The Codava National Council (CNC) marked “Pathalodhi”, the auspicious 10th day after Talacauvery’s holy water emergence, with poignant ceremonies at Mullusoge War Memorials, Madikeri Fort, and Naalnaad Palace in Kodagu.
Under Chairman N.U. Nachappa Codava, the events on October 26, celebrated Codava martial valour and lamented over two centuries of royal tyranny that decimated the indigenous Animistic tribe from 1633 to 1834.
Mullusoge, along the Cauvery near Kushalnagar, hosted tributes to Codava warriors who thwarted Hyder Ali and Tipu’s assaults more than 32 times, preserving Codavaland’s independence. Meedhi offerings exalted these protectors against Mysore aggression.
At Madikeri Fort (9:30 AM), the CNC mourned 40,000+ Codavas slaughtered inside, with 842 clans extinguished by Tipu and Rajas. The fort’s 201-year dark era saw Chaadi Siddi (spy)-executed beheadings for trivial defiance, epitomised by Tipu’s Devattparamb betrayal massacre. Oblations prayed for victims’ repose and CNC’s success in securing ST status and self-rule.
Naalnaad Palace in Yevakapadi (12:30 PM) saw floral honours for clans wiped out by Keladhi/Paaleri rulers. Abductions for royal gratification led to infants’ live burials in “Nagaari Kund”; resisters like Puliyanda Karicha were elephant-dragged to death. Kaapala mercenaries from Malabar enforced decapitations. Masti Venkatesha Iyengar’s “Chikavira Rajendra” immortalises this savagery, the CNC highlighted.
Post-1947 governance inherited this persecution, the CNC charged, exploiting Codava loyalty before erasure. Calling for atonement, it demanded GOI and GOK enact ST listing, 6th Schedule autonomy, “Gun-Thok” safeguards under Articles 25–26, and a unique 2026–27 census identifier for the non-caste, Animistic Codavas.
Participants with Nachappa were Chambanda Janath, Nandetira Ravi Subbaiah, Thennira Mina, Areyada Girish, Puttichanda Don Devaiah, Apparanda Viju, Apparanda Prasad, Nandineravanda Bopanna, Apparanda Prakash, Apparanda Vivek, Mekerira Babbu, Areyada Savan, Kupadhira Rani Monnapa, and Kupadhira Monnappa, uniting in solemn remembrance.
source: http://www.thehansindia.com / The Hans India / Home> News> State> Karnataka / by Hans News Service / October 26th, 2025
MLA for Madikeri Mantar Gowda has sanctioned a grant of ₹3 lakh from the MLA Local Area Development Fund for the development of the statue of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, and its surrounding park in Madikeri.
During their visit to Madikeri on Tuesday, Tennira Maina, district president of the Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Raj Organisation, and Mandira Sada Muddappa, nominated member of the Madikeri City Municipal Council, submitted an estimate for the proposed development works. Responding to their proposal, Dr. Gowda announced the grant.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Gowda said that Field Marshal Cariappa and General K.S. Thimayya were exceptional military leaders and it is the duty of every Indian to honour their contributions.
The MLA said that he would continue to extend full support to all programmes and initiatives associated with these great leaders.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / October 28th, 2025
The Bungalow 1934 is a 91-year-old family home where traditional Kodava cooking and hospitality are the order of the day.
On a hilltop in Coorg, sandwiched between a coffee estate and the Brahmagiri range, Bungalow 1934 is Amrith Thimmaiah’s home and a living chronicle of Kodava culture.
In 1934, Ketolira Diwan Bahadur Chengappa built a home in the typical Kodava-British style of bungalows, set against the backdrop of the Ballyatra hill. When Chengappa became the first Chief Commissioner of Coorg in 1943, the home became the venue for lavish parties for state guests and British officials.
In 2010, the fourth-generation of the family, Amrith Thimmaiah, and his parents Gappu and Fancy Ganapathi, opened their 91-year-old family home as a heritage homestay.
View of Bungalow 1934 set against the Ballyatra Hill / Amrith Thimmaiah
About the homestay
The Bungalow is located in Yavakapadi village, roughly 30km from Virajpet and Madikeri. There are sweeping valley views, as well as a clear view of the Igguthappa temple, a deeply significant site for Kodavas who visit the deity for a bountiful harvest.
Bedrooms at the Bungalow 1934 / Amrith Thimmaiah
With mud walls, pillars, and beams, the home is a true depiction of Coorg ‘s ainmané or ancestral homes, where vaastu dictates aspects like where the owner’s room should be located (in the kubéra moolé, or south west direction). A sprawling fig tree stands out front, and you enter into a pillared, elevated open veranda where, traditionally, Kodava families gathered for tea, family meetings or an evening drink.
The hall in the Bungalow 1934, with old plates passed from generations in Amrith’s family / Amrith Thimmaiah
Peppered with antiques and with mosaic tile floors, the main bungalow features living spaces, a large common dining area, a room where Amrith stays, and four guest bedrooms. An annexe beside the main bungalow houses two more guest bedrooms. The six spacious rooms are rustic and cosy , with blue tiles, beamed ceilings, in-built fireplaces, and four poster beds. Large windows offer ample sunlight and views of the mountains. When the temperature drops in these misty mountains, there are plenty of fireplaces across the home and porches to curl up with some homegrown coffee.
Kitchen at the Bungalow 1934 / Amrith Thimmaiah
The home is surrounded by rosewood, jackfruit and mango trees, and the grounds lead into the 70-acre Green Acres coffee estate. Arabica and Robusta coffee plants grow under a light canopy of Silver Oak, Cedar, and Benteak, dotted with pepper vines and cardamom plants. The buzz of cicadas and birdsong fill the air. Birders will be able to spot hornbills, white-bellied treepies, and the crow pheasant or the chombuka, considered lucky by the Kodavas.
About the hosts
Amrith at the BBQ lunch spread by the stream / Amrith Thimmaiah
Amrith is a rally driver by profession and a passionate host at the homestay, managing bookings personally (the homestay is not listed on any booking platforms), helping with logistics and recommendations. Guests usually come through word of mouth or as repeat visitors, and bookings are confirmed only for days a family member is present at the homestay. Staff leaves and village festivals are respected, and no bookings are made during this time.
Fancy Ganapathi making Noolputt (steamed rice noodles) with Subbu, Krishna, Chethan & Pavithra / Amrith Thimmaiah
Amrith’s mother, Fancy Ganapathi, is a powerhouse who oversees the food at the homestay. The former lecturer of Kannada literature is a horticulturalist by passion, and a catalyst in forming the 700-member Nature’s Best Food Cluster in Kodagu. The organisation trains grassroot level farmers and enables them to sell their products at outlets in Coorg. “At the Bungalow, I love to share recipes with guests and if someone wants to purchase local produce, I ensure the cluster family provides their products,” she says. Gappu Ganapathi, Amrith’s father, is the backbone of the bungalow and manages the entire coffee plantation.
The Bungalow has 8 to 10 staff members, whose families have been associated with the Ketolira family for generations. Janaki Saraswati, the cook, used to be Amrith’s nanny and was taught heirloom recipes by Amrith’s grandmother.
The food
Frozen Mulberry Crush / Amrith Thimmaiah
Koli Chuttadh (Chicken woodfire roasted) with bird’s eye chilies and lime / Amrith Thimmaiah
Food at the homestay stays true to any traditional Kodava home, with classic local dishes like khaima undae (mutton keema balls), kori erachi pulao (mutton pulao), pandhi curry and otti (pork curry with rice flatbread). Buffet style meals served in the dining area are generous and take into account dietary preferences. There are numerous vegetarian options within the gamut of Coorg cuisine, featuring seasonal produce like kaaké thopp (black nightshade leaves), kumm curry (mushroom), and kaad maangé curry, a tangy, sweet curry made with Coorg wild mangoes.
Fancy ensures that all dishes are served in the traditional Kodava style: baimbalé with otti (tender bamboo shoot curry with rice flat bread) served with ghee is a common Coorg breakfast; rice cakes or putt with meat curry; chutneys or pajjis made from seasonal produce.
Pomfret Fish Grilled / Amrith Thimmaiah
Onak Meen Barthadh (Dried Fish fry) / Amrith Thimmaiah
She also makes fruit wine and chocolates, and her mulberry and pomegranate wines are a hot favourite. This year, she has started to make oil and tea out of the rosemary growing in her small garden. The pathaya or granary on the homestay premises houses the products she makes, and make for perfect souvenirs to take home.
Amrith Thimmaiah
Amrith Thimmaiah
At dusk, Amrith has a house rule: he will host a typical Coorg-style barbeque for guests. Meat is roasted the traditional way over an open wood fire, mixed with finely chopped bird’s eye chili and the juice of bitter lime, to serve up Coorg’s favourite starter, pork chuddals. The family and staff tell stories by the fire, while you can sip cocktails under a star-studded sky with the lights of Madikeri town in the distance.
How to spend 48 hrs at The Bungalow 1934
Sparko at Charandi Polé / Amrith Thimmaiah
The homestay offers plenty of cosy nooks to read, write and while away the hours, but if you want to venture out, Amrith organizes treks to Thadiandamol peak and Chelavara Waterfalls. For those interested, Fancy conducts workshops for chocolate, wine, or jam making (4 people minimum, Rs5,000 per person). Sparko, the family dog, may take you down to a stream a short walk from the bungalow, where you can enjoy a barbeque picnic lunch by the stream.
Amrith Thimmaiah
Take a leisurely 2km walk or a guided plantation tour with Gappu at the coffee estate. Gappu and Fancy live in a home close by, with fish ponds, a cow shed, a coffee drying and storage area, and are happy to invite you over with advance notice.
The Codava National Council (CNC) held its 16th human chain awareness campaign in Ammathi of Virajpet taluk on Tuesday, October 21, rallying for the indigenous Codava community’s constitutional recognition and territorial sovereignty.
Under the leadership of Chairman N.U. Nachappa Codava, an advocate, the event spotlighted demands for Codavaland’s political autonomy, Scheduled Tribe (ST) designation, reserved seats in Parliament and State Assembly similar to Sikkim’s “Sangha” model, and enduring rights to ancestral properties and the Animistic “thok-gun” firearm tradition integral to Codava ceremonies.
Nachappa stressed that Codava survival hinges on securing a distinct ethnic identity in the 2026-27 national census through a dedicated column and code, enabling constitutional protections for their mono-ethnic, Animistic faith, which venerates the Cauvery River, forest deities, and ancestral graves without mainstream religious or caste affiliations.
Unlike conventional practices, Codava weddings feature a sacred “patthak” tied by the bride’s mother and obligatory offerings of alcohol and pork, aligning with global indigenous groups like Jharkhand’s Santal (proclaimed Sarna by CM Hemant Soren) or the Kalash, protected by UNESCO’s heritage framework.
From 1871 to 1931, colonial censuses acknowledged Codavas as a unique non-religious, non-caste entity, a status lost post-1947 as they were merged into dominant categories, obliterating their distinctiveness. Nachappa warned that without census reinstatement, their political and cultural voice risks permanent suppression, undermining self-determination.
The CNC voiced concerns over alleged plots to integrate Bangladeshi Rohingyas into Kodagu’s voter rolls, inflating demographics for political gain, and criticised unauthorised land conversions for resorts, such as a 16-acre township within a 2,400-acre estate, enabled by lax governance.
To address labour needs without compromising local rights, Nachappa suggested a guest worker permit system, modelled on the 2015 Modi-Sheikh Hasina Dhaka agreement, mandating seasonal migrants’ return to their regions.
The peaceful chain, joined by Codava leaders like Udianda Chondamma, Badumanda Sanvi Dechamma, and Inanda Prakash Ganapathy, vowed to continue the struggle in the name of sacred Codava symbols and the Constitution, closing with the National Anthem.
The 17th chain is scheduled for Monday, October 27, 2025, in Srimangala, building on events in places like Madapur and Chettalli to amplify Codava advocacy for justice and recognition.
source: http://www.hansindia.com / The Hans India / Home> News> State> Karnataka / by The Hans India / October 21st, 2025
Hundreds of school and college students took part in the Star of Mysore and Mysuru Mithra Founder-Editor Dr. K.B. Ganapathy (KBG) Memorial Road Race organised by Mysore Athletics Club at University of Mysore Athletic Ground (Oval Grounds) in city this morning.
The event was inaugurated by senior journalist Amshi Prasannakumar.
The event was held in five categories — Children below 5 years (100 mts), Primary School (Boys and Girls – 400 mts), Higher Primary School (Boys and Girls – 800 mts), High School (Boys and Girls – 1.5 km) and PUC (Boys and Girls – 2 km). Winners were awarded with medals and cash prizes.
Mysore Athletics Club President Dr. Chainsingh Rajpurohit presided. Senior Journalist Narasimhamurthy, University of Mysore’s Department of Physical Education (DPE) Director Dr. C. Venkatesh, KSA (Bengaluru) Pistol Sharp Shooter H.D. Aravind Gowda, Social Worker Harish Moganna, Mysore Athletics Club Patron Dr. C. Krishna, Secretary M. Yogendra, Organising Secretary G.R. Prabhakar and Executive Committee Members were present.
Results
Primary School (400 mts Run) Boys: 1. N. Pavan (BVB, Mysuru), 2. U. Rishaan (St. Joseph’s School), 3. Aryan Kavan (DPIRS), 4. S. Kashish (BVB), 5. S. Surya (MWLSS), 6. Sayug Kuttappa (Podar International School) and 7. Ganvith. G. Gowda (KNC).
Girls: 1. E. Uthra (BVB, Mysuru), 2. B.P. Vriddhi Ponnanna (Gnanaganga School), 3. C. Sinchana (Kurubur), 4. Sinchana (Kurubur), 5. Sanvi (Kurubur) and 6. Lalitya (Christ Public School).
Higher Primary School (800 mts) Boys: 1. N. Subash Gowda (New Oxford Public School), 2. M.S. Vishal (Baden Powell Public School), 3. N. Tanmay (BVB, Mysuru), 4. Janvik (DAV Public School), 5. K.S. Anush (BVB) and 6. S.M. Ayush (BVB).
Girls: 1. R. Niha (St. Joseph’s School), 2. K.M. Pragathi (Vidya Darshini, Kurubur), 3. M. Meghna (Vidya Darshini, Kurubur), 4. S. Prakruthi (Vidya Darshini, Kurubur), 5. Bindu (Vidya Darshini, Kurubur) and 6. M.K. Gowri (BVB, Mysuru).
High School (1.5 km) Boys: 1. P. Lasith Kishore (Vijaya Vittala Vidyashala), 2. S. Shreyas (Rotary West), 3. H.V. Chirag (VVS B.M. Shree School), 4. Chiranth H.G. Gowda (KNCIGS, Mysuru), 5. V. Sudarshan Jain (Capital Public School) and 6. M. Meghanath Gowda (K.P. Convent).
Girls: 1. Inchara (Kurubur Club), 2. Mamatha (Kurubur Club), 3. S. Jayashree (Sri Chamundeshwari Sports Club), 4. H. Saha (St. Joseph’s School), 5. Divyashree (Sri Chamundeshwari Sports Club) and 6. Varsha (DAV Public School).
PUC (2 km) Boys: 1. K.U. Omkar (SBRR Mahajana PU College), 2. Varun (Vidya Jyothi PU College), 3. M. Dileep (Vivekananda College), 4. R. Srujan (Vivekananda College), 5. P. Yashwanth (Vivekananda College) and 6. R. Koushik (Vijaya Vittala PU College).
Girls: 1. N. Manasa (Kurubur), 2. S. Ankitha (Kurubur), 3. Deepashree (Kurubur), 4. M. Ananya (Kurubur), 5. Manasa (Kurubur) and 6. N. Vaishnavi (Mysuru).
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / October 19th, 2025
“India needs committed teachers who believe in their career development,” opined Professor M D Nanjunda, renowned educationist and secretary of Kodagu Academy for Education and Culture, Gonikoppal.
He was speaking after receiving the prestigious Alevoor Group Award instituted by Alevoor Group for Education at the annual day celebrations of Shanthiniketan English Medium School, Alevoor, on Sunday January 29.
“Unfortunately, many teachers did not take up the teaching profession as a choice, but somehow they landed up in the profession. Now they believe only in bell and the bill,” he added.
Meanwhile, Prof Nanjunda advised the teachers to develop a professional attitude or to quit the profession. He also said that government’s effort to get the state syllabus on par with the central syllabus through a bridge course would be a futile attempt.
Presenting the award, Lions district governor Jayakar Shetty Indrali called upon the parents to instill the qualities of respecting elders and teachers in their wards.
DDPI Nagendra Madhyastha released the annual bulletin of the group,
Alevoor Group president A Ganapathi Kini welcomed the gathering. Secretary A Dinesh Kini introduced the awardee. Principal Roopa D Kini presented the annual report. Teacher Vibha Adiga proposed the vote of thanks. Srinivas Upadhya and Sudha S Puthraya compered the programme.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Karnataka / by Shubalaxmi / Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (RD) / January 31st, 2012
Kodagu’s Thekkada Bhavani becomes the firstIndian woman to win international skiing medals
While many youngsters influenced by Bollywood dream of entering the world of glamour and fame, here is a girl who chose a very different path — the icy slopes of the mountains. Inspired by adventure and driven by determination, she turned her passion for mountaineering into a historic achievement, becoming the first Indian woman to win medals at an international-level cross-country skiing championship.
A native of Napoklu in Kodagu district, Thekkada Bhavani Nanjunda defied all odds to make not just her hometown, but the entire State and Nation proud. She clinched bronze medals in the 5 km distance race and 1.3 km sprint at the South American Cross-Country Skiing FIS Competition held at Corralco, Chile, in September this year.
Bhavani has represented India at several prestigious international events, including the Nordic World Championships and the Asian Winter Games. A multiple medal winner at the Khelo India Games and the National Skiing Championship, she is now rigorously training to qualify for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
Daughter of Thekkada Nanjunda (Shambu) and Parvathi (Divya) of Perur village near Napoklu, Bhavani draws her strength from her roots and family support. Her younger sister, Thekkada Seethamma, works for a private firm in Bengaluru.
Star of Mysore caught up with the trailblazing athlete to learn more about her journey, challenges and preparations for the upcoming Olympics. Excerpts…
Bhavani (second from right) seen with her father Thekkada Nanjunda (Shambu), mother Parvathi (Divya) and younger sister Thekkada Seethamma.
Star of Mysore (SOM): How did your journey in cross-country skiing begin?
Bhavani: It all started after I watched the movie ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’. That’s when I first learned about the majestic Himalayan mountain range, which inspired me to join the NCC Air Wing during my college days.
In 2014, I attended a mountaineering camp in Manali — that was my first encounter with snow, something we never see back home in Kodagu. The experience changed my life completely. I wanted to explore the mountains more deeply and decided to take up skiing so I could glide down the peaks I climbed. Over time, I discovered cross-country skiing and fell in love with it for the endurance, precision, and mental strength it demands.
SOM: What inspired you to pursue adventure sports, and cross-country skiing in particular?
Bhavani: I’ve always been drawn to the outdoors and adventure. But my biggest inspiration came from Marit Bjørgen of Norway — one of the greatest cross-country skiers in history. Her strength, determination, and consistency truly motivated me. Watching her made me want to follow that path and represent India in a sport that very few from our country have even attempted.
SOM: Cross-country skiing is known for its toughness. How did you master such a demanding sport?
Bhavani: It’s been a long and challenging journey. I had no background in snow sports and limited access to proper facilities in the beginning. But I stayed consistent — training first in India, then in New Zealand, and later in Europe. Each season taught me something new — from refining my technique to building endurance and mental resilience. It’s a constant process of learning, and even today, every single day on the snow feels like an opportunity to improve.
SOM: How does it feel to be the only Indian woman to win cross-country skiing medals at an international event?
Bhavani: It’s an incredibly proud and emotional feeling. Standing on the podium with the Indian flag was one of the most special moments of my life. But beyond the medals, it’s about proving that Indian athletes can compete in winter sports at the highest level. I hope my journey inspires more youngsters, especially girls, to explore lesser-known sports and believe that nothing is impossible.
SOM: How have your parents supported you throughout your journey?
Bhavani: My parents have been my biggest strength. Even though they didn’t fully understand the sport initially, they always believed in me and supported my dreams. Their encouragement gave me the courage to pursue such an unconventional path. Every achievement of mine belongs to them as much as it does to me.
SOM: Now that you have reached the international stage, what is your next goal?
Bhavani: My primary focus is the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. I want to qualify and represent India with strong performances on the world stage. At the same time, I hope to raise awareness about winter sports and help build better infrastructure in India, so the next generation has opportunities I didn’t have.
SOM: What advice would you give to youngsters wanting to take up cross-country skiing?
Bhavani: I would say, just start. Don’t wait for perfect conditions or ideal facilities. Passion and perseverance can take you a long way. Cross-country skiing challenges you physically and mentally, but it also teaches resilience, patience, and self-belief. If I could do it, coming from a small town in South India, anyone can.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home > Feature Articles / October 19th, 2025
Two- time Asian champion Joshna Chinappa continued her remarkable comeback by winning the women’s singles title at the Japan Open 2025 squash tournament at Yokohama in Japan yesterday.
The 39-year-old Indian squash player, 117th in the women’s singles rankings and unseeded in Japan, defeated third seed and world No. 53 Haya Ali of Egypt 11-5, 11-9, 6-11, 11-8 to cap off an impressive run at the PSA Challenger event.
This triumph marked Joshna’s 11th career PSA title and her first since returning to full fitness after undergoing knee surgery after the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, where she was also part of India’s bronze-winning women’s team.
Joshna teamed up with teenage prodigy Anahat Singh earlier this year to win the women’s doubles title at the Asian Championships in June and also reached the semi-finals of the Indian Open, where she lost to eventual champion Anahat.
At the Japan Open, Joshna displayed dominant form throughout the tournament. She defeated Malaysia’s Anrie Goh 11-6, 11-6, 11-6 in her tournament opener, followed by a straight game win over French fifth seed Lauren Baltayan 11-7, 11-4, 11-9 in the second round.
In the quarter finals, she overcame Egypt’s second seed Nardine Garas 11-8, 15-13, 11-9 and then overwhelmed fourth-seeded Egyptian Rana Ismail 11-7, 11-1, 11-5 in the semi-finals.
Squash will make its Olympic debut at the LA 2028 Games.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / October 15th, 2025
Directed by Charukesh Sekar, the Tamil-language gangster drama also stars Nimisha Sajayan, Gautham Karthik, and Abhishek Banerjee.
A poster of ‘Legacy’ / Netflix
R. Madhavan and Gulshan Devaiah will headline Netflix’s Legacy, a Tamil series directed by Charukesh Sekar, the streaming platform announced on Monday.
“Watch Legacy, coming soon, only on Netflix,” wrote the streaming giant on Instagram alongside a poster of the show.
Legacy is billed as a gritty family gangster drama that spirals into a saga of succession. The series boasts an ensemble cast, including Nimisha Sajayan, Gautham Karthik, and Abhishek Banerjee.
Produced by Kalyan Subramanian of Stone Bench Pvt Ltd, Legacy is set to hit Netflix soon.
While Madhavan recently appeared in the Netflix film Aap Jaisa Koi, Devaiah has been earning plaudits from movie-goers for his performance in Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: Chapter 1. Madhavan has Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar in the pipeline.
Director Charukesh Sekar is known for Ammu (2022), Bench Talkies (2015) and Mercury (2018).
Netflix on Monday announced three more Tamil original films and series.
Stephen, a Tamil psychological thriller directed by Mithun and starring Gomathi Shankar, delves into the mind of a self-confessed killer being evaluated by a psychiatrist on a chilling case.
#Love, a Tamil series directed by Balaji Mohan and starring Arjun Das and Aishwarya Lekshmi, offers a refreshing take on modern romance.
Made In Korea brings a fresh cross-cultural story to Tamil cinema. Directed by Ra Karthik and starring Priyanka Mohan alongside Park Hye-Jin of Squid Game fame, the film is about a young woman whose dream trip to Korea is derailed by betrayal. Through unexpected friendships and hard lessons, she discovers hope, and herself.
source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / The Telegraph Online / Home> Entertainment / by Entertainment Web Desk / October 13th, 2025
Bopanna surpassed Paes’s record and stands only behind the legendary McEnroe on the list of oldest players to reach a men’s doubles finals.
Indian tennis ace Rohan Bopanna added another feather to his illustrious cap as he became the oldest player to reach the final of an ATP 500 event with his run alongside doubles partner Takeru Yuzuki to the final of the Japan Open 2025.
Bopanna and Yusuki, who eventually surrendered the final to Moncao’s Hugo Nys and France’s Edouard Roger-Vasselin 5-7, 5-7, Bopanna better compatriot Leander Paes’s record of being the oldest player to reach the summit clash of the ATP category event.
Bopanna, at the age of 45 years, 6 months shattered Paes’ record of having made the final in the men’s doubles of a ATP 500 final at the age of 44 years, 9 months when the latter reached the summit clash of the Dubai Tennis Championships in the year 2018. Paes, who partnered along with American James Carretani went down to Jean-Julien Rojer and Horia Tecau.
Bopanna stands as the second-oldest player after the legendary John McEnroe to reach the final of a men’s doubles event of an ATP-level competition.
McEnroe accomplished the feat at the ripe old age of 47 years, when he won the 2006 San Jose, an ATP International Series event, a category which was replaced by an ATP 250 event in 2009, crown with Jonas Bjorkman. The event marked one of the two events McEnroe took part in after coming out of retirement. Bopanna also joined McEnroe a the only players to play a men’s doubles event after turning 45.
Bopanna also stands as the oldest player to win a Men’s doubles Grand Slam with his victory at the Australian Open in 2024 and the ATP 1000 Title in Miami Open 2024 en route to becoming the oldest first-time World No.1 ranked player last year.
source: http://www.news18.com / News 18 / Home> English Edition / by Vivek Ganapathy / October 01st, 2025
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