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
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
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
In Singapore, Kannada actress Varsha Bollamma, who recently enchanted viewers as Bhoomi in Ooru Peru Bhairavakona, is enjoying some well-earned relaxation.
The curly-haired beauty shared new photos from her trip, showing off her bright curls and beaming smile while wearing a white shirt and black shorts. She won over fans with her carefree aura and natural charisma when she posed in front of Singapore’s national symbol, the famed Merlion monument, in one of the photos.
Varsha costarred with Sundeep Kishan in Ooru Peru Bhairavakona, where he portrayed Basava, a desperate stunt double who steals a bride’s jewelry and becomes entangled in a series of enigmatic occurrences.
Next up, Varsha Bollamma has two great projects underway and is back to work. In addition to filming for Nithiin’s next film, Thammudu, she is also working on a Tamil film called Iruvam. Varsha never fails to captivate her followers with her presence and performances, whether she is on vacation or on television.
source: http://www.gulte.com / Gulte / Home> Photos> Actress / by Satya B / May 14th, 2025
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
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
The Kodava Students Association (KSA), Mysuru, recently organised a hockey tournament at Chamundi Vihar Stadium, in Nazarbad, featuring 26 teams.
The two-day event showcased the commitment and unity of Kodava students pursuing higher education in Mysuru.
The tournament commenced on May 3 at 11 am in the presence of Ponjanda Ganapathy, President of Mysuru Kodava Samaja; Jammada Ayyanna, Treasurer of Jabhboomi Charitable Trust and Dr. Mathanda Aiyappa, Director of Brindavan Hospital.
KSA President Motteyanda Ishani Kuttappa presided.
During the ceremony, Jammada Ayyanna briefed the gathering on the ‘5-a-side hockey’ format, while Dr. Mathanda Aiyappa inspired the youths with motivating words, stressing the values of sportsmanship and perseverance. Ponjanda Ganapathy reaffirmed the continued support extended to Kodava students.
The opening day saw 18 matches, followed by quarter-finals, semi-finals and the grand finale on day-2, each match receiving enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.
Axilaratorz HC’ emerged as champions, while Bottiyath Naad, Kunda, finished as runners-up. ‘Blaze A’, Murnad, secured third place, with ‘Blaze B’, Murnad, taking fourth.
The closing ceremony featured a distinguished line-up of guests, including social activist Ajjikuttira Kanchan Ponnanna, wife of Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna; Puliyanda Sujatha Bopanna, Dean at Sapient College; Baleyada Karun Kalappa, retired Senior Vice-President and Regional Head of a leading firm; Manjeera Kuttappa, a Progressive farmer from Kodagu and Chendanda Shammi Belliappa, Director of Druid Solutions Pvt. Ltd. and also KSA Advisor.
Kanchan Ponnanna delivered an inspiring address to the students, while Baleyada Karun Kalappa underscored the importance of balancing sports with academics. He urged the younger generation to consider careers in civil services, highlighting the Kodava community’s under-representation. Puliyanda Sujatha Bopanna also shared motivating insights.
Chendanda Shammi Belliappa commended the KSA team for their dedication and efforts to keep the sport of hockey alive in Mysuru. He thanked contributors such as R. Ashok (Mysore University Hockey Coach), Boliyadira Chetan Subbaiah, Muckatira Karthik Nanjappa, Mandepanda Kripan, and others for their support.
In recognition of outstanding achievements, Mandepanda Jasmine Kaveramma, CEO of Growthzone Company, UAE, and Monnanda Tasmai Kariappa, professional motorcycle racer, were felicitated.
Mookonda Sanjana proposed the vote of thanks, while Ajjetira Vikram provided engaging match commentary. The tournament was seamlessly coordinated by KSA’s Hon. Secretary, Mandetira Degul Ganapathy.
KSA Committee Members
The following students have been elected as KSA Committee Members: President – Motteyanda Ishani Kuttappa, Vice-President – Theetharamada Thanush Ganapathy, Hon. Secretary – Mandetira Degul Ganapathy, Joint Secretary – Mookonda Sanjana Damayanthi, Treasurer – Allaranda Kariappa, Joint Treasurer – Puchimanda Dipshika Daychamma, Cultural Heads: Kundyolanda Aiyappa (Amakka) and Kaliyanda Richa Poovamma (Pommakka).
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / May 07th, 2025
Described as a fantasy drama, Kaalanaagini is directed by Vishruth Naik
Kaalanaagini, starring Harshika Poonacha has wrapped up shooting, and is nearing release. The first look poster was released by Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar.
Described as a fantasy drama, Kaalanaagini is directed by Vishruth Naik and produced by Rakshitha Gowda under the Madhura Movies banner. Madhu Mariswamy serves as project head.
The first look poster of Kaalanaagini sees Harshika in the shape of snake. The film is touted to be blend of emotion, action, and suspense, with the team currently focused on building anticipation with the final phase of promotion, before eyeing a June release.
Along with Harshika Poonacha, Arjun Vedanta also plays a prominent role in the film. The supporting cast includes well-known names such as Avinash, Sharath Lohithaswa, Ugram Manju, and Vijay Chendoor.
On the technical team, cinematography is handled by Arun Suresh, while music is composed by Sathish Babu. MN Vishwa takes charge of editing, with stunt choreography by Narsimha, dance choreography by Dhankumar, and VFX by Laksved Sangamesh.
source: http://www.cinemaexpress.com / Cinema Express / Home> News / by A Sharadhaa / May 01st, 2025
Chenanda to host 26th edition of Family Hockey Tournament at Napoklu in 2026
Madikeri:
The Mandepanda family was declared the winner of the Muddanda Hockey Festival 2025 held at Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Grounds, Madikeri, after heavy rain interrupted their final against the Chendanda family yesterday.
Mandepanda was leading 1-0 when a downpour forced the match to be abandoned just over 12 minutes into play. Later, the organisers issued a statement confirming Mandepanda as the champions of the Silver Jubilee edition of the Kodava Family Hockey Festival.
Amidst overcast skies and thunderous cheers from the crowd, the much-anticipated final had begun with high energy. Chendanda earned the first penalty corner early on, but Olympian Nikin Thimmaiah failed to convert the opportunity.
Mandepanda responded with sharp counterattacks, securing their first penalty corner, which Gautam successfully converted to give Mandepanda a crucial 1-0 lead in the first quarter.
Rain began to intensify during the second quarter as Chendanda pushed hard for an equaliser. Despite earning back-to-back penalty corners, they failed to break through Mandepanda’s defence. As lightning flashed and thunder rolled, torrential rain forced a suspension of play.
Relentless downpour left the field waterlogged. After about half an hour of efforts to clear the standing water, the match briefly resumed. Chendanda came close to scoring, but Mandepanda’s young goalkeeper Dhyan Bopanna made a brilliant save to preserve his team’s lead.
Moments later, the rain returned with greater intensity, turning the ground into a virtual stream. With further play impossible, officials from the Kodava Hockey Academy, referees and team managers declared Mandepanda the winners.
Despite being soaked twice over, the spirit of the crowd remained unbroken. Spectators packed into gallery corners, cheering, clapping and even dancing in the rain. However, disappointment lingered among fans and organisers alike, as many had hoped for a full and thrilling conclusion to the Silver Jubilee tournament. Earlier, in the third-place match, Nellamakkada defeated Kuppanda (Kaikeri) 2-1 to claim third spot.
The Kambiranda family that won the Muddanda Cup Women’s Hockey Festival 2025.
VIP speeches delay action
The final was marred by significant delays and drew heavy criticism from spectators. Many expressed frustration over poor planning and coordination, blaming the organisers for nearly four-hour delay in starting the final.
Originally scheduled to begin at 11 am, the final was postponed due to an extended inaugural ceremony where several Ministers and elected representatives delivered prolonged speeches, pushing the start time to around 2 pm.
Home Minister Dr. Parameshwara addressing the gathering.
Mere minutes after play commenced, heavy rain lashed Madikeri, leading to the abandonment of the match. “When a match is scheduled for 11 am, starting it at 2.30 pm is simply unacceptable — especially with rain forecasts and spectators waiting, hungry and eager, to watch the finals,” many said.
“Are we here to watch hockey or to listen to endless speeches?” one frustrated fan remarked. Spectators further noted that in professional tournaments, VIPs attend to witness the sport, not to hold the mic and deliver lengthy lectures, disregarding the value of spectators’ time.
Among the speakers were Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara, Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh, Higher Education Minister Dr. M.C. Sudhakar, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, Virajpet MLA and CM’s Legal Advisor Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna, Madikeri MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda, MLC Mandepanda Suja Kushalappa, Kodava Hockey Academy President Pandanda Bopanna and Muddanda Hockey Festival Committee President Muddanda Rashin Subbaiah.
Just minutes after the final match between the Mandepanda and Chendanda began, heavy rains lashed Madikeri, leading to waterlogged grounds.
World Wide Book of Records recognition
The Silver Jubilee Muddanda Cup set a new record with 396 men’s teams comprising 5,544 players competing in 397 matches, alongside 58 women’s teams with 464 players competing in 57 matches during the five-a-side tournament.
The festival was officially entered into the World Wide Book of Records, with Sindhuja, a representative from the record book, announcing the recognition at the closing ceremony and presenting the certificate to the Muddanda family.
The 26th Kodava Family Hockey Festival will be hosted by Chenanda family at Napoklu in 2026. The family ceremoniously accepted leadership during a flag procession held on the Muddanda Cup Grounds.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> Sports / April 28th, 2025
WELCOME. If you like what you see "SUBSCRIBE via EMAIL" to receive FREE regular UPDATES.
Read More »
