Category Archives: Amazing Feats

Aditya–Virender win Highlands Rally; Dean–Gagan clinch maiden INRC title

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Karnataka’s Dean Mascarenhas and experienced co-driver Gagan Karumbaiah sealed their maiden Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) title with a round to spare. – IANS

Indore (MP) (IANS) :

Karnataka’s Dean Mascarenhas and experienced co-driver Gagan Karumbaiah sealed their maiden Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) title with a round to spare, even as their TSI Racing teammates from Himachal Pradesh, Aditya Thakur and Virender Kashyap, clinched overall honours at the Rally of the Highlands, the fifth and penultimate round of the 2025 season, held at the National Automotive Testing Tracks (NATRAX), Pithampur, on Sunday.

Dean and Gagan finished fifth overall on the final day, earning a crucial championship point that gave them an unassailable provisional lead and confirmed their first National title. Dean, who made his rally debut at K1000 in 2010, had narrowly missed out on the championship in 2019 by just one point.

“Incredible. It is an amazing feeling to finally win the Overall National Championship,” said Mascarenhas. “I have waited over 15 years for this moment. A huge thanks to TSI Racing and PH Sport, without whom this would not have been possible. I am especially grateful to my co-driver, Gagan, who has been phenomenal. This is a truly memorable milestone in my career.

The duo has partnered with each other since the Coimbatore Rally in 2019. Despite minor mechanical issues, Aditya Thakur and Virender Kashyap produced a composed drive to secure the rally win.

“We broke the gear mounting in the first stage today, but managed to finish the stage. There was no point pushing after that, so we focused on protecting our position and bringing the car home safely,” said Thakur. “It is a joy to drive this car, and we are delighted to get our first win for the team. Congratulations to Dean on winning the championship.”

Defending champion Karna Kadur, partnered by Musa Sherif, delivered a blistering performance on the final day to finish second overall. However, it was not enough to take the title battle into the final round, as Mascarenhas’ fifth-place finish proved decisive.

In INRC2, Jason Saldanha of Mangaluru, guided by veteran co-driver PV Srinivasa Murthy, claimed victory. Kerala’s Fabid Ahmer and Milen George produced a strong final-day charge to finish second, while Harkishan Wadia and Kunal Kashyap completed the podium.

Chettinad Sporting’s Vishakh Balachandran, with Chiranth Jain, won the INRC3 category ahead of teammates Sheshank Jamwal and Raghuram Saminathan. Anushriya Gulati, partnered by Karan Aukta, finished third, secured the Ladies Class title, and also placed an impressive ninth overall. Phoebe Dale of Meghalaya and Athira Murali completed the podium in that order

In other categories, Bhopal’s Mohammed Kaif Khan, with Jibran Ahmed, won the Gypsy Challenge, while Bengaluru’s Asool Albert John and Kodagu’s Aiyappa Bopanna clinched the Classic Challenge Cup.

Provisional results final:

Overall: 1. Aditya Thakur/ Virender Kashyap (both Himachal) TSI Racing, (01 hour, 39 minutes, 49.2seconds); 2. Karna Kadur (Bengaluru)/ Musa Sherif (Kasargod), Arka Motorsports (01:40:40.0); 3. Dean Mascarenhas (Mangaluru)/ Gagan Karumbaiah (Kodagu) (TSI Racing) (01:41:02.9).

INRC2: 1. Jason Saldanha (Mangaluru)/ PV Srinivasa Murthy (Bengaluru) Arka Motorsports (01:41:21.0); 2. Fabid Ahmer (Palakkad)/ Milen George (Kottayam), Pvt. (01:41:28.8); 3. Harkrishan Wadia (Delhi)/ Kunal Kashyap (Shimla) Arka Motorsports (01: 42:39.0).

INRC3: 1. Vishakh Balachandran (Thiruvananthapuram)/ Chiranth Jain (Karkala) Chettinad Sporting (01:43:00.4); 2. Sheshank Jamwal (Hamirpur, HP)/ Raghuram Saminathan (Coimbatore) Chettinad Sporting (01:43:04.3); 3. Anushriya Gulati (Dehradun)/ Karan Aukta (Jubbal, HP) Arka Motorsports (01:45:15.2);

INRC 3T: 1. Baljinder Singh Dhillon (Delhi)/ Goutham CP (Chikkamagalur) R-Tech Motorsports (01:50:47.5); 2. Thejas Reddy/ Ravindra Kumar (Both Bengaluru) Snap Racing (01:54:17.3).

Junior INRC: 1. Abhimanyu Sajeevan (Kozhikode) Snap Racing (01:41:36.6); 2. Arjun Y Mavaji (Bengaluru) pvt (01:48:04.8); 3. R-Tech Motorsports (01:50:44.7);

Ladies Class: 1. Anushriya Gulati (Dehradun), Arka Motorsports; 2. Phoebe Dale Nongrum (Shillong) (01:11:58.3); 3. Athira Murali (Kottayam) Chettinad Sporting.

Fmsci Gypsy Challenge: 1. Mohammed Kaif Khan (Bhopal)/ Jibran Ahmed (Bengaluru) Pvt. (01: 54:00.2); 2. Aneesh Sangma (Tura)/ Dinky Varghese (Coimbatore) Pvt. (01: 54:15.2); 3. Vinod Singh/ Adithya Garg (Both Indore) (02:00:24.8).

Classic Challenge: 1. Asool Albert John (Bengaluru)/ Aiyappa Bopanna (Kodagu) pvt (02:09:07.3); 2. Siddartha Santosh (Bengaluru)/Sawan Sathyanarayan (Chennapatanam) Snap Racing (02:16:47.0).

source: http://www.indiatribune.com / India Tribune / Home> Sports / by India Tribune / February 01st, 2026

Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa’s 127th birth anniversary celebrated

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Mysore/Mysuru:

Kodava Samaja, Mysuru, along with the Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa Fans’ Association, Mysuru, celebrated the 127th birth anniversary of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa.

The programme was organised in front of the statue of Field Marshal Cariappa at the Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Circle (Metropole Circle) on Vinoba Road this morning.

Former MP Prathap Simha offered floral tributes to the statue and said that celebrating the 127th birth anniversary of Field Marshal Cariappa is a matter of great pride for society. His contributions and valour have earned him immense respect across the nation. Kodagu’s contribution to the country is unparalleled.

He added that no other land could produce patriots and warriors like those from Kodagu. “Patriotism has grown there as a tradition. Though the Kodava community is small, its service to the Armed Forces is immense. It is a privilege for our land to cherish the memory of a leader like Field Marshal Cariappa, born in such a tradition,” he said.

World War II, freedom struggle

Field Marshal Cariappa’s service during World War II and the freedom struggle was exemplary to the world. The rank of Field Marshal is the highest in the Indian Army and it is a matter of pride not only for the Kodava community but also for Karnataka.

“He may not have received the Bharat Ratna, but he was honoured with the rank of Field Marshal,” Simha remarked. He further noted that Cariappa, along with General Kodandera S. Thimayya, gave democratic India a strong shape and direction.

“Even today, the Kodava community has contributed more than 30 Lieutenant Colonels to the Indian Army, five captains to Indian hockey and over 60 players to the sport. “For this, the community must feel proud and continue to grow. As the community grows, so will the nation and  patriotism,” he said.

Former MLA L. Nagendra noted that it was Field Marshal Cariappa who made the entire world turn its attention towards India.

“He must be remembered every single day. When his statue was to be installed at Metropole Circle, many obstacles arose, but all were overcome and today the statue stands tall, and this is a matter of immense pride. In the coming years, thousands from the community should gather together to celebrate Cariappa’s birth anniversary on a grand scale,” Nagendra said.

The event was attended by former Mayors M.J. Ravikumar & H.N. Srikantaiah, former Corporators Pramila Bharath & Maletira U. Subbaiah, Mysuru Kodava Samaja President Ponjanda A. Ganapathy, Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club President Mukkatira C. Ashok and Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Fans’ Association President Nayakanda Thimmaiah among others.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / January 28th, 2026

US honour for Kodagu researcher

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Mysore/Mysuru:

Theetharamada Dr. Devaki (Kollimada) has completed a prestigious Post-Doctoral Research Degree in Commerce from an institution in YUVA University Florida, USA.

She is the only lady from Kodagu to receive this honour in the field of Commerce.

Her post-doctoral study, titled ‘Impact of Yoga Practice on Stress Management Among Higher Secondary School Students in Mysore District,’ explored the effectiveness of structured yoga interventions in reducing stress levels among adolescents.

The research offers valuable insights for educators, policymakers and wellness practitioners, highlighting yoga as a powerful tool for enhancing student well-being.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / January 13th, 2025

New Species of ‘Shadow’ damselfly discovered in Kodagu’s Western Ghats

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Image: Protosticta sooryaprakashi, male. Credit: Authors: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5723.3.3

A  new species of damselfly, sporting vibrant sky-blue markings, has been discovered in the biodiversity hotspots of India’s Western Ghats. Named the Kodagu Shadowdamsel (Protosticta sooryaprakashi), this shade-loving insect was identified by a collaborative team of researchers who combined traditional field observations with modern DNA analysis to distinguish it from its closest relatives. The discovery highlights the hidden diversity remaining in the tropical forests of Karnataka.

The new species was identified during surveys along the banks of the Sampaje River in the Kodagu District and in the high-altitude forests of Agumbe. Researchers from institutions including Government Brennen College, Kannur; the Society for Odonate Studies, Kottayam; the National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bengaluru; and others initially noticed that these damselflies resembled a known species, Protosticta sanguinostigma. However, the team noticed that the new specimens were smaller, more delicate, and possessed distinct physical traits that did not match those in existing records. To confirm their suspicions, they utilised molecular analysis, sequencing the insects’ DNA to prove that the Kodagu Shadowdamsel was indeed a separate evolutionary lineage.

What sets Protosticta sooryaprakashi apart from its cousins is specific, unique physical characteristics. The males are distinguished by a prominent sky-blue marking on the prothorax—the neck-like segment behind the head—and a dark brown to black body, which differs from the crimson-colored thorax of its close relative. Under microscopic examination, the researchers found a peculiar feature: the tips of the male’s reproductive organ (the genital ligula) are shaped distinctly like a duck’s head, a trait not seen in other species of this group. In the wild, these damselflies were observed perching on shaded plants near streams, exhibiting a weaker, more fluttering flight than other damselflies in the region.

The species has been named in honour of the late Dr Sooryaprakash Shenoy, a renowned botanist who served as Head Scientist of the Botany Division at the Dr Shivaram Karanth Nisargadhama (biological park) in Pilikula, Karnataka. He was a researcher who dedicated his life to biodiversity conservation in the Western Ghats. 

The researchers noted that finding such a distinct species in a relatively accessible area suggests that the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot, likely harbours many more cryptic or unknown species waiting to be discovered. They emphasised that protecting the shaded, riparian (river-based) habitats where the Kodagu Shadowdamsel thrives is essential for maintaining the ecological health of the region’s freshwater systems.

This article was written with the help of generative AI and edited by an editor at Research Matters.

Source

Description of Protosticta sooryaprakashi sp. nov. (Odonata: Zygoptera: Platyst…

source: http://www.reasearchmatters.in / Research Matters / Home / by Research Matters Staff Writer(s) / Kodagu / November 27th, 2025

Dr. U.T. Uthappa of Kodagu among ‘Top 2% Scientists in World’

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Mysore/Mysuru:

Dr. Uluvangada T. Uthappa (Sanju), a native of Kodagu, has been recognised among the ‘Top 2% Scientists in the World (2025 Survey)’ compiled by Stanford University, USA.

The annual list, prepared by Prof. John P.A. Ioannidis of Stanford in collaboration with Elsevier and Scopus, identifies the world’s most influential scientific researchers representing about 2% of all scientists globally. The rankings are based on standardised citation metrics and composite indicators of scientific impact.

Dr. Uthappa is currently serving as a Post-Doctoral Researcher/Scientist at the College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, China. Earlier, he worked as a Post-Doctoral Fellow at Chonnam National University (2021-2022) and as a Research Professor at Yeungnam Univer-sity (2022-2023) in South Korea. He obtained his Ph.D in Chemistry from Jain University, Bengaluru, in 2021. His research focuses on addressing global challenges in environment, health, food and agriculture sectors.

He has published over 50 articles in reputed international peer-reviewed journals, with more than 2,300 citations and an H-index of 25. He has also filed two patents in South Korea and one in China.

An extraordinary achiever, Dr. Uthappa is the son of Uluvangada Sabu Thammaiah and Meena, residents of T. Shettigeri, Ponnampet Taluk, Kodagu.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 17th, 2025

Field Hockey : 100 years of Indian Hockey: BP Govinda, hero of 1973 World Cup semi-final win over Pakistan, reflects on two historic victories over arch-rivals

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(Courtesy : Hockey India)

India also outclassed Pakistan in the 1975 WC final.

In the last half a decade, the Indian men’s hockey team have bagged two bronze medals at the Olympic Games, and that brought a lot of joy to the fraternity.

India had to wait a bit before experiencing Olympic glory, but that was not the case for a major part of the last 100 years. With 13 medals at the Olympic Games, and three at the World Cup, India is among the most decorated teams in the sport.

Reflecting on India’s glorious history, a two-time World Cup medallist (1973 and 1975) and an Olympic medallist (1972), BP Govinda said, “It is a nice thing and a big achievement that we can celebrate such a glorious 100 years of Indian hockey.

“The journey started all the way back in 1928 with our first Olympic medal, and we are all very happy that Hockey India is making a celebration of this landmark of 100 years.”

Considered to be one of the fastest players during his era, BP Govinda was a crucial part of the Indian team. In 1973, it was his goal that helped India overcome Pakistan in a thrilling semi-final, before they went onto finish with silver.

In the next World Cup in 1975, BP Govinda again played a big role in the team’s success, scoring important goals in the tournament, as India outclassed arch-rivals Pakistan in the final to win the coveted gold medal.

Reflecting on the memories of those World Cup campaigns, BP Govinda said, “1975 World Cup we really outclassed Pakistan in the finals, but before that Malaysia gave us a very tough time in the semi-finals.”

He further added, “When we won the gold medal in 1975 in the World Cup in Kuala Lumpur, there is no words to express the feeling. All the members of the Indian team were overjoyed, and there was a lot of emotions, as it was a first World Cup gold medal, and of course we were all very thrilled to stand on the podium.”

Now as a former player, and a fan of the sport, BP Govinda believes the current generation of players should always aim high.

He said, “As a team, the Indian men’s hockey team should always expect a lot from themselves. It is important to be aiming for the top prize, the team should always aim for a gold medal. We have won two bronze medals in the last two Olympics, I hope we can make it better in the next Olympics and World Cups.”

source: http://www.khelnow.com / Khel Now / Home> Field Hockey / by Alex / November 05th, 2025

Indian coffee brews global success story

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Indian‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ coffee of different varieties grown in diverse regions was the theme of a “Mann Ki Baat” address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Besides the traditional areas like Karnataka (Chikmagalur, Coorg, Hassan), Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, he talked about the North-East as the new frontier of coffee cultivation.

Prime Minister also talked about the revolutionary effect of coffee plantation on the living of the people, especially tribal farmers and women, by giving the example of Koraput coffee which not only revived the degraded forest but also ensured the income of the people. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry added that Indian coffee is a highly export-oriented product, as 70% of the production is going to more than 120 countries, resulting in a $1.80 billion revenue in 2024-25.

Indian coffee exports have been on a dramatic rise over the last three years, in fact, the value of exports has gone up from $1.29 billion in 2023-24 to $1.81 billion in 2024-25. The increase is more than 40%, and it is solely due to the increased global demand for both raw and value-added coffee products like roasted and instant coffee. India is the seventh-largest coffee producer, and the coffee plantations cover 4.9 lakh hectares while the production is 3.63 lakh metric tonnes.

Demand for the Indian coffee in the international markets is primarily due to the introduction of specialty tribal coffees like Koraput and Araku, which have started to command premium prices. These coffees attract highly selective international markets that put quality, sustainability, and traceability at the forefront.

The Coffee Board’s intervention in the form of support to farmers and new market linkages has not only raised the farmer’s income but also their living standards, especially in the tribal communities. In India, the culture of coffee consumption has grown significantly in the last 4-5 years. Average coffee consumption increased step by step from 1,180 thousand 60-kg bags in 2020 to roughly 1,235 thousand bags in 2022.

The change in consumer behaviour, caused mainly by millennials and GenZ, has made the coffee consumption gradually comparable with the traditionally dominant tea consumption. The demographic change combined with the advent of specialty coffee chains like Blue Tokai, Third Wave Coffee, and the extension of internationally recognised brands such as Costa Coffee and Starbucks is driving a dynamic coffee market growth that is expected to continue for the next 10 years at a CAGR of around 7.5%.Merchants and startups in the Indian coffee industry have created a culture around specialty coffee focusing on domestic bean sourcing and the generation of higher consumer awareness.

Specialty coffee brands in India have attracted a substantial amount of funding from global investors such as Verlinvest, who sees India becoming not only a major coffee-consuming country but also a hub for coffee exports. In addition to ready-to-drink coffee beverages and urban café culture, the Indian coffee market has deepened in terms of variety and has more potential consumers to target.

Beyond economic metrics, the coffee sector has delivered significant environmental benefits. Koraput coffee has helped restore degraded forest land, reduced soil erosion, and provided tribal farmers with steady cash income in place of subsistence farming. This sustainable approach aligns with global trends favoring environmentally responsible sourcing, further enhancing Indian coffee’s international appeal.

In conclusion, the points of Prime Minister Modi about Indian coffee going global are supported by solid facts: the rapidly growing and diversifying coffee farming landscape, robust export performance, changing domestic consumption pattern, and the rise of new premium coffee brands. With the backing of government schemes, eco-friendly farming methods, and rising foreign demand, Indian coffee is set to realise further market penetration, higher farmer incomes, and improved global standing over the next ten ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌years.

source: http://www.thepamphlet.in / The Pamphlet / Home> Economy> Opinion / by Surabhi Singh / October 28th, 2025

Innovative daily programme revives tribal student attendance in Kodagu government school

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In the past two years, admissions have increased significantly, and from the current academic year, the school has started recording 100% attendance.

Chennangi Government Primary School, located in a tribal settlement in South Kodagu, has introduced a unique concept called Dinnakondu Karyakram, a special programme held every day.(Photo | Express)

Madikeri :

In a heartening initiative aimed at ensuring 100% attendance among tribal students, a government school in Kodagu has taken an extraordinary approach.

Chennangi Government Primary School, located in a tribal settlement in South Kodagu, has introduced a unique concept called Dinnakondu Karyakram, a special programme held every day, which has now made school a fun and welcoming space for all its students. The result: students who once refused to attend classes are now turning up enthusiastically each day.

The school currently has 52 students, all from tribal families. While government schools across the state are allegedly witnessing a sharp fall in admissions due to various issues, this institution is seeing a positive shift. In the past two years, admissions have increased significantly, and from the current academic year, the school has started recording 100% attendance.

“Several tribal students stayed away from the institution. When their parents left for daily wage work, these students sat at home. However, we conducted a survey before the start of this academic year and have ensured that all the children from the tribal colony attend classes at the institution,” shared Susha K K, the headmistress of the institution.

Over five students who had previously discontinued schooling have now returned and are attending classes without hesitation. Last year, the school had introduced Thingaligondu Karyakrama (a special programme every month), where students were encouraged to exhibit their talents through various performances. However, despite this, some students still remained absent.

This prompted the school to implement a new daily programme. As soon as students arrive at the school each morning, they are engaged in various fun activities ranging from yoga, singing, dancing, craft, and literature, to unique games.

“This has resulted in all the students attending classes without fail. To encourage them further, we have started a YouTube channel and we regularly upload the talent shows of the students onto the channel. It is like an incentive to these students, as the entire village watches and celebrates them after watching the YouTube channel,” the headmistress shared.

Admissions have gone up from 39 students to 52 in the past two years. Some students who had even taken transfer certificates were allegedly convinced by the headmistress to return. In addition, the school management conducted awareness meetings with parents, urging them to ensure their children attend school regularly to build a better future.

Despite facing an acute shortage of teaching staff and deteriorating infrastructure, the school management is doing its best to provide quality education to the tribal students.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Prajna GR / August 07th, 2025

Chasing Gold through Snow. Kodagu’s Thekkada Bhavani becomes the first Indian woman to win international skiing medals

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Kodagu’s Thekkada Bhavani becomes the first Indian 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

Squash: Joshna Chinappa wins Japan Open 2025

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New Delhi (UNI) :

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