Velavan Senthilkumar and Joshna Chinappa recorded a ‘double’ each in the 3rd National Doubles Squash Championships in Chennai on Saturday
Chennai:
Velavan Senthilkumar and Joshna Chinappa recorded a ‘double’ each in the 3rd National Doubles Squash Championships in Chennai on Saturday, clinching the mixed title together after bagging the men’s and women’s doubles crowns with their respective partners. Senthilkumar-Joshna, the top seed, defeated second-seeded Abhay Singh-Rathika Seelan 11-7, 11-9 in a keenly-contested final at the Indian Squash Academy.
Earlier, Abhay and Senthilkumar, the top seed, won the men’s doubles crown for a third straight year, by beating second-seeded Rahul Baitha-Suraj Kumar Chand 11-8, 11-5 in the title-round.
In the day’s first match, top seed Joshna-Rathika beat Janet Vidhi-Pooja Arthi 11-8, 11-4 in the women’s doubles final. IANS
source: http://www.sentinelassam.com / The Sentinel / Home / by Sentinel Digital Desk / May 17th, 2026
Rida Tharana makes Coorg proud, picks Nikhil Gajare gown spotlighting Indian craftsmanship for her Cannes red carpet debut. See all the photos.
Coorg-born fashion and lifestyle content creator Rida Tharana officially made her red carpet debut at the 79th Cannes Film Festival on May 13. A day later, Rida took to Instagram to unveil a series of photos that showcase her look that seamlessly bridges the gap between avant-garde global fashion and the meticulous handiwork of Indian artisans.
Rida’s sculptural ivory gown at Cannes 2026
For her walk across the iconic Cannes Film Fetival red carpet, Rida Tharana chose a custom creation by Indian designer Nikhil Gajare. The gown is a striking example of contemporary couture, featuring a structured, strapless corset bodice and intricate curved paneling that flows across the torso, creating a 3D effect that mimics the organic lines of a seashell.
The rigid structure of the bodice gives way to a voluminous, multi-layered chiffon skirt, allowing for a dramatic twirl that captured attention. A unique, copper-toned pleated sash wraps around the hips, providing a metallic pop against the pristine ivory fabric and highlighting the fusion of different textile techniques. To complete the regal ensemble, Rida wore diamond jewellery by Sennes, with her hair styled in a high, textured, voluminous updo.
Rida’s candid post
Beyond the glamour of the red carpet, Rida shared a deeply personal message regarding her journey to Cannes. In her Instagram post, she admitted that her initial reaction to the invitation was to decline. “When I first found out I had the opportunity to walk the Cannes red carpet, I said no. I didn’t think I deserved it. I questioned myself every second,” she revealed
She credited her management team for pushing her beyond her self-doubt. Rida’s post touched on the rollercoaster of emotions — from the fear of public criticism to the eventual realisation that this was her moment to own. She also revealed that the choice of designer was deliberate. Having worked with Nikhil previously, Rida noted that the piece ‘felt like her’. She likened the experience to a childhood dream, stating that while she never had Barbie dolls growing up, the gown made her feel like a princess.
The debut marks a significant milestone for the creator, and by choosing to wear an emerging Indian couturier on one of the world’s most scrutinised stages, Rida reinforced her reputation as a cultural curator, proving that the journey from Coorg to Cannes is paved with hard work, authenticity, and a bit of self-belief.
“When I say this year is mine, I mean it. This year, and everything that comes after, is mine,” she concluded.
source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / HindustanTimes / Home / by Sanya Panwar / May 14th, 2026
Joshna Chinappa’s immediate target is the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, while the Los Angeles Olympics is not on her radar at the moment.
Joshna Chinappa reached the women’s doubles final alongside Rathika Seelan at the National doubles championships on Friday. | Photo Credit: VELANKANNI RAJ B
Having played squashsince the age of nine, Joshna Chinappacontinues to defy time and expectation. Now 39, she remains among India’s finest players, currently ranked World No. 71 and second only to Anahat Singh among Indian women.
Through dedication, discipline and an enduring love for the sport, Joshna continues to set new benchmarks.
So, after nearly three decades on court, what has changed? Joshna has found a different perspective.
“In the last couple of years, I’ve learned to be very detached from the outcomes. I ensure that I do what I need to do to be able to play and train and give it my best. If it doesn’t work out, it’s also okay,” Joshna told Sportstar after reaching the women’s doubles final with Rathika Seelan and the mixed doubles final with Velavan Senthilkumar at the National doubles championships here on Friday.
The results suggest that the shift in mindset has worked in her favour. This season, Joshna captured the Japan Open title, her 11th Professional Squash Association Tour crown and her first in a decade, besides finishing runner-up in two events at home.
The journey, however, has not been easy. Joshna has battled persistent physical setbacks, particularly after undergoing a second surgery on her right knee following the 2023 Asian Games. Yet, she has carried herself with remarkable poise and resilience, continuing to compete against opponents nearly half her age.
“I have not taken a break ever, except for the two knee surgeries. I always say it was the anaesthesia that kept me out. Other than that, I have always been playing back-to-back,” she said with a smile.
“I am also at the stage where it doesn’t excite me to play 12 tournaments a year.”
For now, the immediate target is the forthcoming Asian Games. The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is not on her radar at the moment.
But beyond medals and rankings, Joshna understands the significance of simply being able to compete at this stage of her career.
“Any match or tournament that I’m able to play is a huge gift for me. To still do that, play at that level and compete with the best girls in the world, is very encouraging. For me now, it’s more about enjoying my game,” she said.
source: http://www.sportstar.thehindu.com / Sportstar / Home> Squash / by K Keerthivasan / May 15th, 2026
To represent India in the Asian Junior Championships
Mysuru:
Diya Bheemaiah, a native of Kodagu and India’s top-seed junior player, secured the Girls’ Doubles title at the Yonex-Sunrise All India Junior (U-19) Ranking Badminton Tournament 2026 held at the Karnataka Badminton Academy in Vasanthnagar, Bengaluru recently.
Partnering with Baruni Paruswal of Haryana, Diya clinched the title by defeating the Tamil Nadu duo of A.S. Anushka Jennifer and Deeshitha Singha Gopinath Singh in straight-sets 21-10, 22-20.
This victory also earned Diya a direct spot to represent the Indian Junior Team at the upcoming Badminton Asian Junior Championships – 2026 to be held in Yatsushiro, Japan, from June 26 to July 5.
Furthermore, her performance has secured her a place in the selection process to represent the Indian Junior squad in the Mixed Doubles category as well. Diya is the daughter of Boppanda B. Bheemaiah, a badminton coach and K.K. Kusuma, a fitness coach, residing in Mysuru.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports /May 13th, 2026
The academy has begun setting up personalised libraries for individuals and organisations interested in creating reading spaces, with each library consisting of a bookshelf and a curated collection of books based on the preferences of the recipient.
The Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy has begun setting up personalised libraries for individuals and organisations interested in creating reading spaces. | Photo Credit: special arrangement
As reading habits continue to decline in the digital age, the Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy has launched a unique initiative aimed at reviving library culture by bringing books directly into houses, offices, and community spaces across Karnataka.
The academy has begun setting up personalised libraries for individuals and organisations interested in creating reading spaces, with each library consisting of a bookshelf and a curated collection of books based on the preferences of the recipient.
Speaking about the initiative with The Hindu, academy president Ajjinikanda Mahesh Nachaiah said that the programme was started with the intention of encouraging people to reconnect with books at a time when libraries and reading habits are slowly fading.
“Today, many youngsters spend more time on mobile phones and social media, while the culture of reading books is gradually disappearing. By setting up libraries in houses, offices, and community spaces, we want to create an environment where books become a part of daily life again. Even a small bookshelf can inspire curiosity, discussions, and the habit of reading among children and adults alike,” Mr. Nachaiah said.
Multilingual library initiative
Under the initiative which started this February 7, the academy collects a charge of ₹10,000, which is utilised for purchasing books and providing a bookshelf to the applicant. Along with books brought out by the Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy, additional books are selected according to the interests and language preferences of the individual or organisation.
Mr. Nachaiah said that the initiative was not limited to Kodava literature alone. “Though this programme is being implemented by the Kodava Sahitya Academy, we do not provide only Kodava books. We provide books in Kannada, English, Kodava, and other languages depending on what people prefer. We also collect books through donations and purchase additional titles so that every library becomes unique and useful to the people using it,” he said.
So far, the academy has established libraries in nine locations, including residences, community spaces like Kodava Samajas, offices, and associations in the district. One such library has also been set up at the residence of Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna. The initiative has also expanded beyond Kodagu, with a library already established in Mysuru Kodava Samaja.
Villages, ancestral homes
Among those who benefited from the initiative is Kukera Jaya Chinappa, a resident of Arekadu village in Madikeri taluk.
“I was impressed by the concept when I heard about it. People in our village regularly gather at the association building in the evenings, and now, because of this initiative, we have a proper library there. The collection includes Kodava, Kannada and English books, and many villagers have started reading during their free time,” he told The Hindu.
Similarly, Palandira Jaga Joyappa, a resident of Balamberi village, said the initiative helped preserve the literary legacy of his ancestral home. “Our grandparents were avid readers and were into the literary field and had a large collection of books. Over the years, many books were lost or scattered because we did not know how to maintain them properly. After learning about this initiative, the academy helped us organise the books and establish a proper library in our ancestral house,” he told The Hindu.
“With increasing interest from individuals and organisations, the Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy hopes to expand the initiative further across the State in the coming months. Already many people are reaching out to us to have their own libraries,” Mr. Nachaiah added.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by Darshan Devaiah B.P / May10th, 2026
A file photo of Chikkamagaluru police visiting a resort in the district to check if the owner have implemented measures to ensure the safety of tourists. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
As part of the new measures, every staff member working at these properties, including permanent and contract employees, will have to undergo background verification at the local police station.
Following the sexual assault on a U.S. tourist at a Kodagu homestay, the government of Karnataka has made police verification of staff mandatory for all homestays and bed-and-breakfast properties. Travellers, as per a recent circular, will be able to check whether a property is registered with local authorities before checking in.
Moreover, for police monitoring, all registered properties will be linked to the Karnataka Police Smart E-Beat system, to allow beat constables to make regular visits, verify guest records and log their inspections through GPS-based tracking. District administrations have been told to form joint inspection teams with police and tourism officials to carry out surprise checks and identify unregistered properties operating illegally.
The government of Karnataka is planning to strengthen emergency response by linking registered properties directly to the 112 system to allow distress calls from these locations to be treated as priority tourist emergencies for quicker police response, officials told The Hindu.
The rules were updated following a recent incident where the victim had alleged that her drinks were laced with intoxicants by a homestay staff member who assaulted her. She had accused the homestay owner of attempting to suppress the incident and failing to help her in approaching the police.
Background verification
As part of the new measures, every staff member working at these properties, including permanent and contract employees, will have to undergo background verification at the local police station. Property owners must keep these records ready, either physically or digitally, for inspection by police or tourism officials.
Report by May 15
All Deputy Commissioners, tourism officials, Police and Women and Child Development departments have been directed to co-ordinate and implement the new rules, and submit a compliance report to the Tourism Department by May 15.
For properties hosting foreign tourists, owners and managers will be trained to correctly record and report guest details through the police-prescribed system, with random checks to ensure compliance.
Tourists can verify antecedents of accommodation
As per a senior official, the Tourism Department will publish and regularly update an online list of all registered homestays and bed-and-breakfast properties in Karnataka for tourists to check. Travel agents, tour operators and online booking platforms have been told to work only with registered properties, while non-compliant properties could be removed from listings until they meet the rules. These properties will have to display their registration certificates and licences at the entrance or reception so guests can easily check if the property is authorised to operate, according to a recent circular.
Emergency contact details, including 112, the national tourist helpline (1800111363 or on a short code 1363), women’s helpline and child helpline numbers, along with details of the nearest hospital and local authorities, must be displayed at all properties. Hospitality staff will undergo training on gender sensitisation, the POSH Act, 2013 and the POCSO Act, 2012. Properties will have to display QR codes for the Karnataka State Police SOS mobile app, Tourism Department stated.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by Rishita Khanna / May11th, 2026
Over 2,000 coffee plants, 250 pepper vines cut down at Kalakooru village
Madikeri:
In a shocking incident of large-scale vandalism, unidentified miscreants entered a coffee plantation at Kalakooru village near Birunani in Ponnampet taluk of Kodagu district and destroyed more than 2,000 coffee plants and 250 pepper vines, causing losses estimated to run into several lakhs of rupees.
The plantation belongs to Kuppanamada Gautham, who had carefully developed the four-acre estate over the years with seven-year-old coffee plants and pepper vines. The estate was equipped with modern surveillance measures, including CCTV cameras installed at strategic locations.
The incident took place while Gautam and his family were away in Mysuru to attend a wedding ceremony. Taking advantage of their absence, miscreants trespassed into the plantation and carried out widespread destruction.
In addition to cutting down the crops, the perpetrators disconnected and took away the CCTV cameras in an attempt to erase evidence.
The destruction was extensive, with coffee plants and pepper vines cut at ground level, leaving no scope for regrowth. Gautham now faces the difficult and expensive task of re-establishing the plantation from scratch.
Villagers described the act as deliberate and well-planned. They pointed out that the scale of destruction indicated the involvement of at least eight to ten persons.
The incident triggered outrage among villagers and members of the local farming community, who strongly condemned the destruction of crops and demanded immediate action against those responsible.
Hudikeri Revenue Inspector Santhosh visited the spot and inspected the damaged estate. Srimangala Police Station Inspector A.S. Ravindra, along with his team, also visited the plantation. Police deployed a dog squad to gather clues.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / May 08th, 2026
Dr. Aeklavya Panjali conducting hands-on courses throughout the year in Cicero, New York.
The New York Implant Institute has provided excellence in dental implant education since 2007 at its dental implant institute in Cicero, NY, and the next course will take place May 15 to May 16 with limited seats available.
Aeklavya Panjali, DDS, MS, FAGD, DICOI, who is an international speaker on dental implants, teaches the courses. He is certified in IV sedation dentistry, invisalign, dental implants and cosmetic dentistry.
Prof. Dr. Al Panjali earned his DDS at NYU College of Dentistry and went on to complete a Master’s in Oral Implantology at Goethe University in Frankfurt, Germany—one of Europe’s leading implantology programs. He holds Diplomate status with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI)—a credential held by fewer than 3,000 dentists worldwide. He serves as a Clinical Professor at the Coorg Institute of Dental Sciences and has lectured on 4 continents.
The New York Implant Institute offer hands-on implant training through its dental implant CE courses and live surgery courses that stay with you for life. Join these seminars and take the next step in advancing your skills with implant courses for dentists.
The May 15-16 course is a Level 3 two-day hands-on course worth 16 CE credits, titled “Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF), With GBR (Guided Bone Regeneration) and Ridge Augmentation.” This is an advanced course for implant site development with autologous growth factors.
Other courses later this year include:
• LEVEL 4 – Live Patient Surgical Course – 5‑Day Intensive Program Overview
July 1–6, 2026 – 2 seats available
August 9–14, 2026 – Weekday – (Monday–Friday) November 4–9, 2026
• LEVEL 5 – IMPLANT PROSTHODONTICS
• LEVEL 6 ALL ON “X” – The Workflow with Hands on Clinical Sessions. June 12 – 13, 2026
• LEVEL 7 – LIVE SURGERY FOR ALL ON “X” WITH SAME DAY CONVERSION
August 28 – 29, 2026
DIGITAL WORKFLOW FOR FULL ARCH WITH NEODENT – A HANDS ON COURSE
Amid loud cheers from a packed crowd of over 25,000, the Kulletira family team clinched the ‘Chenanda Cup’ at the 26th Kodava Family Hockey Tournament defeating the Cheppudira family 3–1 yesterday.
The final of the month-long Kodava Family Hockey Festival was held yesterday at General Thimmaiah Stadium in Cheriyaparambu near Napoklu. With this win, Kulletira lifted their fourth title in the prestigious tournament.
The summit clash saw an evenly fought first half, with Cheppudira earning several penalty corners but failing to convert them. Both teams scored once in the third quarter to keep the contest open. However, Kulletira took control in the final quarter, striking twice to seal the victory.
Roshan Lokesh, Avaneesh Mandappa and Shubham Chettiyappa scored a goal each for Kulletira, while Vachan Chinnappa netted the lone goal for Cheppudira.
The winning Kulletira family team was awarded Rs. 3 lakh and a silver rolling trophy. Runners-up Cheppudira family received Rs. 2 lakh and a trophy, while Paradanda family, who finished third, received Rs. 1 lakh.
The festival concluded with the ceremonial handover of the flag to the Ajjikuttira family, who will host the 27th edition in 2027. The Chenanda family, organisers of this year’s event, handed over the flag.
Mandaviya assures support
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, who was the chief guest, assured financial support to promote sports, stating that such assistance is the Government’s responsibility and not charity.
He said he had long heard about the Kodava community’s passion for hockey and was glad to witness it first hand. Referring to the International Olympic Committee’s vision of sports as a unifying force, he noted that the Kodava community had upheld this spirit for generations.
“This land has produced 18 Olympians. It is the duty of both the Centre and the State to nurture Kodagu’s sporting talent,” he said. He added that sports should remain free from politics and promised to promote shooting in the region by identifying and training young talent.
Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar said the festival reflects the growing sporting culture in the country. Highlighting Kodagu’s contribution to Indian sports, he said the family hockey tradition inspires youth, encourages women’s participation and strengthens national unity.
He urged the Centre to set up a shooting academy in Kodagu under the Khelo India scheme.
Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna termed the festival a model initiative for the district. He said work on an 11-acre sports training centre at V. Badaga village in Virajpet has already begun with State support and appealed to the Centre for assistance in building a stadium.
Kodagu Hockey Academy, President Pandanda K. Bopanna, retired Justice Ajjikuttira S. Bopanna, SLN Coffee CEO Saheed Singh, Dr. Santosh Uthappa of Narayana Hospital, Sports Authority of Karnataka Vice-Chairman Cheppudira Arun Machaiah and others were present.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / May 03rd, 2026
Despite sufficient time being given to homestay owners, it has been observed that many establishments remain unregistered. | Photo Credit: File Photo
All homestays operating in Kodagu district have been instructed by the Tourism Department authorities to be mandatorily registered.
As per government orders, it is mandatory for all homestays operating in the district to register with the Tourism Department. Despite sufficient time being given to homestay owners, it has been observed that many establishments remain unregistered, said a press statement issued by the office of the Deputy Director of the Tourism Department in Madikeri on Friday.
The instructions by the Tourism Department have come in the wake of an alleged sexual assault on a woman from the U.S. in a homestay in Kodagu district.
Pointing out that the district administration has taken serious note of many homestays remaining unregistered and had earlier directed that all unregistered homestays complete their registration immediately, the Tourism Department said, “Homestays operating without registration must cease all unauthorised activities forthwith.”
Licenses of homestays operating illegally in the district have already been cancelled, the Tourism Department said, before warning that legal action will be initiated against those continuing to operate in violation of the rules, without registration with the Tourism Department.
The homestays that have already obtained licenses from the Tourism Department and whose validity of five years is nearing expiry have also been instructed to renew their licenses.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / May 01st, 2026
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