Category Archives: Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022)

Squash: Joshna Chinappa wins Japan Open 2025

Amazing Feats, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All, Sports, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

Daksha College felicitates Padma Shri Awardee Rani Machaiah

Amazing Feats, Artists of Kodagu (wef. January 21st, 2025), Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , ,

Mysore/Mysuru:

To mark International Women’s Day celebrations, Daksha College, Mysuru, recently felicitated Padma Shri Awardee Rani Machaiah, who is an exponent of the Ummathat (traditional dance of Kodagu) and T.K. Smitha, a climate journalist and TEDX speaker, for their valuable contribution to the society.

Speaking on the occasion, Jayachandra Raju, Chairman of Daksha College, said women are the life and embodiment of mother earth and humanity that sustains life.

He assured of all possible support to women teachers and students who can volunteer and come up with practically possible activities and processes that can save water, prevent wastage of food, create livelihoods for women in distress and maintain our surroundings clean and green.

Rani Machaiah called upon the students to give out their best, respect elders and take care of the parents who have selflessly strived to give the best the education to their children thus enabling their growth and development.

Smitha and Sonia Umapathy, Secretary of Global Education Trust, motivated women to become independent and pursue their dreams without any inhibitions.

Prizes were distributed to lady teachers by the team of Dr. Mahesh, Principal of Daksha Degree College.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 23rd, 2024

Prajnesh, Joshna help kick off Pickleball by the Bay

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Sports, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , , ,

The tournament marks India’s first Pickleball World Ranking (PWR) 1000 event and featured prominent names, including former Asian Games tennis player Prajnesh Gunneswaran, who took to the court in both singles and doubles events, partnering with Venkatesh Nagarajan.

Joshna Chinappa returns a shot during her doubles contest; Prajnesh Gunneswaran at the event

Chennai :

A handful of tennis players traded racquets for paddles on Friday, as the inaugural day of the Rise Up Championship – Pickleball by the Bay tournament got underway in Chennai.

The tournament marks India’s first Pickleball World Ranking (PWR) 1000 event and featured prominent names, including former Asian Games tennis player Prajnesh Gunneswaran, who took to the court in both singles and doubles events, partnering with Venkatesh Nagarajan.

Having announced his retirement from professional tennis last year, Prajnesh has taken to playing pickleball casually on weekends with friends. His participation in a few ranking tournaments in the past helped him secure a spot in the qualifier draw of the PWR 1000 event.

I enjoy the sport. Most of the pickleball tournaments happen during weekends, and if it’s convenient, I make sure to take part,” Prajnesh told DT Next.

The Pickleball by the Bay event saw participation from a wide age group — including players over 50 — something Prajnesh believes highlights the sport’s inclusive nature.

“Pickleball courts in the city are mostly full, which shows people are willing to play — across all ages. In other sports, it’s a lot harder: one, you need to be athletic; and two, if you haven’t played from a young age, it becomes difficult,” he added.

Former world No 10 squash player and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Joshna Chinappa also featured at the event, pairing with Niranthara Muthiah to win the doubles qualifier and advance to the main draw. Discussing the similarities between racquet sports and pickleball, Prajnesh said that although he doesn’t play full-time, his background in tennis helps him adapt quickly.

The basics are quite similar. Pickleball came a bit easier to me because of my tennis background,” he said. Former Olympian sailor Varun Thakkar was also present at the event to show his support for the emerging sport.

“I think many players are picking up pickleball because it feels familiar. A lot of common people are taking it up because it’s not too harsh on the body,” said Selvakumar Baalu, Founder of the Rise Up Championship Foundation.

“Sports is a small community where people support each other. At Pickleball by the Bay, we’re happy to provide a platform for that.”

source: http://www.dtnext.in / DT NEXT / Home> News> Sports / by Jayantha Sengupta / September 27th, 2025

Winners of JB Fresh Face 

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, Uncategorized, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , ,

The winners of JB Fresh Face Season 8 held at a private hotel in city on Saturday — Anoushka Uthaiah and Shashank — are seen with fashion designer Jayanthi Ballal (JB).

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Photo News / September 24th, 2025

Young Golfer Rianca Thimmaiah Shines on the National Circuit

Amazing Feats, Records, All, Sports, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022)

At just 13 years of age, Rianca Thimmaiah, a Class 8 student of BGS International Residential School (BGSIRS), Bengaluru, has emerged as one of Karnataka’s brightest young golfing talents. With consistent performances across regional and national tournaments, she has quickly risen through the ranks to establish herself as a name to watch in Indian junior golf.

Rianca began her golfing journey in Class 1 at the BGSIRS Golf Academy and has since trained under the guidance of professional golfer Trishul Chinnappa and school coach Revanna, with fitness support from national athlete Madhan Kumar. Her dedication has earned her recognition at the Indian Golf Union (IGU) National Circuit, where she now represents Karnataka.

In 2024, Rianca secured several notable victories, including the Mercara Downs Golf Club (Coorg) title in Category C, and a remarkable performance at the Bangalore Golf Club, where she recorded her career-best score of 68 (+1). She capped the year by winning in Category B at Clover Greens, Bangalore. Her strong showing in the IGU Nationals included a 4th place finish at the Karnataka Golf Association, Bengaluru, her best result yet on the National Tour.

Her winning streak continued into 2025 when she clinched the South Zone Tour Girls Category B title at the Bangalore Golf Club.

Apart from golf, Rianca is a well-rounded achiever excelling in academics, athletics, swimming, and National Cadet Corps (NCC) drills. She is also an avid reader and sports enthusiast, drawing inspiration from golf champion Nelly Korda and football star Cristiano Ronaldo.

From winning local tournaments in Coorg and Mysuru to competing on the global stage at the US Kids Indian Championship in Delhi, where she finished in the top four among players from eight countries, Rianca’s journey reflects discipline, perseverance, and a growing mastery of the sport.

With her recent successes and steady progress, Rianca Thimmaiah is positioning herself as a rising star in Indian golf, with the potential to make her mark internationally in the coming years.

source: http://www.clnews.in / CoffeeLand News / Home> Articles> Sports / by CLN Newsdesk / September 02nd, 2025

A Taste of Coorg in Pune: The Westin Pune Koregaon Park Celebrates a 10-Day Kodava Food Festival

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Experience the rich flavors of Coorg at The Westin Pune Koregaon Park from September 12-21. Join us for a 10-day celebration of authentic Kodava cuisine.

This September, embark on an exquisite culinary sojourn as The Westin Pune Koregaon Park brings the authentic flavors of Coorg to your table. From September 12 to 21, 2025, The Market will transform into a celebration of Kodava cuisine, offering a 10-day showcase of recipes and traditions that are deeply rooted in the region’s culture.

Curated by Chef Priya Aiyappa, a proud Coorg native, the festival promises an authentic dining experience, with dishes prepared using time-honoured techniques and locally inspired ingredients. On the menu are signature delicacies such as the legendary Pandi Curry, paired with pillowy Kadambuttu (steamed rice dumplings), alongside Paputtu (soft rice and coconut cakes), and Noolputtu (delicate rice noodles). Seasonal specialties like the rich Kakkada Nyend Curry—crafted with prized monsoon mud crabs—and the earthy Baimbale Curry made from tender bamboo shoots, bring the lush terrain of Coorg directly to the plate. For a sweet finish, the humble yet comforting Thambuttu, a banana-based dessert, completes the experience.

“Coorg food is a reflection of its land—simple, bold, and deeply connected to tradition,” says Chef Priya. “Through this festival, I want to bring the warmth of Kodava hospitality and the true flavours of my home to Pune.”

With its inviting ambiance and vibrant setting, The Market at The Westin Pune Koregaon Park provides the perfect canvas for this unique celebration. Whether you’re a passionate foodie or simply curious to explore the rich culinary heritage of Karnataka’s Western Ghats, the festival offers an unmissable opportunity to savour one of India’s most distinctive regional cuisines.

When: September 12 – 21, 2025| Lunch, Dinner & Brunch Where: The Market, The Westin Pune Koregaon Park Cost: 2399++ onwards Contact: +91 70662 00300

source: http://www.hospibuz.com / Hospibuz.com / Home> Hotel Listicles> Listicles / by Hospibuz / September 12th, 2025

US Kids Golf World Championship – 2025: Kodagu girl Aida Thimmaiah finishes third

Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, Sports, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), World Opinion

Mysore/Mysuru:

Kodagu’s Aida Thimmaiah, a resident of Bengaluru, finished third in Girls 11 category at US Kids Golf World Championship – 2025 organised by US Kids Golf Foundation, which concluded at Pinehurst Village, North Carolina, on Aug. 2.

Competing in the Girls Age 11 category, Aida’s journey was nothing short of extraordinary.

After a challenging start on Day 1 with a score of +3, she stood in 27th position. Undeterred by the pressure, Aida staged a remarkable comeback on Day 2, shooting -4 and climbing an incredible 21 places to finish the day in 6th place.

On the final day, with grit and determination, Aida delivered her best round yet — a flawless -6, the lowest score of the day, propelling her into 3rd place overall among the world’s best young golfers.

Speaking to Star of Mysore, Aida Thimmaiah, said, “It is an amazing and proud moment to represent India on a world stage. I feel very happy to have finished third in the world championship. I am very thankful to my coach Rahul Ganapathy at Golf Academy in Karnataka Golf Association (KGA), Bengaluru, my parents for their constant support and also my sponsors.”

The US Kids World Championship is one of the most competitive platforms for junior golfers, bringing together the most talented young athletes from around the world.

Aida Thimmaiah is the daughter of Ballachanda Den Thimmaiah and Sanjana Thimmaiah couple. Den is a native of Virajpet in Kodagu, now settled in Bengaluru. While Den Thimmaiah is into land development, his wife is a wedding planner.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / August 04th, 2025

Isha Gramotsavam: Bengaluru, Kodagu mofussil teams win Karnataka regional finals

Records, All, Sports, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , ,

Team Ibbani from Heggadihalli, Bengaluru Rural, defeated Team Appu Boys from Marasanahalli panchayat, Chikkaballapur Rural, to emerge as regional champions.

Team Black Panthers from Maragodu, Kodagu, aced the women’s throwball competition at Isha Gramotsavam. Credit: Special arrangement

Bengaluru:

Team Ibbani won the men’s volleyball and Team Black Panthers the women’s throwball events at the Karnataka regional finals of rural sports festival Isha Gramotsavam on Sunday. 

Team Ibbani from Heggadihalli, Bengaluru Rural, defeated Team Appu Boys from Marasanahalli panchayat, Chikkaballapur Rural, to emerge as regional champions. 

In women’s throwball, Team Black Panthers from Maragodu, Kodagu, overcame Team Shasthara Padumale (Kudla Strikers), from Badagannuru, Dakshina Kannada, to clinch the regional title. 

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa and South Indian actress Srinidhi Shetty attended the event held at Sadhguru Sannidhi in Chikkaballapur. 

The event featured men’s volleyball and women’s throwball competitions. 

Eighteen men’s volleyball teams from nine districts and 16 women’s throwball teams from eight districts competed for their place in the grand finale to be held at Adiyogi, Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore. 

Launched by Sadhguru in 2004, Isha Gramotsavam was envisioned to rekindle the spirit of rural India. The festival helps rural communities break free from addictions, rise above caste, creed and religious divisions, and actively supports women’s participation in community life.

Unlike professional tournaments, Gramotsavam provides rural citizens with a platform to play, compete, and celebrate the unifying power of sports and culture, according to a press release.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> India> Karnataka / by DHNS / September 09th, 2025

Silver Jubilee Celebration of Ramakrishnanagar ‘I’ Block Kodava Welfare Assn.

Records, All, Samajas, Associations, Clubs (wef. Sept. 03rd, 2022)), Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mysore/Mysuru:

The annual get-together and silver jubilee celebration of Ramakrishnanagar ‘I’ Block Kodava Welfare Association, Mysuru, was  held recently at Kodagu Sahakara Sangha in Jayalakshmipuram.

Association President Kodandera Puspha Machaiah presided. The event  commenced with a formal inauguration by lighting  the lamp followed by  invocation  by Mundiyolanda Nanda. Secretary Kenjangada Kariappa welcomed.

Condolences were offered to the departed members during the last one year and community extended their heartfelt condolence to the Founder-Editor of Star of Mysore K.B. Ganapathy, in recognition of his exemplary service to journalism and the Kodava  community as well as valuable contributions to the society at large. Top scorers in X standard CBSE and II PUC students of 2025 examinations were felicitated with cash prizes.

The Founder Executive Committee Members were felicitated on the occasion for their service rendered for the community.

Annual Report was presented by Treasurer Kotrangada Appanna while  Kattera A. Nanaiah, Advisor, highlighted the Association’s milestones over the last 25 years.

Maletira Ganapathy, Vice-President, proposed the vote of thanks. Codanda Swagath, Joint Secretary and all other Committee Members were present. Kotrangada Shruthy Ashwath compered.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / August 28th, 2025

Kodagu Gowda Samaja holds Food Mela

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mysore/Mysuru:

The Kodagu Gowda Samaja in Mysuru had organised ‘Aati Gouji’ (Food Mela) at the Samaja premises in Vijayanagar Second Stage here on Sunday.

Speaking after inaugurating the event, former Corporator K.V. Sridhar said that it was nice to hear the Kannada language spoken by Kodagu Gowdas and called upon the community to spread the fragrance of the Kodagu Gowda special food.

Samaja President Kombarana Basappa, who presided, said that people of Kodagu maintain their health by having natural foods. This Food Mela is organised to provide healthy food to the Samaja members, he pointed out.

Mahila Okkoota’s  Nadubetti  Geetha Lakshman too spoke.

The Food Mela had 18 stalls, selling a variety of Kodagu Gowda food preparations such as Payasa, Patrode, Koogale Hittu, Sosale Hittu, Yellu Mente etc.

The community leaders Kuyyumudi Ramappa, Nadumane Rukmini, Samaja Secretary Ponneti Nanda, Director Pattada Shivakumar, Kodagu Gowda Mahila Okkoota Secretary Kuntupani Sheela, Karnayana Sunitha and Hosur Mamatha were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / August 05th, 2025