Category Archives: Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

Karnataka CM felicitates Australian Open doubles title winner Rohan Bopanna, announces cash prize of ₹50 lakh

Bopanna was accompanied by his family during the meeting with the CM on February 13.

Parents of tennis player Rohan Bopanna watch him being felicitated by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Bengaluru on February 13, 2024. Bopanna became only the third Indian to win a men’s doubles Grand Slam title, taking the Australian Open crown with partner Matthew Ebden after a win over Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori in the final. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah felicitated tennis player Rohan Bopanna for winnig the men’s doubles Australian Open title and announced a prize of ₹50 lakh.

Bopanna was accompanied by his family during the meeting on February 13 with the CM who was accompanied by Information Technology Minister Priyank Kharge, Kannada and Culture Minister Shivaraj S. Thangadagi, and his political secretary Govindaraju.

On social media platform X, Mr Siddaramaiah posted: “Met and congratulated Rohan Bopanna, who won the men’s doubles title of Australian Open tennis tournament and announced a prize of ₹50 lakh.”

Bopanna became only the third Indian to win a men’s doubles Grand Slam title, taking the Australian Open crown with partner Matthew Ebden after a win over Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori in the final.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / The Hindu Bureau / February 13th, 2024

Sportstar Aces Awards 2024 | After years of sacrifice, I’ve realised my dream, says Bopanna

It is very humbling for me to reach these heights from the beautiful land of Coorg, says tennis stalwart Bopanna, the recipient of the Ace of Aces honour.

Great feeling: Bopanna receives the award from Viren Rasquinha, right, and L.V. Navaneeth, CEO, The Hindu Group, as Leander Paes applauds. | Photo Credit: K.R. Deepak


 Australian Open men’s doubles champion Rohan Bopanna won the Ace of Aces award at the Sportstar Aces Awards 2024 held at the Taj Mahal Palace here on Thursday.

Bopanna received the award from fellow tennis player and Grand Slam champion, Leander Paes. “I always wished I could play doubles with Bopanna,” Paes said.

Bopanna recently became the oldest player, aged 43, to achieve the World No. 1 ranking in men’s doubles.

Wonderful athletes

“We are constantly travelling and playing tournaments, so it feels great to come here and meet all these wonderful athletes that India has produced. My goal was to win a men’s doubles Grand Slam and to reach the World No. 1 ranking. After years and years of sacrifice, I have finally realised my dream,” Bopanna said.

“It is very humbling for me to reach these heights from the beautiful land of Coorg. It was my parents who insisted that I train in an individual sport. That is when my tennis journey started, in Coorg. And now I have gone all the way across the world to win a Grand Slam in Melbourne,” Bopanna said.

He explained that his focus on adequate recovery changed the path of his career. “I started to focus on recovery at the end of 2019. My cartilages in the knee had fully worn out. I took around two or three painkillers a day. Doctor told me to try platelet-rich plasma injections. But just injections will not work; I had to do strengthening exercises. That’s when I discovered Iyengar Yoga.

“I was in extreme pain, so I gave it a try. Because of Iyengar Yoga, I can now play tennis without pain. I never thought this day will come,” Bopanna said.s

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sports> Other Sports> SportStar Aces Award 2024 / by Ashwin Achal / February 09th, 2024

PM Modi meets Rohan Bopanna

Rohan Bopanna presents his Australian Open 2024 winning racket to PM Modi

The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, met tennis player Rohan Bopanna Friday. He praised Bopanna for winning the Australian Open, saying that his accomplishment makes India proud.

The Prime Minister posted on X: 

“Glad to have met you Rohan Bopanna. Your accomplishment makes India proud and your dedication motivates several people. My best wishes for your endeavours ahead.”

Rohan Bopanna ended India’s six-year drought for the Grand Slam by clinching his maiden Australian Open 2024 title in the men’s doubles with Australia’s Matthew Ebden. Bopanna also topped the ATP rankings in doubles after reaching the final at Melbourne Park on January 24.

Meanwhile Tennis player Rohan Bopanna tweets, “I had the privilege to meet our honourable Prime Minister Modi today. This acknowledgement is very humbling & it was my honour to present the very racket that led me to become World No. 1 and the AO grand slam champion. Your grace has left me inspired & encouraged.”

The 43-year-old Bengaluru-born Bopanna became the only fourth Indian after legendary Sania Mirza, Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupati to clinch the Grand Slam title and top the ATP rankings in doubles. Bopanna also scripted history at the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou by claiming a Gold medal in the mixed doubles with Rutuja Bhosale.

source: http://www.theindianawaaz.com / The Indian Awaaz / Home / February 03rd, 2024

Varsha Bollamma builds excitement on ‘Ooru Peru Bhairavakona’

Varsha Bollamma builds excitement on ‘Ooru Peru Bhairavakona’

HIGHLIGHTS

Prepare to be captivated by the upcoming fantasy thriller, ‘Ooru Peru Bhairavakona,’ promising an edge-of-the-seat experience

Prepare to be captivated by the upcoming fantasy thriller, ‘Ooru Peru Bhairavakona,’ promising an edge-of-the-seat experience. Renowned actress Varsha Bollamma, who is seen as female lead in the film alongside Sundeep Kishan, recently shared insights into the project, building excitement ahead of its worldwide release on February 16. Directed by VI Anand and produced by Rajesh Danda under the banner of Comedy Movies, ‘Ooru Peru Bhairavakona’ boasts a magical and adventurous narrative. The film stars Sandeep Kishan in a lead role, supported by the talented actresses Kavya Thapar and Varsha Bollamma as heroines. Co-produced by Balaji Gutta, the film is proudly presented by Anil Sunkara on AK Entertainments.

Varsha Bollamma expressed her enthusiasm for joining the project, recalling how the director, VI Anand, narrated a story that felt refreshingly new and unique. She was intrigued by the unconventional storyline and the unexplored character dynamics, leading her to eagerly accept the role of Bhumi, a tribal girl with self-education, courage, and strength.In describing her character, Varsha shared that Bhumi, the tribal girl, exudes innocence while displaying remarkable courage and resilience. Having grown up in a hill station herself, Varsha found a personal connection to the character’s affinity with nature, making the role all the more relatable.

Working alongside Sandeep Kishan, Varsha commended her co-star’s warmth and respect for everyone on set. She praised him as a kind and considerate co-star, contributing to a positive working environment. Varsha’s decision to take on the role was influenced by her admiration for VI Anand’s previous work, particularly the movie ‘Where are you going, little one?’. Excited about the project, she was thrilled to learn that her name was specifically chosen for the role of Bhumi, solidifying her commitment to the film.

‘Ooru Peru Bhairavakona’ promises to be an exhilarating entertainer, offering a thrilling experience with supernatural elements. Varsha assured the audience of an enjoyable ride filled with suspense and a powerful message. As she praised the producers at AK Entertainments for their passion for comedy movies and their commitment to delivering a grand production, Varsha concluded the conference by reaffirming her dedication to prioritizing impactful roles, irrespective of their length. With the film’s release just around the corner, anticipation continues to build for this magical adventure.

source: http://www.thehansindia.com / Hans India / Home> Entertainment> Tollywood / by Hans News Service / February 07th, 2024

A pioneer who heralded growth of hockey in Karnataka

Legendary Ammanda Vasu Uthaiah was considered by many as a pioneer in promoting hockey across Coorg and subsequently Karnataka.

A pioneer who heralded growth of hockey in Karnataka
AS Uthaiah / Credit: Special arrangement

Bengaluru:

Legendary Ammanda Vasu Uthaiah, who passed away at 83 after following a brief illness on Thursday, was considered by many as a pioneer in promoting hockey across Coorg and subsequently Karnataka.

Hailing from Virajpet, a town in Kodagu, Uthaiah carved a niche for himself in the competition-heavy Indian national hockey team from the late 1960s to 1970s. It was no mean feat by Uthaiah, a stylish player who excelled in the left half back position, amid intense competition for places.

Uthaiah, a recipient of Dusshera Puraskara Koda and the Silver Jubilee award of Karnataka, was a part of the 1970 Asian Games squad that won silver, but missed out on making the cut for the 1968 Mexico Olympics.

Uthaiah also played for Madras Engineer Group and Centre hockey team for close to one and a half decades, playing almost all the First Grade hockey tournaments in the country.

He later turned up for the BEML Bangalore hockey team, winning a couple of KSHA Super Division titles.

Karnataka Hockey president AB Subbaiah spoke about the impact Uthaiah’s contributions had in kick-starting a hockey revolution in Coorg and Karnataka.

“He (Uthaiah) can be considered as Coorg’s first established hockey player to have played a major tournament and inspired the next generation of players,” Subbaiah said.

“From what I have understood after speaking to Uthaiah’s contemporaries, he was a very skilled player with a never-say-die attitude. A good tackler, and someone with a calm head,” Subbaiah added.

“As a person, he used to guide and support us and share his pearls of wisdom, and was very passionate about hockey and players coming up from Coorg and Karnataka.

“Even after his retirement, he would actively organise tournaments and headed the Kodava Samaj Sports Committee,” Subbaiah revealed.

Uthaiah is survived by a son and a daughter.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Sports> Hockey / by Sathvik Bharadwaj / February 02nd, 2024

Karnataka High Court asks Kodagu DC to consider shooter’s plea for more guns, ammo

The application had been kept pending for three years instead of seven days as specified by law, he stated in the plea.

High court of Karnataka.
High court of Karnataka.(Photo | Nagaraja Gadekal, EPS)

Bengaluru :

The Karnataka High Court directed the Kodagu deputy commissioner to consider the application filed by K Sajan Aiyappa, a well-known shooter, seeking grant for four more arms and 25,000 ammunition to practice his sport. It also ordered the DC to pass appropriate orders as per law.

Aiyappa (54), a resident of Kolkeri village in Napoklu, had filed the plea at the high court against the act of the DC, who kept his application dated September 21, 2020. The application had been kept pending for three years instead of seven days as specified by law, he stated in the plea.

On December 28, 2022, the DC issued a notice to Aiyappa, stating that he has not divulged the minimum qualifying marks to be a renowned shooter and it should be submitted within 15 days. The petitioner’s counsel submitted that Aiyappa, being a renowned shooter, is entitled to possess 10 Arms as per the Arms Act, 1959 and Rules framed there under. He now has three arms, and had applied for four additional arms. The DC and SP are dodging the issue on one pretext or the other, he alleged.

“The DC or the Competent Authority is required to dispose of an application made by any holder of Arms licence to add or delete Arms in terms of schedule 5 of Rule 40, within an outer limit of seven days. Contrary to it, the DC has held on to the application for three long years, which is blatantly contrary to the statute,” said Justice M Nagaprasannam, quashing the final notice dated December 28, 2022 issued by the DC.

The petitioner claimed that he has participated in shooting events at national and state level and he is a life member of the National Rifle Association of India.

He argued that he would come within the definition of a ‘Renowned Shooter’ in terms of the Arms Rules, 2016. The government advocate contended that the petitioner can possess only two arms.

The court said the petitioner is well within the statutory claim made for possession of four more arms, the court added. 

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Bengaluru / by Express News Service / January 30th, 2024

Who are Rohan Bopanna’s parents M.G. Bopanna and Mallika Bopanna?

The 43-year-old Rohan Bopanna is the fourth Indian to win a Grand Slam title.

Rohan Bopanna (extreme left) with his family (Via Rohan Bopanna Instagram)

Rohan Bopanna is a professional tennis player from India. Born on 4th March 1980, Bopanna went on to become the oldest World No.1. The 43-year-old specializes mainly in doubles.

Throughout his career, Rohan Bopanna had tasted major success in the doubles division. He has won 24 ATP doubles titles. However, he is still to win a men’s doubles title in the Major Grand Slam. His best performance in the men’s double in Grand Slam came at the US Open in 2010 and 2023 when he reached the finals of the competition.

Bopanna has also reached the semis of the Grand Slams thrice at the Wimbledon and once at the French Open. However, he has won a mixed doubles title at the French Open in 2017 with partner Gabriela Dabrowski. He is the fourth Indian to win a major title.

Who are Rohan Bopanna’s parents?

Rohan Bopanna was born on 4th March 1980 to M.G. Bopanna and Mallika Bopanna. By profession, his father is a coffee planter, and he was the one who inspired his son to choose an individual sport. Bopanna, in turn tried various sports and at the age of 19 chose to play tennis. His father also built a tennis court in his hometown Coorg for Bopanna.

Rohan Bopanna with his parents (Image via Zee India)

His mother, Mallika Bopanna, is a homemaker. More details about his mother are not available in the public.

Where do Rohan Bopanna’s parents live?

Bopanna’s father and mother live in their coffee estate in Coorg, Karnataka. Bopanna himself had his primary education from there. Later on, he shifted to Bangalore to complete his higher education at the Jain University in Bangalore.

Rohan Bopanna (image via Hindustan Times)

What did Rohan Bopanna’s parents do for a living?

Bopanna’s father is a coffee planter by profession and owns a coffee estate in their hometown of Coorg, which is the primary source of income for them. His mother is a homemaker.

Rohan Bopanna (image via tennis majors

What is the estimated net worth of Rohan Bopanna’s parents?

The 43-year-old himself earns a handsome sum of $3.2 million per year through various tournaments and sponsorship deals. However, no such info is available for his parents.

As the 43-year-old creates history at the Australian open, let's take a look at the parents of the veteran Indian player.
Rohan Bopanna (image via India Today)

FAQs

Q. Who is the wife of Rohan Bopanna?

Supriya Annaiah is the wife of Rohan Bopanna

Q. How many Grand Slam titles has Bopanna won?

Bopanna has won one French Open title in the Mixed doubles division.Q. Where was Bopanna born?

Bopanna was born in Bangalore, Karnataka.

Q. What is Bopanna’s daughter’s name?

Rohan Bopanna’s daughter’s name is Tridha Bopanna.

source: http://www.firstsportz.com / First Sportz / Home> Tennis / by Soumik Bhatacharya / edited by Nikhil Sonmali / January 27th, 2024

Behind Rohan Bopanna’s Australian Open success, game changing advice from wife Supriya Annaiah

Rohan Bopanna reveals his wife’s advice amid struggles before winning the Australian Open doubles title.

India's Rohan Bopanna poses with his family after victory against Italy's Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori(AFP)
India’s Rohan Bopanna poses with his family after victory against Italy’s Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori(AFP)

How much do you know about Rohan Bopanna?

The veteran Indian tennis player is the oldest male Grand Slam winner in the Open era. He achieved the feat by winning the Australian Open men’s doubles title on Saturday. The 43-year-old Indian and his doubles partner Matthew Ebden outclassed the Italian duo of Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori 7-6(0) 7-5 to rewrite history in the first Grand Slam of the 2024 season.

The newly-crowned world number one in doubles, Bopanna is showing no signs of slowing down. He is playing the best tennis of his life at the age of 43.

Interestingly, Bopanna was busy shattering records in the build-up to the Australian Open. He became the oldest men’s player to seal an ATP Masters 1000 title. He made it to two Grand Slam finals and featured in the ATP Finals. He also claimed a gold medal at the Asian Games before finishing the season as world No. 3 in men’s doubles.

Bopanna almost quit tennis in 2019

Before Bopanna made headlines with the Australian Open, there was a time when he was contemplating retirement. The cartilage in his knees had wore out, and his mobility was not great. Bopanna went five months without winning a match forcing him to almost call time on his career in 2019. With critics convinced that he was past his prime, Bopanna invested heavily in his fitness to spark a sensational turnaround.

Advice Rohan Bopanna got from wife Supriya Annaiah

His physio travelled with him on tour. Thanks to ‘Iyengar Yoga’ during the pandemic break, a rejuvenated Bopanna started playing pain-free tennis – a sport which gave him everything. Speaking to ESPN ahead of the Australian Open final, Bopanna opened up about having no cartilage on his knees. Bopanna also recollected a game-changing advice he received from his wife Supriya Annaiah.

‘When you change limitations to opportunities’

“My wife said it beautifully one day, ‘when you change limitations to opportunities, everything changes.’ We are always told at 25 this has to happen, by 30 this has to happen, at 40 this will happen. It’s a thing which is told to us constantly, whether it is sport or life, whether it is marriage, having kids, whatever it may be. But when you change that into opportunities, then the limitations go away,” Bopanna recalled.

Know more about oldest man to win a Grand Slam title

At 43 years and 329 days, Bopanna has become the oldest to win a men’s doubles major in the Open era. He will officially become the oldest to be ranked No. 1 in men’s doubles on Monday. He is the third Indian to win a Grand Slam doubles title after Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi. Reflecting on his incredible journey, Bopanna revealed that he had messaged his wife about bidding farewell to tennis.

“Five years ago, I sent my wife a video message where I said I would call it a day, because I wasn’t winning matches. I went five months without winning a match, I thought that would be the end of my journey. But my perseverance kept me going and really changed so many things. I found a wonderful partner to get me to all the laurels,” Bopanna said.

source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home> News> Sports> Tennis News / by HT Sports Desk / January 28th, 2024

125th birth anniversary of Field Marshal Cariappa celebrated

Floral offerings were made to the statue of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa in Mysuru on Sunday, to mark his 125th birth anniversary. | Photo Credit: M.A. Sriram

The 125th birth anniversary of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa was also celebrated in Mysuru and Kodagu, on Sunday.

In Mysuru, it was organised under the joint auspices of Kodava Samaja and other organisations and people from different walks of life and organisations paid tributes to Field Marshal Cariappa and made floral offerings to his statue off the JLB Road.

Chamaraja MLA K. Harish Gowda paid tributes to Field Marshal Cariappa and described Kodagu as the land of generals and soldiers who have served the country.

MLA T.S. Srivatsa said that the Cariappa used to visit army camps and institutions to inspire the youngsters and the soldiers even after retirement. Former Mayor Ravikumar urged the government to celebrate Field Marshal Cariappa’s birth anniversary at the State-level. Members of the Kodava Samaj and other organisations including Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Fans Club, Kodava Samaj Sports and Cultural Club, and others were present.

In Madikeri, Air Marshal Nanda Cariappa (retd.), son of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa led in paying tributes.

Nanda Cariappa rued that the new generation of youth was not swayed or inspired by the armed forces or their sacrifices to the nation but was influenced by film stars, cricketers and corrupt politicians.

The sacrifices and the contribution of the soldiers in safeguarding the nation, and their exploits should be made known to the youngsters in the present times, he added.

Col. B.G.V. Kumar (retd.), head of D. Chennamma Educational Institution, recalled the valour and contribution of Field Marshal Cariappa towards the cause of the nation. He recalled that Field Marshal Cariappa also contributed to the education of the economically weaker section of the society.

Ex-servicemen, NCC, police, students and staff of Kodagu Vidyalaya and others took part in the commemoration event and rendered patriotic songs to mark the occasion.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu/ Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / January 28th, 2024

Rohan Bopanna, 43, becomes oldest Grand Slam champion with Australian Open doubles triumph

Rohan Bopanna wins maiden men’s doubles Grand Slam title just days after being assured of becoming No. 1 in ATP men’s doubles ranking.

India's Rohan Bopanna and Australia's Matthew Ebden celebrate with the trophy after winning the men's doubles final against Italy's Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori(REUTERS)
India’s Rohan Bopanna and Australia’s Matthew Ebden celebrate with the trophy after winning the men’s doubles final against Italy’s Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori(REUTERS)

Rohan Bopanna on Saturday became the oldest-ever player to win a Grand Slam after he and Matthew Ebden beat the Italian pair of Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori 7-6(0), 7-5 in the 2024 Australian Open men’s doubles final. The 43-year old Bopanna beat the record of Jean-Julien Rojer, who lifted the French Open men’s doubles trophy in 2022 with Marcelo Arevola at the age of 40.

For Bopanna and Ebden, it was their maiden title together. They lost in the US Open final last year. This was Bopanna’s first Grand Slam doubles triumph after 60 attempts — another record. The India great’s only previous Grand Slam win was at the 2017 French Open in mixed doubles, with Canada’s Gabriela Dabrowski.

For Ebden, this is his second men’s Grand Salm doubles title. He won his first at Wimbledon in 2022 with fellow Australian Max Purcell.

In 16 previous appearances at the Australian Open, Bopanna’s best was third round appeaances, which he managed six times, the last in 2018. He had since been knocked out in opening rounds, including with Ebden in 2023.

En route to winning the doubles title, Bopanna was assured of the No. 1 ranking in men’s doubles on Monday after winning his quarter-final match, making him the oldest player ever to hold the top spot for the first time.

The final, despite the straight-set win, was a hard-fought battle. There was only one break of serve, when Bopanna and Ebden broke Vavassori at love in the 11th game of the second set.

Bopanna and Ebden looked for an early breakthrough in the contest against an unseeded pair and created break point opportunities in back-to-back games, but were denied on both occasions as the opening set headed to a tie-break. The Indo-Aussie pair didn’t lose a tie-braker all fortnight, which included two super tie-breaks, and the record remained intact as they won all seven points on offer to take a one-set lead.

source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home> News> Sports> Tennis News / by HT Sports Desk / January 27th, 2024