Category Archives: Amazing Feats

Suhem Kabeer from Madikeri shines in Asia Pacific Rally Championship 2023 in Indonesia

Amazing Feats, Records, All, Sports, World Opinion

The weekend turned out to be an exciting and rewarding one for JK Tyre Motorsport driver Suhem Kabeer from Coorg, Karnataka supported by Vamcy Merla Sports Foundation, who was participating at the final round of Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) 2023 in Indonesia.

He managed to keep the Indian flag flying high with his determined and focused drive at the Danau Toba Rally with multiple podium finishes.

The APRC was running concurrently with the Danau Toba Rally of the Indonesia National Rally Championship (INRC). The JK Tyre Motorsport team of drivers were vying for top spot in the overall APRC in the NVA (National Vehicles Approval) class and in the M2 class of the INRC.

Driving a 4-wheel drive car in the rally for the first time with a limited testing time of 6 kms, three Indian drivers finished the APRC finale held in Indonesia within top 8, the rally was held along with the Indonesian Rally Championship.

A total of 12 stages amounted to about 150kms of special stage from a total of 433kms. The Danau Toba Rally was spread across 12 all-gravel roads from conditions varying from wide open plantation sections to twisty winding mountainous sections.

The stages were challenging, technical and fast, while due to rain the surface was repeatedly changing the coarse, thus forcing all the participants to drive cautiously. Thus, a huge amount of dropouts of about 28 were on second day. Indian drivers showed much maturity to adapt to the surface condition and reach to the finish.

In the NVA category, Suhem Kabeer (driver) along with PVS Murthy (co-driver) was the winner followed by Lokesh Gowda and Ashwin Naik in second position while the pair of Jahaan Singh Gill and Suraj Keshav Prasad finished in the third position.

In M2 class which was part of the Indonesia Rally Championship, Suhem and Murthy finished second as Lokesh and Ashwin were in third. The celebration just did not end with the drivers ruling the podium as team JK Tyre Motorsport was awarded the best team performance award.

Among all the India participants, Suhem Kabeer along with PVS Murthy finished fourth, Lokesh Gowda along with Ashwin Naik finished in fifth position. Sanjay Takale and Musa Sherif finished sixth, Jahaan Singh Gill and Suraj Prasad finished in eighth position in APRC overall.

Suhem Kabeer along with PVS Murthy on day one was 17th fastest in SSS. They began their day two very cautiously since the track was bit slippery. In the second stage of the day, they spun once and lost some time and managed to reach the remote service with no reverse gear. But fixing this issue in remote service was impossible as it was meant only for tyre change and refuelling. Thus with no option left for further two stages, they had to manage. But it became much worse before the last stage before service they had to take on the stage with only 3rd gear working, which was later fixed in service. They began the final day with about 8 min difference with the leader and hence catching them up was out of question and they also had good lead on their follower in third position and hence decided to just nurse back the car to the finish in fourth position.

“It was one of the most difficult rallies that I have been part of. It was an uncharted territory for us with little knowledge of the terrain. The slush made the stages very slippery and I had to dig deep into my reservoir to finish the event unscathed,” Suhem said.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Karnataka / by Media Release / November 30th, 2023

Unsung Heroes: How a govt teacher has been fulfilling Kodagu’s sporting dreams for decades

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From raising funds to conducting door-to-door campaigns, PE teacher Poornesh Shetty has left no stone unturned to ensure a sports education for his students in Karnataka’s Kodagu.

Bengaluru Unsung Heroes
A hockey player himself, Poornesh Shetty has been training government school students in Kodagu in hockey since 1992. (Express photo)

While Poornesh Shetty is yet to accept himself as Kodagu’s Kabir Khan – a character essayed by Shah Rukh Khan in the famous sports drama Chak De India – the people of Karnataka’s Madikeri are already drawing parallels, he says. A physical education teacher, Shetty, 58, was recently recognised by the state government when he won the Best Teacher award at the state level for 2023-24.

From picking up the ball for hockey players at Somwarpet’s Blue Star Hockey Club in the 80s to captaining his school hockey team in Class 7, Shetty is now a proud physical education teacher in Boykeri, who counts hockey Olympians Arjun Halappa and S V Sunil as his students, among others.

A hockey player himself, Shetty has been training government school students in Kodagu in hockey since 1992. He later went on to pursue a C.Ped (Certificate in Physical Education). In 1994, Shetty was appointed the physical education teacher at the Boykeri Government Higher Primary School in Kodagu district’s Madikeri taluk.

“When I joined the government school in Boykeri as a PT teacher, I realised that the school did not have enough space for sports. I later called up the kids working at nearby coffee plantations and school students to dig up space and level the field for playing sports. By 1996, the school had a playground and I started training students in hockey and athletics,” says Shetty.

Shetty pooled money and sports equipment from donors and well-wishers to support aspiring hockey players. “My friend Dhananjay, who is a pilot, financially supported me to buy hockey bats, shoes, socks and T-shirts for the students to practice hockey,” he recalls.

Shetty is also instrumental in coaching government school girl students who later went on to participate in hockey tournaments at the state and national levels, including in Gujarat, Bihar and other states. While he helps students enrol in the District Youth Sports Hostel in Madikeri after Class 4, he also pushes students to join the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre in Ponnampet after Class 7 for further training in hockey.

Besides sports, Shetty was also recognised by the government for various academic interventions to ensure his government school in Boykeri did not close down. The school once had about 380 students from Class 1 to 7. However, over the years, the strength dropped to a mere 52. “To keep the government school going, we had to enrol children. So I decided to conduct door-to-door outreach creating awareness on education and more importantly, the benefits of enrolling children in government schools. We lost admissions significantly because of convent schools nearby. So I emphasised the fact that if their children enrolled in government schools, they would get eggs, milk, midday meals, and textbooks for free,” says Shetty.

He adds, “With this outreach programme, along with the help of teaching staff, we managed to register students right from the anganwadis. If we can get students to enrol from anganwadis, it would be easier for us to retain them till high school.”

In fact, during the Covid-19 pandemic, Shetty’s brother Hemanth, an MBBS doctor, and his friends collectively raised funds worth Rs 20 lakh to keep the government school running. Through this, Shetty managed to use Rs 15 lakh for building a dining hall, science laboratory, sports room, library, and toilets for the school.

In addition, Shetty also established Tycoon Sports Club along with 50 other sportspersons by pooling in Rs 25,000 each. With professional trainers, the club trains youngsters and adults in hockey, swimming, athletics and other sports. Shetty also teaches swimming in April every year to nearly 150 students in a day.

“I believe a lot of parents advise their kids on the importance of education but they will not lay much emphasis on sports. Which is why I believe in giving equal balance between sports and education, to ensure they either become employable or professional sportspersons in the future,” says Shetty.

source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by Sanath Prasad, Bengaluru / September 09th, 2023

Centenarian Seetavva Ganapathy celebrates 100th birthday

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Centenarian Seetavva Ganapathy celebrates 100th birthday
Seetavva Ganapathy is flanked by her family members, during her 100th birthday celebrations, on Sunday.

Ketolira Seetavva Ganapathy from Naladi village in Kakkabbe near Napoklu, celebrated her 100th birthday at Muttavva auditorium, on Sunday.

During a fun-filled ceremony, Seetavva was flanked by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and relatives.

Seetavva is the youngest of the five children of Mepadiyanda Mandanna and Subbavva of Karada village. She was born in 1920. She was married to Ketolira Ganapathy of Naladi village in 1941.

Seetavva Ganapathy has nine children – five boys and four girls.

Her husband Ganapathy passed away at the age of 45 and since then, Seetavva raised her children, carrying the mantle of responsibilities on her shoulders.

There are 67 members in her family, including children, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Seetavva’s son Appanna and grandson Kaddaniyanda Harish Bopanna spoke on the occasion.

Centenarian Seetavva wished good health and prosperity to all people.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> India> Karnataka / DHNS / December 07th, 2020

Passes UPSC Exam

Amazing Feats, Defence Services (Air,Land,Sea),Police (wef. Dec 09th, 2021), Education, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All

Mysuru:

Punith Kuttaiah Mukkatira of Kodagu has cleared this year’s  UPSC competitive exam by securing 501st rank.

He is the son of Mukkatira Prakash Belliappa and Jamuna (Baduvanda) of Devanageri village near Ammathi in Kodagu.  

A student of Good Shepherd Convent  and Coorg Public School (COPS), Gonikoppal, he completed his Mechanical Engineering from R.V. College, Bengaluru.

He had secured 8th rank in  UPSC for the post of Central Armed Police Force last year.  

Punith was guided by Dr. Pemmaiah Kottangada.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / June 02nd, 2017

Madikeri: Aroor Vikram Rao from MRF racing wins overall 2nd at the Robusta rally

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

Madikeri :

Mangalores Aroor Vikram rao from mrf racing and his Co driver ag somayya from Coorg won overall 2nd at the Robusta rally of Coorg driving a Volkswagen polo.

The 4th round of Indian National rally Championship was held in the Tata estates of Coorg which is organised by Blue band sports on 18th and 19th November 2023.

Total 61 participants participated from deferent states.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Karnataka / by Media Release / November 21st, 2023

ATP Finals 2023: Rohan Bopanna sets new world record in doubles, Djokovic, Alcaraz struggle in singles

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Rohan Bopanna, 43 of age, partnered with Matthew Ebden of South Africa to beat Rinky Hijijata and Jasin Kubler in their second match of the doubles at ATP Finals 2023 in Turin on Wednesday and became the oldest tennis player to win the match in tournament history.

Rohan Bopanna at ATP Finals 2023 in Turin on November 15 / Image Source : GETTY

India’s veteran tennis player Rohan Bopanna scripted history with a win at the ATP Finals 2023 in Turin on Wednesday, November 15. Bopanna partnered with Matthew Ebden to win the second group stage match in the men’s doubles and became the oldest player to win the ATP Finals match.

Rohan Bopanna, 43, broke the retired Canadian player Daniel Nestor’s record (aged 42 ) for the Oldest player to clinch a win in tournament history in 2014. Bopanna is showing no signs of slowing down having recently won the historic Gold in mixed doubles with Rutuja Bhosale at the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou.

Bopanna earlier broke the record for the oldest player to win the ATP 100 masters title after a sensational triumph in the Indian Wells 2023 doubles event with Ebden. Bopanna-Ebden, third-seeded in Group Red,  lost their opening group match against Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury but recorded an easy 6-4, 6-4 win against Rinky Hijijata and Jason Kubler in the second round-robin match.

Carlos Alcaraz registers maiden win, Jannik Sinner beats Novak Djokovic:

In the men’s singles events at the ATP Finals, the current no.2 Carlos Alcaraz registered his maiden win with a dominating 7-5, 6-2 win over Russia’s Andrey Rublev. Chasing his maiden title, the Spaniard lost the opening game against Alexander Zverev in the first match of the Red Group fixtures. Daniil Medvedev tops the group with two consecutive wins and faces Alcaraz in a mouth-watering clash on Friday, November 17.

Meanwhile, the world no.1 Novak Djokovic suffered a big blow on his way to record seventh ATP Finals title on Wednesday. The 24-time Grand Slam winner suffered a defeat against Italian youngster Jannik Sinner by 5-7, 7-6, 6-7 in his second match. Djokovic is set to face Hubert Hurkacz in his last group stage game on Thursday and remains favourite to top the Green Group.

source: http://www.indiatvnews.com / Indian TV / Home> English News> Sports> Tennis / by Sumeet Kavthale, New Delhi / November 16th, 2023

D.Litt Conferred On Founder Of National Academy School

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Mysore/Mysuru: 

Appaneravanda Shanthi Achapa, Founder and Chairperson of National Academy School (CBSE), Athur near Gonikoppa, Kodagu, has been conferred the Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) degree by the University of Central America for her ‘accomplishments in the public life in promoting education for establishing a just and equitable society.’

She has the credit of introducing the first Play School called Little Birds Play School in Kodagu in the year 1988, starting Teeny Weeny Kindergarten section in the year 1997 and National Academy School in 2001.

Shanthi Achapa has created an educational environment that stands as a strong pillar of society. Her helpful nature has led hundreds and thousands of people over the years to approach her with their concerns and also redeem solutions to their concerns and problems.

Promoting women empowerment and empowering children with special needs as a crux to her life agenda, she has nurtured a generation of strong and empowered individuals. Her social activities and charity initiatives have been appreciated by many people over the years.

For the past 40 years, she has contributed her services, both financial and professional, to charity work in Mysuru and Bengaluru. Her caring nature and her strong will to help various sections of society have led her to initiate various social and socio-economic activities to uplift people in need.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 09th, 2023

Breaking barriers: Married women shine in Kodagu’s cricket tournament

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Kodagu, a tiny district in Karnataka, has produced thousands of sportspersons and soldiers for the nation.

Madikeri: 

For years, cricket enthusiasts in Kodagu — a tiny district in Karnataka — were enthralled by men playing cricket tournaments. However, the game got a lot more exciting as married women’s cricket matches have now taken the spotlight.

In a remarkable event, a married women’s cricket tournament was held on Sunday, November 5, in Chetalli village of Madikeri taluk. The women participants showcased their cricketing prowess at the district-level match, and the atmosphere was electrifying.

In an intense competition, Team Maldare emerged victorious, claiming the title, while Team Master Blaster secured the second spot. These married women, donning cricket uniforms, put aside their daily chores and responsibilities to celebrate the game they love. With cricket bats in hand, they skillfully hit sixes and fours, proving that they were no less than their male counterparts on the field. 

The event came alive even further by various food stalls set up by other women and mesmerising dance performances by the cheer team, which left the Chettalli High School ground brimming with excitement.

Historic moment

The Chettalli High School ground witnessed a unique and historic moment, as the 2nd married women’s open knockout cricket tournament was organised by the Chettalli’s Club. A total of 15 married women’s teams, all above 25 years of age, enthusiastically participated in this 6-over tournament.

In the much-anticipated final, Team Master Blaster won the toss and chose to bat, setting a target of 23 runs in the scheduled four overs. Team Maldare chased down this modest total in just 2.3 overs, securing their victory. 

Pushpa Kuttanna, a retired principal of K M Cariappa College, lit the ceremonial lamp, emphasising the vital role women play in society. She commended the efforts of the Chettalli’s Club for organising the tournament exclusively for married women, who often balance family life and responsibilities. This marked a historic moment as the first-ever married women’s cricket tournament in the country.

‘Women can excel in any field’

Aichettira Sunitha Machaiyya, the president of the club, stated that it was established in Chetalli in 2010 with the goal of empowering women. Monthly programmes have been organised, and following the success of the tournament last year, they were inspired to host another tournament.

The winners, Team Maldare, received a cash prize of Rs 21,000 along with a trophy, while Team Master Blaster claimed the second prize of Rs 11,000 and a trophy. Kokeri women’s team secured the third prize, earning Rs 6,000 and a trophy.

Individual awards were also presented, with Bharti of Team Master Blaster named the best bowler, Sujitha of Team Maldare recognized as the best batter, and Anjana of Team Sambhrama awarded the highest run-scorer.  

This historic event not only showcased the passion and talent of married women in cricket but also highlighted the importance of gender equality in sports, proving that women can excel in any field they choose. 

Guinness record 

Kodagu, a tiny district, has produced thousands of sportspersons and soldiers for the nation. The annual Kodava family hockey tournament, started in the year 1997, has secured place in Guinness book of World Records as the largest family hockey tournament in the world. 

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Bangalore / by News Desk / November 07th, 2023

Life of writer Appachha for students mooted

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‘Bhakta Ratnakara Keerthane’, restored work of renowned Kodava writer, released.

Life of writer Appachha for students mooted
Dignitaries release Appaneravanda Appachha’s ‘Bhakta Ratnakara Keerthane’ in Madikeri on Saturday. DH photo

Writer Bacharaniyanda Appanna has said that a chapter on the life of Kodava writer Appaneravanda Appachha should be included in school syllabus.

At a book release programme organised by Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy here, Appanna said Appachha laid foundation for literary activities in Kodagu.

Lauding the initiative of the academy to document the achievements of the writer in the form of a book, Appanna said such initiatives will bust the myth that the district still lags behind in literary field. Though most of the works are being  brought out in Kodava, lack of adequate publicity has become an impediment in reaching literary lovers, he observed.

Study materials

Lauding Appachha as ‘Kalidasa of Kodagu’, Appanna said it is evident with most of the poems, plays and also theatre songs penned. The available study materials will help younger generation in getting a glimpse of the writer and his achievements, he noted.

Appachha’s works date back to over a century and he has written four plays in Kodava. One among them, ‘Bhakta Ratnakara Keerthane’, was facing extinction, but for the timely initiative of the academy. The work has got a new lease of life, he said.

Registrar of Kodava Cultural Study Centre, Mangaluru University, Kodeera Lokesh said, “Though the love for the land among locals is on the decline, there are very few who feel proud and also patriotic, speaking in awe about the contribution to defence forces in the country.”

The youths should take initiative in studying culture and tradition of the land. The academy is playing a key role in conserving the culture, by judiciously using funds provided from the government, he added.

Additional Deputy Commissioner M Sathish Kumar stressed on documentation of history related to Kodagu for history lovers. The available historical documents in the record room at deputy commissioner’s office can be digitised for the benefit of next generation, he suggested.

Works released

Researcher Biddanda Rekha Chinnappa’s book on ‘Swatantrya Poorva Kodagina Rajakeeya Parisiti (Politics in Kodagu During Pre-Independence Era), researcher Kambeyanda Deena Bojanna’s ‘Kodagina Mand Mane Kymada Mandgala Srimantha Parampare (The Rich History of Traditional Kodava Houses), Macchamada Gopi Seethamma’s ‘Neethi Joppe’ and journalist Ithichanda Ramesh Utthappa’s ‘Appaneravanda Appaccha Kavi Jeevanacharitre (Biography of the Writer) and  Sirigandha Srinivasmurthy’s CD on ‘Kodava Bhashikara Samagra Dakaleekarana’ were released. Akademy chairman Biddatanda S Thammaiah, Madikeri Urban Development Authority Chairman Chummi Devaiah, writer Nagesh Kalur, deputy director (retd) S I Bhavikatti were present.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Amp> Story> Content> 627810 / by DHNS / August 13th, 2017

Global Kodava summit to unite the community from across the globe

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Funds of nearly Rs 3 crore are being spent for the event that has garnered support from all the Kodava Samajas including the Samajas established abroad.

Members of the Kodava community
Members of the Kodava community (Express)

Madikeri :

A Global Kodava Summit aims to unite the Kodava community under a single roof and highlight the culture, traditions, and crises faced by the community. Several members of the community in the district fear that the culture, traditions, and practices of the Kodavas are at stake and will soon vanish.

The summit will host various cultural programmes, exhibitions, and seminars to preserve the unique practices of the Kodavas. It will be hosted by the Connecting Kodavas Trust and will be held on December 29 and 30 in Madikeri.

The summit is the fruit of efforts taken by the trust for several years. “Since 2017, the Connecting Kodavas forum has been involved in collecting details of every Kodava clan from the nook and corner of the district,” said Niran Nanjappa, one of the core members of the Connecting Kodavas Trust.

Meanwhile, volunteers have visited all the villages in the district to document details of the roots of the various Kodava clans.

“As per our research, over 1,000 Kodava clans are in existence. Many other clans have vanished. A few clans have just two members and the biggest clan has over 650 members. All these details are documented and will be revealed during the summit that is likely to witness participation from 20,000 to 25,000 people,” Niran Nanjappa added.

“During our research, we have found several anecdotes relating to the roots, practices and evolution of the Kodava clans. We have insights into the issues that led to the vanishing of several clans too. All these anecdotes will be shared to ensure that the community flourishes and our culture is preserved,” he opined.

“After the summit, we also plan to release websites for each clan so that the members of the clan can track their lineage,”Niran Nanjappa added.

Funds of nearly Rs 3 crore are being spent for the event that has garnered support from all the Kodava Samajas including the Samajas established abroad.

Alongside seminars, the Global Kodava Summit will also have demonstrations of the various practices, architecture, and ancestral history of the community as well as interactive workshops.

The forum also aims to establish a model village in the near future across five to six acres of land to highlight the uniqueness of the community.  

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / October 31st, 2023