Category Archives: Amazing Feats

This Kodagu girl aims to create badminton history

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Shuttle badminton has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, with a growing number of young players taking it up professionally. What began as a recreational pastime among British expatriates in the 1860s has steadily evolved into a mainstream sport embraced by the younger generation. Pioneers like Prakash Padukone, the first Indian to win the All England Badminton Championship in 1980, played a key role in bringing national recognition to the sport. He was followed by Pullela Gopichand, who also won the prestigious All England title, Olympic medallists like Saina Nehwal — India’s first Olympic badminton medal winner — and P.V. Sindhu, a double Olympic medallist and BWF World Champion, who helped place India firmly on the global badminton map.

Kodagu, a region renowned for producing hockey legends, has also made its mark in badminton through players like Ashwini Ponnappa, who has won multiple medals in international competitions. Now joining the list of Kodagu’s badminton achievers is 17-year-old Boppanda Diya Bheemaiah.

Coming from a family of sports people, Diya has made significant strides in national and international badminton. She was part of the Indian women’s team that participated in the Asian U-17 Badminton Championship held in Chengdu, China, last year, where she competed in the doubles event.

Her achievements include: Bronze in singles and silver in doubles at the Nepal Junior International Series held in Tripureswar in December 2024; Silver in singles and bronze in mixed doubles at the 36th Sub-Junior Badminton Tournament held in Tamil Nadu in 2024; and Winner of the U-19 All India Krishna Khaitan Badminton Tournament – 2024, held in Panchkula, Haryana, among other accolades.

A II PUC student at Vidyaashram College in Mysuru, Diya trains under coach Arun Pemmaiah at Sports Park, Mysuru. Her father, Boppanda B. Bheemaiah, is also a badminton coach, while her mother, K.K. Kusuma (Kambiranda), a former international athlete, now works as a fitness coach. Diya’s younger brother, B.B. Vishal Uthappa, is also a budding badminton player.

Star of Mysore caught up with Diya Bheemaiah for an interview as she prepares for the upcoming National Junior Championship to be held in Bengaluru. Following this, she will head to Guwahati, Assam, to train at the National Centre of Excellence — a facility where only a select few players are offered the opportunity to train. Excerpts…

Star of Mysore (SOM): What inspired you to take up badminton?

Diya Bheemaiah: I used to watch my father play when I was a kid. Initially, I picked it up just for fun, but I gradually developed a deep interest in the sport. I’ve been playing professionally for the past eight years now.

SOM: Why did you shift your base  from Madikeri in Kodagu to Mysuru?

Diya Bheemaiah: It was purely for badminton. I moved here when I was in the 6th standard and stayed in a PG accommodation. After the COVID-19 pandemic, my family shifted to Mysuru. It had become difficult to practice in Madikeri, my hometown, especially during the rainy season when we could barely step out of the house. That’s when we decided to move to Mysuru permanently.

SOM: Can you tell us about your daily routine and diet?

Diya Bheemaiah: I wake up around 5 am and attend my fitness session from 5.45 am to 7.15 am. After a short break, I have my on-court session from 9.30 am to 12 noon, where I focus on strokes and technique. Then there’s a lunch break, followed by another session from 1.30 pm. After that, I take a two-hour break before heading to the gym from 6 pm to 7.15 pm. That’s my daily routine for now.

As for my diet, my mother is particular about it. She prepares nutritious meals every day. Of course, to achieve anything great in sports, you have to sacrifice your cravings. It’s been a couple of years since I’ve had ice cream and junk food is completely off my list.

SOM: How have your parents supported you in your badminton endeavours?

Diya Bheemaiah: They’ve been extremely supportive. My mother takes care of my diet and fitness, while my father helps me improve my game. One of them always accompanies me during tournaments to ensure I stay focused and eat healthy.

SOM: You play in all three categories — singles, doubles & mixed doubles. How do you manage different techniques and mindsets required?

Diya Bheemaiah: In singles, the player is solely responsible for his/her performance and has to give the best. In doubles, it’s all about trust and coordination with your partner. When things aren’t going well, it’s also about encouraging each other and making a strong comeback together.

SOM: Badminton is an expensive sport. How have you been managing?

Diya Bheemaiah: Right now, my parents and coaches are supporting me financially. But there is a need for sponsorship. Even though many of us perform well, we often don’t receive any sponsorship. Players end up spending from their own pockets for racquets, training and travel. The State Government has not been very supportive either. The Karnataka Badminton Association only covers our travel and stay during the national championships. I feel that society should come forward and support sportspersons who are consistently performing.

Diya Bheemaiah seen with her father Boppanda B. Bheemaiah, mother K.K. Kusuma and younger brother B.B. Vishal Uthappa.

SOM: Being a Science student, how are you managing your studies along with badminton?

Diya Bheemaiah: Thankfully, my college has been supportive. They not only consider my attendance but also send me daily online class recordings, which help me stay updated academically. Besides, my teachers are always available. I can call them anytime to clarify my doubts.

SOM: Your plans after II PUC?

Diya Bheemaiah: Professional badminton will always be my priority. However, I also intend to specialise in Sports Psychology. But for now, my focus is on badminton and completing my II PUC with good marks. As for my dream — I aspire to become the World No. 1 and make history by winning three Olympic medals for the country.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by S N Venkatanag Sobers / May 31st, 2025

Alumni of a government school in Kodagu reunite to renovate the age-old institution

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Funds adding to over Rs 10 lakh are being collected to enable the renovation and revival process of the school building.

The institution did not even record a centenary celebration due to financial issues. However, the alumni of the institution became active recently and are now involved in the revival process of the institution.

Madikeri :

As several government schools are struggling to see the light of the day due to non-maintenance, an alumni association of a government school in Kodagu is striving towards renovating the institution.

Funds adding to over Rs 10 lakh are being collected to enable the renovation and revival process of the school building.

The Suntikoppa Government Primary School, established 108 years ago, has educated lakhs of students. The institution was expanded with high school education 44 years ago. However, the lack of funds for development works had remained a challenge.

The institution did not even record a centenary celebration due to financial issues. However, the alumni of the institution became active recently and are now involved in the revival process of the institution.

Recently, a group of alumni organised a reunion event as a Guru Vandhana programme, which witnessed participation from the former teaching staff.

The Alumni Association was launched as plans took shape to renovate the school building, which is in a vulnerable condition.

Funds adding up to Rs 10 lakh were collected by the alumni association. The school classrooms are being renovated and upgraded even as the alumni will initiate plans to increase admissions to the institution.

Key alumni members KH Sharif, Harish, Anil Kumar, C Mahendra, Razak, Abdul Aziz, Arun Kumar, Dhanu Kaverappa, Vincent, Shashikumar, and Kamalahasan, alongside local donors from Suntikoppa and neighbouring areas, have committed themselves to elevating the school’s standards to match private institutions.

The alumni association has members from all walks of life, some who have reached reputable posts following their primary education at the institution. “We cannot be more grateful to the alumni for taking up the renovation project,” shared Geetha, headmistress of the government school.

“This renovation represents our modest contribution to the institution that shaped our lives. Some of our alumni have become High Court judges, and under their guidance, along with support from other alumni, we are undertaking this renovation. We are ensuring minimal disruption to current students’ education,” shared RH Sharif, the VP of the alumni association.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / June 04th, 2025

Three from Kodagu commissioned as Sub Lieutenants in Indian Navy

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Mysuru:

Kodagu, a region renowned for its extraordinary contribution to the Indian Armed Forces, has added another proud chapter to its legacy as three of its youth have been commissioned as Sub Lieutenants in the Indian Navy.

Kadiyamada Rea Achaiah

Sub Lieutenant Kadiyamada Rea Achaiah, a Mysuru-based native of Kodagu, has been commissioned into the Indian Navy and is currently serving aboard INS Sujata, a frontline patrol vessel.

Rea, an alumna of Vidyavardhaka College of Engineering (VVCE), Mysuru, completed her degree in Information Science. Inspired by a long-standing dream to serve the Armed Forces, she cleared the Services Selection Board (SSB) exams and joined the Indian Naval Academy at Payyannur, Kerala, on July 1, 2024. She was formally commissioned on May 31, 2025.

Rea had the distinction of being selected for both the Indian Army and the Indian Navy, ultimately choosing the latter. A multi-talented achiever, she is a former international Roller Speed Skater and has represented India in three World and Asian Championships.

She made history by becoming the first Indian female skater to win an individual medal in an international competition, claiming two bronze medals at the 18th Asian Championship in South Korea (2018). She has a medal tally of 155 golds, 28 silvers and 11 bronzes across various competitions.

Apart from roller skating, Rea is also a national-level ice skater and sailor. She recently won gold in the Indian Navy Laser Sailing Championship held at Karwar and secured gold and bronze medals in the Biangular Sailing Regatta at the Indian Naval Academy.  She is the daughter of Kadiyamada Arun Achaiah and Priya Achaiah of Athur village, Gonikoppal and residents of Vijayanagar 1st Stage, Mysuru.

Chiriapanda Atul Somayya

Sub Lieutenant Chiriapanda Atul Somayya, son of Lt. Col. (Retd.) Chiriapanda Vivek Muthanna and Asha, hails from Kanoor, Kodagu.

An alumnus of PES Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, where he earned a degree in Civil Engineering with distinction, Atul was inspired from an early age to join the Armed Forces. He was commissioned into the Indian Navy on May 31, 2025.

Areyada Chaman Poovana

Sub Lieutenant Areyada Chaman Poovana, son of Areyada Kiran Ganapathy and Beena, has also been commissioned into Indian Navy on May 31, 2025.

His achievement marks a proud milestone for his family and community and highlights the continued tradition of military service in Kodagu. Known for his dedication and discipline, Chaman looks ahead to a promising career in naval service.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / June 03rd, 2025

Karnataka govt organises ‘Jai Hind Sabha’ in honour of armed forces

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Bengaluru :

The Karnataka government organised a special event, ‘Jai Hind Sabha’, in honour of the Indian armed forces and facilitated retired military personnel in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

The programme was held at the Town Hall in Bengaluru, and it was given the tagline, ‘Jai Hind Jai Sena’.

During the event, senior officers who served in the Indian Army and ex-servicemen were felicitated. The families of brave soldiers who laid down their lives in service to the nation were also honoured.

Among those felicitated were the family members of late Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan (Ashoka Chakra awardee), Colonel Jojan Thomas (Ashoka Chakra awardee), Major M.C. Muthanna (Shaurya Chakra awardee), Major Ganesh Maddappa (Shaurya Chakra awardee), Captain M.V. Panjal (Shaurya Chakra awardee), Major Mohan Gangadharan (Shaurya Chakra awardee), Major Shafiq Mohammad Khan, and Colonel Ramamurthy (Sena Medal awardee).

More than a thousand senior army officers and ex-servicemen participated in the event. The Karnataka government had issued directions to organise such events across the country to salute the selfless service of Indian soldiers and stand in solidarity with them.

Addressing the “Jai Hind Sabha” programme, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that soldiers, farmers, doctors, and teachers are as revered and memorable as one’s own parents.

He praised the legacy of Indian soldiers. “Soldiers dedicate themselves to national defence with a spirit of sacrifice. The responsibility of protecting the country does not lie with the army alone, but with all 1.4 billion Indians,” he said.

He emphasised that India has never compromised on the principle of protecting the righteous and eliminating evil, and it never will.

“This is the commitment of every Indian,” Siddaramaiah underlined.

The Chief Minister made a significant declaration that no excise duty will be levied on army canteens by the state. He also assured that all necessary steps would be taken for the welfare of retired soldiers.

Speaking after felicitating senior army officers, ex-servicemen, and the families of martyred soldiers, Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar said, “To support all ex-servicemen in the state, the government is considering the establishment of a separate corporation. This proposal will be discussed in the state cabinet meeting before a decision is made.”

“We are thinking of forming this corporation based on the suggestion of Mallikarjun, President of the Congress Party’s Sainik Cell. We are committed to the welfare of soldiers who have served our nation,” Shivakumar stated.

“It is a matter of pride to be part of such a significant event. On behalf of the Congress party and the nation, I extend my gratitude to all of you who have served our country with strength and dedication. The Congress party has always stood by the nation and our armed forces. This programme is a testimony to the fact that your sacrifices will always be remembered,” he added.

–IANS

source: http://www.thehawk.in / The Hawk / Home> India / May 28th, 2025

Q & A with Joshna Chinappa | Still smashing

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Thirty-eight-year-old squash champion Joshna Chinappa’s win at the National Doubles Championships shows she’s still in fine form.

Q. You recently won the women’s final at the National Doubles Championships alongside Anahat Singh. Do you have a long-term plan with this pairing?

Anahat and I were casually discussing the doubles and decided to play together. We will be playing the Asian Doubles Championships in Malaysia in June. She is a solid player, so it makes it easier and more fun.

Q. How have you modified your game with age?

I have a deep appreciation and respect for my body and what it has done over the past three decades for me to be able to play squash professionally. I definitely have to put in more work in terms of how I prepare for a game with my strength training, fitness, diet, etc.

Q. You’ve been playing squash for three decades now. How has the game evolved over the years?

The game has definitely gotten a lot more intense physically and you have so many different players with amazing skill to add to that physicality. There are so many tournaments happening all around the world and in India.

Q. What do you make of the next generation of Indian players?

There are a good crop of young players doing well at the junior and professional level. It’s so good to see about 6-7 of them playing the big PSA events consistently. I hope more juniors make the switch to go pro because that’s where the real test is.

source: http://www.indiatoday.in / India Today / Home> News> Leisure / by Pratibha Joy / June 10th, 2025

NGO integrates AI-based siren system to warn Kodagu villagers of elephant movement

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Using this app, people can update the last location where they spotted a wild elephant, and through an AI-based system, the movement of the elephant will be traced.

The siren system is being installed across 12 conflict zones in Virajpet limits. (Photo | Express)

Madikeri :

A new initiative to prevent untoward incidents related to wildlife movement is being undertaken on a trial basis in Kodagu. Funded by a private company, the early warning system has been installed by Support for Network and Extension Help Agency (SNEHA), an NGO.

An early warning system in the form of a siren to alert residents about wildlife movement within a one-kilometre radius has been installed by SNEHA on a trial basis in wildlife conflict regions across Virajpet in Kodagu.

The NGO is currently in the process of installing 12 such sirens across the conflict zones of Badaga Banangala and surrounding areas. While the initiative is currently at a trial stage, SNEHA plans to expand it further by introducing automated alert systems.

“This initiative is being carried out by SNEHA in Odisha and Kodagu regions. We are looking at developing the system further to ensure an automated alert system,” explained Ramaswamy Krishnan, the Executive Director of SNEHA.

He said the NGO has developed a mobile application called SNEHA Kalpvaig Elephant Tracker, which is being uploaded online to become accessible to all.

Using this app, people can update the last location where they spotted a wild elephant, and through an AI-based system, the movement of the elephant will be traced.

Further, based on the location of the elephant, a siren will be triggered to alert residents within a one-kilometre radius.

“The users who have this application can learn about the movement of the elephant, and this application is linked with the siren system. We have also placed about four camera traps in conflict zones, and these cameras are being monitored by the staff at the office to activate the siren manually,” he explained.

The cameras click pictures every minute, and these photographs are reviewed by the appointed staff, who can activate the siren if an elephant is detected within the designated area.

“We want to make this an automated system, and we are devising plans where the cameras can automatically detect wildlife movement,” he confirmed. When the sirens are activated, a voice alert message is also sent through the mobile application simultaneously.

The alert system is currently being implemented in Kodagu on a trial basis, with the NGO having formed a tracking team to monitor wildlife movements.

A total of 12 sirens have been installed across conflict zones in the Virajpet limits. The initiative is being funded by Sucden Coffee Pvt Ltd and is being implemented in collaboration with the Forest Department.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Prajna GR / May 30th, 2025

Devika Cariapa conferred with the Times of India Author Award

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Codanda Devika Cariapa was recently conferred the prestigious Times of India About Her Award for the Best Children’s Author (Non-Fiction) 2024 at a grand ceremony in New Delhi.

She won the award for her book, ‘A Children’s History of India in 100 Objects’ published by Penguin Random House India. The award sees over seven thousand entries across five categories with only four books making it to the final shortlist.

The book is a compilation of information and depictions of 100 objects that have significant relevance in Indian history from prehistoric times to modern-day India. The emphasis has been to capture India’s diversity through concise and descriptive texts and beautiful illustrations. 

Devika Cariapa has been the recipient of multiple literary awards for Children’s Literature including the Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar, the Neev Book Award and The Hindu-Young World Award.

She is the daughter of Lt Gen Biddanda Chengappa Nanda and Mrs Leela Nanda and wife of  Gp Capt Codanda Chitrajit Cariapa.

source: http://www.clnews.in / CoffeeLand News / Home> General / by CLN News Desk / April 12th, 2024

In their farm with five pet dogs, Booker winner Deepa Bhasthi’s husband celebrates in Kodagu

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While the literary world applauded in London, back home in Kodagu, her win was met with joy, disbelief, and a bit of solitude.

Deepa Bhasthi won the  International Booker Prize for her translation of Kannada author Banu Mushtaq’s Heart Lamp short story collection, in London on May 20, 2025. | Photo Credit: Deepa Bhasthi/Instagram

While Karnataka’s Kodagu-born writer Deepa Bhasthi celebrates a historic International Booker Prize win in London, her husband Chettira Sujan Nanaiah is celebrating in his own quiet way — on a farm, with five pet dogs, and congratulatory phone calls at their peaceful home in Madikeri.

On Tuesday night, Ms. Bhasthi, along with writer-activist Banu Mushtaq, was awarded the prestigious GBP 50,000 International Booker Prize for her translation of the latter’s short story collection, Heart Lamp. While the literary world applauded her in London, back home in Kodagu, the win was met with joy, disbelief, and a bit of solitude.

Speaking to The Hindu over the phone on Wednesday morning, Sujan Nanaiah — an artist-turned-farmer — shared his happiness. “She’s still in shock and joy. We spoke briefly in the morning. I couldn’t be there with her due to other commitments, but I’m extremely happy and proud,” he said.

Quiet life in Madikeri

The couple, who moved to their native Madikeri during the COVID-19 pandemic, have been living a quiet life on their farm surrounded by lush greenery. “It’s a simple life. We grow our own food, look after our pets, and enjoy being close to nature,” he said.

Mr. Nanaiah, who studied fine arts at Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath in Bengaluru, first met Ms. Bhasthi seven years ago at an art exhibition where he was a participant. What began as a friendship evolved into marriage and a shared life in Kodagu.

As calls poured in from family and friends, Mr. Nanaiah was busy tending to farm duties and looking after their pets. “I didn’t expect her to win, but I’m thrilled for her and the recognition it brings to Kannada literature,” he said, adding that he was the one who shared the good news with Bhasthi’s parents on May 21 morning. “They were emotional and proud. It’s a big moment for our family,” he added.

Born and raised in Madikeri, Ms. Bhasthi studied at Kodagu Vidyalaya before moving to Mangaluru for a degree in Mass Communication. She worked with print publications in Bengaluru before transitioning to freelance writing and literary translation.

Mr. Nanaiah said that Deepa’s return to Kodagu is expected around May 26, though her schedule is still uncertain. For now, as she enjoys her moment on the international stage, her immensely proud husband continues to hold fort at their serene Madikeri farmhouse.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Karnataka / by Darshan Devaiah B P / May 22nd, 2025

Karisma Aiyappa crowned ‘Mrs. Bharat California 2025’

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Karisma Aiyappa (centre) was crowned ‘Mrs. Bharat California 2025’ by Mydream TV USA at an event held at California recently.

Karisma, a HR/logistics professional in Silicon Valley, is a former State-level athlete and a passionate dancer.

Picture above shows Karisma walking the ramp in the traditional Kodava attire

A native of South Kodagu and daughter of Poilengada P. Machamma and late Alemanda Aiyappa, residents of Kuvempunagar in Mysuru, Karisma is married to Abhishek, an employee of Microsoft, Bay Area, California, USA.

Karisma’s participation in various Coorg events in the USA showcases her commitment to her heritage.

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

Guinness World record for world’s largest hockey festival

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In the lush hills of Kodagu, a remarkable sporting and cultural phenomenon has reached a new milestone. The 25th edition of the Kodava Hockey Festival — hosted this year by the Kundyolanda family — has officially entered the Guinness World Records as the largest field hockey tournament, boasting an astonishing 3,640 players across over 360 family teams.

This year’s month-long edition ran across three grounds and finished late April.

What began as a dream in 1997 by the late Pandanda Kuttappa, a former hockey referee and State Bank of India employee, has transformed into an unparalleled spectacle of sport and community.

His vision was simple yet profound: unite the globally dispersed Kodava community through hockey — a sport embedded deep in their identity. Kodagu, often called the “cradle of Indian hockey,” has produced over 50 national players and seven Olympians, making the festival a natural extension of local pride.

“This festival is about more than just winning or losing,” Pandanda K. Bopanna, president of the Kodava Hockey Academy and son of the founder, told The Hindu newspaper.

“It’s about keeping our culture alive, connecting generations, and celebrating our heritage.”

This year’s silver jubilee celebrations were extra special. According to the official Guinness World Records entry, the event was recognised for having the most field hockey players in a tournament, overtaking all previous records.

“We have a rich tradition of serving the Armed forces. The British were already playing hockey and they found that the Kodavas had taken to the sport well. With a little bit of encouragement, the sport caught on,” says Navin Poonacha Kanganda, who has promoted the festival in the digital space, told Red Bull a few years ago.

A women’s tournament featuring 30 teams was introduced for the first time, symbolising the progressive spirit of the Kodava community. The festival torch — akin to the Olympic flame — was ceremoniously carried to the ancestral Ainmanes of past host families, reinforcing the powerful links between tradition and sport.

The Deccan Herald captured the festival’s atmosphere, describing the grounds as “a place where hockey sticks clash as fiercely as family pride, amid a carnival of Kodava culture.”

Traditional Kodava attire, food stalls, cultural performances, cyclothons, and shooting competitions lend the event the feel of a grand village fair — with hockey at its heart.

From humble beginnings in the small village of Karada with just 60 teams, the festival has grown into a massive undertaking requiring three specially-prepared mud fields, an effort largely borne by the host families.

“Despite international recognition, the festival struggles with basic sports infrastructure,” Bopanna noted. “The government must do more — a permanent hockey stadium in Kodagu would honour the festival’s contribution to Indian hockey.”

For the Kodavas, the festival is more than a sporting event.

As Ajjinikanda Mahesh Nachaiah, president of the Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy, put it: “It’s a reunion, a business hub, a marriage bureau, and a cultural festival all rolled into one.”

The clatter of sticks and laughter of reunited families echo a truth that Pandanda Kuttappa knew all along: hockey, for the Kodavas, is life itself.

source: http://www.thehockeypaper.co.uk / The Hockey Paper / Home> Features / by Hockey Paper Staff / May 06th, 2025