“Chinnappa is a shining example of how a tough forest official fought for tiger conservation against immense odds, inspiring others in the processs,” said Praveen Bhargav, Trustee, Wildlife First.
While locals and supporters called Kotrangada Medappa (KM) Chinnappa a hero and phantom of the jungles; poachers called him “The Devil” who stalked their hunting grounds.
Bengaluru :
Noted wildlife conservationists and retired forest department official, Kotrangada Medappa Chinnappa (KM Chinnappa), breathed his last on Monday morning.
“Chinnappa (84) had been sinking. He had health and age-related ailments for a long time. He suffered a heart attack on Monday morning at his house in Kumatoor Village, Srimangala, Kodagu District. He will be laid to rest on Tuesday,” said his family members.
The news left a vacuum in the hearts and minds of many conservationists and forest officials who worked with him. Many conservationists and politicians, including leader of the Opposition, R Ashoka took to social media-X to express condolences. Ashoka in his X-post termed Chinnappa as a walking forest encyclopedia.
“President of Wildlife First since 1995, Chinnappa was one of India’s most respected and well-known crusader for wildlife protection. Chinnappa is a shining example of how a tough forest official fought for tiger conservation against immense odds, inspiring others in the process. With his extraordinary field craft, toughness and bravery, he led from the front. As a result of his actions, wildlife populations had dramatically recovered by mid-1980s with densities higher than anywhere in Asia,” said Praveen Bhargav, Trustee, Wildlife First.
Born in 1941, in Kumtur village near Nagarhole to a soldier father, who fought during the First World War, Chinnappa wanted to become a mustachioed soldier. He did become one but with a difference – he transformed into a gun-toting, frontline forest warrior.
Chinnappa joined the forest service in 1967 as a Range Forest Officer. During his career, he faced numerous challenges. He became a one-man army to revive the Nagarhole forest which was under threat from poaching, rice cultivation, encroachment, and timber lobbying.
While implementing a slew of measures initiated by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Chinnappa paid a hefty personal price. He was arrested, jailed and transferred. His home was burnt down. In an interaction he said: “What’s the use of just going to office. I led a colourful life.”
While locals and supporters called him a hero and phantom of the jungles; poachers called him “The Devil” who stalked their hunting grounds.
In 1988, one of Chinnappa’s guards shot a local coffee planter who had killed and eaten a Sambar deer. Chinnappa was accused of being the mastermind of the murder. He was arrested and jailed for 12 days. He was later cleared of charges and reinstated. In 1992, he was again implicated in the killing of a poacher. A frenzied mob ransacked the forest department’s buildings, assaulted staffers and burnt vehicles along with large swathes of forest land and Chinnappa’s ancestral home. Even though he was cleared of charges, Chinnappa decided to quit service.
However, even after retirement, his services were regularly sought by forest department officials to train young guards and young conservationists. Since retirement, Chinnappa trained over 2,500 forest staffers in anti-poaching operations and fire protection. Chinnappa reached out to over 1,50,000 school children, teachers, rural youth and villagers through nature camps, slide shows, talks, rallies and interactions.
In one such training, during patrolling, a young recruit asked him, what one should do when one encounters an elephant. Chinnappa simply said: “You need not do anything, what ever needs to be done, the elephant will do.”
Chinnappa was awarded with Karnataka Chief Minister’s Gold medal in 1985, the Wildlife Conservation Society certificate of Appreciation in 1988, and the Tiger Link Bagh Sevak Award in 1996.
He also received the ESSO and Sanctuary Life time Achievement awards in 2000 and 2006, respectively. He donated his entire prize money of Rs 7.5 lakhs from all these awards and recognitions to the cause of wildlife conservation.
Chinnappa’s long-time associate and friend K Ullas Karanth, who met him in 1969 for the first time said: “I’m deeply saddened to hear about the demise of my friend. He was the foremost wildlife ranger in all of India in terms of accomplishments. An inspirational figure, he was known for his bravery and courage of his convictions. He also had an incredible knowledge of wildlife.”
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Bosky Khanna / February 27th, 2024
A well-known short story writer, leading feminist and freedom fighter, who met her tragic end at the young age of 27 .
Ramaiah couple in Madikeri, Kodagu, welcomed their youngest girl child Gowramma, on 5th March 1912 (not to be mistaken with Victoria Gowramma of Coorg, who was born in 1841). The little bundle of joy immediately became the family favourite, what with elder sisters too playing mother to the baby.
Pampered by the family, Gowramma soon displayed a mind of her own and would not stop until she got what she demanded. What was striking was her intelligence. She surprised everyone with her precocious self-confidence, which in her adult life led to Gowramma emerging as a well-known short story writer with strong emphasis on feminine issues.
When Gowramma was six years old, her parents decided to make the arduous pilgrimage to Kashi. Arrangements were made for Gowramma to stay with her sisters since the journey to Kashi and back would take more than a month. When Gowramma got wind of her parent’s plan, she threw a massive tantrum. She insisted on being taken to Kashi. All the cajoling failed and her doting father had to relent.
However, this pilgrimage turned out to be a huge tragedy. Gowramma’s mother, Nanjakka, took ill during the train journey and by the time they reached Kashi she was critical. There was very little Ramaiah could do and within days, his wife died. Grief-stricken Ramaiah performed the last rites on the banks of the Ganges.
He now had the sole responsibility of looking after Gowramma who did not grasp the full import of the event. Ramaiah took the little girl for shanti pujas at various temples. In the hustle and bustle of Kashi, Gowramma got separated from her father. Ramaiah was despondent searching for the little girl.
The sun was about to set and as a last resort, Ramaiah located the Police Station to seek their help. When he stepped into the Police Station, he was aghast to find Gowramma seated on the table chatting with the Constables. Relieved, he took her to Kashi Viswanath Temple to thank the Lord.
Several months passed before Ramaiah could come to terms with the tragedy. It was time for him to start planning Gowramma’s education. When Ramaiah mentioned a government school, Gowramma vehemently insisted on being admitted to the elite St. Joseph’s Convent in Madikeri.
Ramaiah, as a vakil, had good earnings and he agreed to Gowramma’s preference. Once in school, Gowramma blossomed. As her education progressed, she became increasingly inquisitive and bombarded her teachers and elders with queries.
However, society functioned differently. By the time Gowramma was 12 years old, her father and the rest of the family started looking for a suitable groom. They identified a young man named G.T. Gopalakrishna. She still had another year to complete her matriculation. While accepting the man chosen for her, Gowramma told her father that she would move to her future husband’s home only after completing matriculation. Knowing how recalcitrant she could be, Ramaiah accepted her decision.
Gowramma’s wedding at young age of 13
Thirteen-year-old Gowramma tied the knot with Gopalakrishna in 1925 and moved to Sunticoppa where Gopalakrishna worked as a manager in the estate of a prominent and progressive coffee planter — Gundukutti Manjunathayya.
They had comfortable accommodation in the plantation and had access to several facilities including a tennis court and a natural swimming pool in the stream that flowed through the coffee estate. Gowramma took to playing tennis and learnt swimming much to the consternation of members of her conservative family.
The Navodaya Movement in Kannada literature was at its peak at the time. The movement initiated around the 1900s by B.M. Srikantaiah (BM Sri) encouraged original thoughts in Kannada literature and motivated writers to integrate the essence of English literature in exposing social evils in society.
This renaissance in Kannada literature gave Karnataka brilliant litterateurs such as Shivram Karanth, Da. Ra. Bendre, Panje Mangesh Rao, Kuvempu, D.V. Gundappa, Masti Venkatesha Iyengar and many others. Gowramma immersed herself in reading books, short stories, poetry and essays by these eminent writers.
Gowramma felt strongly about women getting raw deals at every level of society. She was troubled by the fact that women were not protesting, rather, were helpless, in the blatant patriarchy, discrimination, caste rigidity, and atrocities against them.
What bothered her the most was the plight of widows. She questioned child marriage, the dowry system, denying widow remarriage and treating them as outcastes; and lack of education for girls.
Gowramma’s very first short story written in 1931, when she was nineteen years old, was titled ‘Punarvivaha’ (Remarriage). It’s a powerful story about a 35-year-old widower wanting to marry an attractive 15-year-old girl not knowing the girl was a child widow. When the girl reveals this to him, he is angry and disgusted.
After a long dialogue, she holds up the mirror to the man of the double standards in society. Finally, ashamed of himself he falls at the feet of the young widow and dedicates his life fighting misogyny in society.
In another story ‘Aparadi Yaru?’ (Who is Guilty?), Gowramma portrays the sad story of a young widow with a child who is excommunicated and is helpless and destitute. She had no recourse but to convert to another faith. In some of her stories, young widows, betrayed women, jilted lovers and abandoned women are driven to extreme despair and suicide.
There are also stories by Gowramma, such as ‘Paapana Maduve’, ‘Kausalanandana’, ‘Sanyasi Ratna’, that are playful and have happy endings.
Mahatma Gandhi in Kodagu and freedom movement
Gowramma was an ardent admirer of Gandhiji and actively supported the freedom movement. During a brief sojourn of Mahatma Gandhi in Kodagu in 1934, Manjunathayya drove the Mahatma in his car to various places in Kodagu. Gandhiji visited Manjunathayya’s estate for a break and met leading freedom fighters.
Many women in Kodagu came forward to donate their jewellery to Gandhiji towards his charitable deeds. Gowramma decided to part with all her jewellery but wanted Gandhiji to personally visit her house. However, she was told to meet the Mahatma at Manjunathayya’s residence. Gowramma vehemently insisted Gandhiji visit her humble abode and went on a hunger strike!
When Gandhiji heard about this he sent word for Gowramma to first come to Manjunathayya’s bungalow to break her fast and promised to visit her house.
Gowramma received an orange from Gandhiji who then accompanied her to her home. Gowramma gave away all her valuables except for her mangalsutra, earrings and nose stud. Gandhiji was most touched by this noble gesture.
By 1939, Gowramma had written 21 short stories, and these were published in periodicals such as ‘Prajamatha’, ‘Jaya Karnataka’, ‘Rastrabhandu’ and ‘Jayantha’. Her writings were well-received by the public and were appreciated by well-known writers of the time such as Da.Ra. Bendre, Shivram Karanth, D.V. Gundappa, Muliya Thimmappaya et al.
Interaction with eminent writers
Gundukutti Manjunathayya’s estate attracted these eminent writers, and this allowed Gowramma to interact with them. Gowramma received support and encouragement from contemporary feminist writers such as Nanjangudu Tirumalamba and R. Kalyanamma.
Da. Ra. Bendre mentored Gowramma and advised her to publish an anthology of her stories. Gowramma selected 12 of her stories and titled the book ‘Chiguru’ (tender shoot). She requested Bendre to write a foreword for the collection, which he readily agreed.
A month before the manuscript was to be sent to the publishers, Gowramma, for reasons unknown, changed the title of the book from ‘Chiguru’ to ‘Kambani’ (tears). Bendre was intrigued and was to make a few changes in his foreword.
It was a salubrious sunny day on April 13, 1939. Gowramma, her husband Gopalakrishna and a nephew were to accompany Manjunathayya for a swim in the stream. Gopalakrishna had urgent work and was to join them later. Gowramma walked to the stream where Manjunathayya and her nephew were already in the water.
As usual, she climbed onto a branch overhanging the stream and dived into the deep end of the natural pool. When Gowramma did not resurface, Manjunathayya and her nephew were concerned and raised an alarm. Estate workers rushed to the spot to help but to no avail.
Divers retrieve her body later in the day. It was the most tragic day for her husband and eight-year-old son Vasanthrao, as well as the world of Kannada literature.
The literary world lost one of its most promising writers. Bendre, who used to refer to Gowramma as ‘nanna thangi Gowramma’ was heartbroken. He not only wrote a touching foreword for ‘Kambani’ but also penned a tearful poem eulogising Gowramma. She has left a lasting legacy as a writer, a leading feminist and a freedom fighter.
An English translation by Deepa Bhasthi, of Gowramma’s 21 stories, titled ‘Fate’s Game and Other Stories’ has been published recently.
I am thankful to Advocate S.R. Jagadeesh, a grand nephew of Gowramma, for sharing details of Gowramma’s life and for gifting her biography ‘Kodagina Gowramma’ by H. Nagaveni.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by C.P. Belliappa / February 18th, 2024
Squash star Joshna Chinappa was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, in recognition for her contribution to the sport and to India.
Joshna Chinappa (Instagram/@joshnachinappa15)
Recognition– both national and international– isn’t elusive to sports star Joshna Chinappa. A Commonwealth Games gold medalist, a WSF World Doubles Champion, a two-time Asian Individual Champion, and the winner of five Asian Games medals… the list goes on. Adding another feather to her cap, squash player has now been awarded India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, the Padma Shri, in recognition for her contribution to the sport and to India.
One of Indian squash’s most successful players, Chinappa was ranked world number 10 in the professional squash circuit. The 37-year-old is also the first Indian to win the British Junior Squash Championship in 2005 in the Under 19 category. Chinappa has won the national squash championship for a record 18 times, which is the highest by an Indian player.
With so many achievements in hand, Chinappa is a proud ambassador for her sport and for India. While one may wonder if the Padma Award was long due, Chinappa humbly responds with, “I think the timing is just right.” Now that squash is being included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, Chinappa is excited about the possibilities that await.
In an email interaction Joshna Chinappa gets candid with South First about the award, what it means, and preparing for LA28.
Excerpts from the interview.
You have had a fabled career, and you are one of the most prominent faces of squash in the country. Do you think the Padma award was long due?
I feel extremely humbled and honoured to be given the Padma Shri. I think the timing is great! It feels nice that my career spanning over three decades has been recognised and appreciated.
What role has Chennai played in your growth as an athlete?
Chennai has been a big catalyst for me to pursue squash professionally. My dad introduced me to the game. He was my coach for a very long time. Besides, the squash federation is based in Chennai. That helped me to have access to good coaches and a structured training program.
Joshna Chinappa is looking forward to playing at the LA28. (Instagram/joshnachinappa15)
Could you give us a peek into the role of your coach in shaping your career?
My dad was my main coach for many years. I have worked with some solid coaches throughout the last two decades and all have contributed significantly in their own way.
How are you preparing for LA28?
It’s wonderful that squash is in LA 2028! I look forward to being fit and injury free!
Squash has finally made it to the Olympics, what does it mean for veterans like you? Do you think your career would have been different had it been included as an Olympic sport earlier?
Obviously. When it’s an Olympic sport, the financial support and encouragement is completely different from the government as well as the corporates. I do feel it would have made a huge difference especially in motivating more kids to take up squash and consider it as a career.
How are you preparing to compete with top seed players who are younger?
Squash is already a challenging sport physically. So, competing with the younger lot makes it exciting and harder on the body. I think training smart is the key.
How do you feel about the popularity of squash in India? What can be done to attract more people to the game?
The sport has definitely gotten a lot more popular in the last few years. We have been consistently winning medals at the CWG and Asian games. We need to have more infrastructure, qualified coaches and financial support given to the younger kids, so that they can focus on playing and training comfortably.
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Almost all sports persons talk about focussing on the process, and not the outcome, while playing the sport. And yet, when the outcome is not favourable, there is a natural disappointment. How do you pick yourself up after a not-so-great game?
I personally enjoyed the grind of training and preparing for an event. But it’s with the purpose to win a medal , so it is incredibly disappointing to not be able to pull that off on certain days. That’s what sport is, you won’t have your way all the time despite all the work you put in, but you have to find a way to come out of it and keep working harder, never giving up and eventually the wins will come.
What runs in your mind while in the heat of a game? How do you train your mind to face both healthy and unhealthy competition?
I try to focus on my game plan with each opponent. Sometimes when that doesn’t happen, I focus on the basics, one shot at a time. I do a lot of mental work too which is equally important as the physical aspect. Also surrounding yourself with the right people and team can help cut out the unnecessary noise.
How do you unwind?
Since my day is scheduled with training and recovery. On my off days, I really like to do nothing. I do play a lot of other sports which I enjoy and also, I read a bit.
source: http://www.thesouthfirst.com / South First / Home> Community & Culture / by Fathima Ashraf / February 15th, 2024
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
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
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.
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
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 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)
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
With the announcement of Padma Shri to two natives of Kodagu, the district takes pride in the same as two among the seven Padma Shri awardees in sports field are from here.
Kodagu natives-sportspersons, Rohan Bopanna and Kuttanda Joshna Chinappa
Madikeri :
It is a pride moment for Kodagu as two natives from the district will be conferred with the Padma Shri award. Rohan Bopanna, who emerged as World No.1 in International Men’s Doubles tennis two days ago and Joshna Chinappa, International Squash player, will receive the award from President Droupadi Murmu.
A native of Garaganduru of Madapur in Kodagu, Machanda Rohan Bopanna is the son of Bopanna and Mallika. He rose to the world’s number one ranking after his stupendous performance in the men’s doubles at the Grand Slam Australian Open. He also holds the record of being the oldest World No. 1 player. Teaming up with Australian player Mathew Ebden, 43-year-old Rohan Bopanna will play the finals at the Australian Open today.
“Rohan has emerged as a world-class player through various levels of achievement in the field of tennis. The hard work put in by Rohan for this is unimaginable and it is a prideful movement for the family,” shared Rohan’s father MG Bopanna. Rohan was honored by the state with Ekalavya Award in 2005.
Kuttanda Joshna Chinappa, another native of the district, is the daughter of Anjan Chinappa. Aged 37, she has won several gold medals in squash including at the World Squash Doubles Championship, South Asian Games, Asian Individual Squash Championship and Common Wealth Games. Now settled in Tamil Nadu, Joshna’s tryst with squash began at a very young age.
Taking part at the Republic Day celebration at Gonikoppal on Friday, Joshna spoke with the media persons and shared, “I started to play squash after I received encouragement from my parents. The encouragement that I received as a child has helped me evolve in the game. I take pride in playing for the nation.” She thanked all her coaches and trainers for her achievement.
With the announcement of Padma Shri to two natives of Kodagu, the district takes pride in the same as two among the seven Padma Shri awardees in sports field are from here.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Other / by Express News Service / January 26th, 2024
Paadi Igguthappa Temple to bloom in 5 lakh flowers
Madikeri:
A vibrant Fruit and Flower Show is scheduled to take place at the renowned tourist destination Raja’s Seat in Madikeri from Jan. 26 to 28 as part of the Republic Day celebrations. The Kodagu Horticulture Department is actively engaged in necessary preparations.
The Raja’s Seat garden will be adorned with a total of 20 varieties comprising 15,000 flowering plants, including chrysanthemum, salvia, orchids, daisies, marigold, zinnia, dianthus, vinca rosea, or Madagascar Periwinkle, Cockscomb, and dahlia, all meticulously grown in pots and trays.
The main attraction of this year’s show will be Kodagu’s ancient temple Sri Paadi Igguthappa Temple, located at Kakkabbe. The 15-feet-tall floral replica with length and width of 48 feet and 28 feet respectively will be designed using roses, chrysanthemums and orchids. Over five lakh flowers will be used to create the model.
In celebration of Republic Day, the event will feature impressive models depicting soldiers, cannons, and various exhibits showcasing the prowess of the country’s Armed Forces. Additionally, butterfly wings, balloons, and mushroom models will captivate visitors. For children, there will be special attractions featuring popular cartoon characters like Chhota Bheem, Barbie Doll, Spider-Man, and Bat-Man crafted from an assortment of vibrant flowers.
A total of 13 diverse exhibits have been meticulously planned, utilising over 8 lakh flowers to bring these models to life. Within the garden premises, an array of decorative flower pots will be artistically arranged, forming a breathtaking display of fruits and flowers.
This year, Republic Day coincides with the fourth Saturday and Sunday public holidays, leading to an anticipated significant influx of both tourists and locals. The event promises to be a delightful experience for all who attend, with the vibrant floral displays and creative exhibits adding a touch of magic to the celebration.
In addition to the flower-adorned artefacts and creatively arranged photo frames, a designated selfie zone is under construction to enhance the visitor experience. Furthermore, the event will pay tribute to distinguished personalities from diverse fields through unique artworks crafted from fruits and vegetables, adding a distinctive touch to the exhibition.
Enthusiasts can also anticipate the inclusion of ornamental plants, including bonsai and ikebana flower arrangements, contributing to the overall visual appeal of the exhibition. With these diverse elements, the event promises to provide a captivating and visually enriching experience for all attendees.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News /January 25th, 2024
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