periyana Jayanand said, “The short film, ‘Nentathi Goode’, is a new attempt and it has highlighted the culture and tradition of the Gowda community members in Kodagu and Dakshina Kannada district. There has been a decline in movies in Arebhashe language.”

Short film director Vishnu Kalanjana said, “35 artistes from the Gowda community have acted in the short film. It was shot in and around Kodagu. The short film also makes an attempt to showcase the richness of Ainmane (ancestral homes) in Kodagu district”.

Kadya Jagrithi is in the lead role in the short film. The screenplay is written by Torera Sachin while the cinematography is by Diwakar.

CMC President Kaveramma Somanna also spoke on the occasion.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> States> Mangaluru / by Naina J A / DH News Service, Madikeri / December 09th, 2018

Rohan Bopanna and Divij Sharan, India’s Asiad gold-winning pair, to partner on ATP Tour from 2019

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports, World Opinion

The all-Indian doubles pair will start their season at home in the Maharashtra Open.

PTI
PTI

India’s 2018 Asian Games gold medal winning pair of Rohan Bopanna and Divij Sharan has decided to form a permanent partnership and will play together on the ATP Tour from the 2019 season.

Bopanna and Sharan – ranked 37 and 39 in the ATP year-end doubles ranking respectively – will start their season at the Maharashtra Open in Pune and will play one more tournament before taking part in the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year.

“We have played with each other before and we gel well. Plus we have similar rankings so we can enter the bigger tournaments together,” Sharan told Scroll.in. “Both of us are from India and it is always nice to play with someone from your country,” he added.

The idea to pair came up organically and was something both of them were keen on, especially after their title-winning run in Indonesia in August this year. “We have been in touch and were thinking about this, especially after the Asian Games. I enjoy playing with Rohan and we form a good pair,” he said.

But the partnership can also go on to be a lot more meaningful for Indian tennis with an eye on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. An all-Indian doubles pair with the experience of playing together on the circuit will be a welcome addition the squad.

On his part, Sharan did say that playing together now will give them the opportunity to play more tournaments together for India in the future. The duo displayed good chemistry when they played together in Indonesia and more tournaments together will give them a chance to get better. Much like the pair of Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi in the early part of this millennium.

After the Maharashtra Open, the pair plans to play in either Sydney or Auckland depending on the entry list and then the Australian Open. There is a strong possibility that they will team up in the Davis Cup as well, when India take on Italy in February in the qualifiers for the Finals.

The 32-year-old Sharan is a late bloomer and has had a great season in 2018, reaching a career-best 36 and was briefly the highest-ranked Indian in doubles ahead of Bopanna as well. Sharan had a host of partners in the last year, after ending his long-standing partnership with fellow Indian Purav Raja. Last year at the Maharashtra Open, Sharan had played with Yuki Bhambri while 2016 Chennai Open champions Rohan Bopanna and Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan had played together.

source: http://www.scroll.in / Scroll.in / Home> The Field> Indian Tennis / by Zenia D’Cruz / December 07th, 2018

Hockey World Cup Memories: AB Subbaiah remembers 1994 edition, where India’s chances were undone by South Africa

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Sports, World Opinion

Playing as a goalkeeper for the Indian team, AB Subbaiah was part of the 1998 Asian Games gold medal winning side. He has been feted with the Arjuna Award. He spoke to Amit Kamath.

I was India’s goalkeeper in the 1994 World Cup, which was held in Sydney. What a memorable tournament it was!

We had a great team consisting of players like Dhanraj Pillay, Mukesh Kumar and Mohammed Riaz.

Our preparation for the World Cup was also excellent. The 1994 World Cup was one of the first coaching assignments of Cedric D’Souza and he had prepared the team really well. I remember that a lot of players came from either Mumbai or Karnataka at that time.

While most of our other coaches used to train us by working on our strengths, Cedric was the one who made us prepare by focusing on our rivals’ strengths and tactics. Cedric had a technical style of coaching which involved studying other teams. It was a modern style of training which helped us prepare for each and every situation.

We played some great hockey against the best teams in the world. That tournament saw us register wins over South Korea and Belgium in the group stage. We also had close matches against Germany and the Netherlands.

It was a great team and we had done very well but one unfortunate thing was the 2-2 draw against South Africa in the league stage. That proved to be the difference between us and Germany in qualifying for the semi-finals. At that time, just two teams from the group were to qualify for the semis.

I remember that after our last group match, we had to wait for the match between the Netherlands and Germany to end to see if we could qualify. They played out a draw, which led some of us to feel like they had an understanding.

But there were a few things which proved to be our undoing in that tournament. Against the good teams in our group we performed really well, but against an under-rated team like South Africa, we were a little slack in our approach. That was probably because we were focusing on the bigger teams in the tournament. When you play at an event as big as the World Cup, you have to prepare equally for each opponent however big or small it is.

What also hurt us was a misplaced pass by Shakeel Ahmed when we were up 1-0 against Germany. The Germans capitalised on the error, stormed into out D and equalised!

Another memory that sticks out from that tournament is the goal the Netherlands’ Taco van den Honert scored against me in our group match. At that time, players would whack or slap-hit the ball towards goal in penalty corners. But when the Netherlands played us, Taco drag-flicked the ball into the top right corner. It surprised all of us! It was the onset of the era of drag-flicks.

What also went against us was that one of our most prominent forwards, Sabu Varkey, was not available during the tournament. If he had played, he would have been a livewire at the front and the results would have been different.

Eventually, we could not qualify for the semis and had to play Argentina in the playoffs for the 5th to 8th position spots. We won that match in an exhilarating tiebreaker. We beat them comprehensively! At that time, finishing 5th and 6th was commendable because it also meant that the team would qualify for the Champions Trophy. So, on one hand, we were happy, but on the other hand, we felt that since a lot of young players had come from the junior team, so we could have done really well in this tournament.

And then we beat England for the fifth-sixth position match which made it a memorable tournament for us. Finishing fifth at that tournament was not that bad because it was just one step away from the semi-finals. We were unfortunate to miss the chance in that way. But what was more unfortunate was that at the Atlanta Olympics two years later, we again missed the semi-final cut narrowly like that.

That was what teams need to realise! We were good enough to make it to the semis at the 1994 World Cup. But it was just because of one underrated team beating us in one match that we missed out.

For the full Hockey World Cup 2018 schedule, click here

source: http://www.firstpost.com / FirstPost. / Home> Latest News> Sports News / by A B Subbaiah / December 02nd, 2018