Category Archives: Records, All

Joshna Chinappa wins historic Asian squash title, Saurav Ghosal falters

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Sports, World Opinion
India's Joshna Chinappa and Hong Kong's Max Lee (L) pose with their trophies after the 19th Asian Squash Championships in Chennai on Sunday.(PTI)
India’s Joshna Chinappa and Hong Kong’s Max Lee (L) pose with their trophies after the 19th Asian Squash Championships in Chennai on Sunday.(PTI)

Joshna Chinappa held off a fighting Dipika Pallikal 13-15, 12-10, 11-13, 11-4, 11-4 in 78 minutes to win probably her biggest title.

Joshna Chinappa on Sunday scripted history by becoming the first Indian to clinch the Asian Squash title with a thrilling win over compatriot Dipika Pallikal Karthik in the women’s final in Chennai.

In the men’s final, however, Saurav Ghosal went down fighting against No.1 seed Max Lee to finish second best.

In a clash between two players who train together at the Indian Squash Academy in Chennai, Chinappa held off a fighting Pallikal 13-15, 12-10, 11-13, 11-4, 11-4 in 78 minutes to win probably her biggest title.

The first game saw the two Indians go toe-to-toe as they mixed aggression with strong defence. Pallikal squeezed out the opener as her rival faltered at the end.

The second game was another long one and went to the extra points again as neither gave away an inch. However, in a reversal of fortunes, Chinappa saved a game point to level the match.

The third game was another close affair as the Indians sought to forge ahead. It was even-steven as both the players had to work hard to win every point. Pallikal saved two game points to take a crucial lead.

Chinappa, however, wasn’t shaken after falling behind and came out all guns blazing to run away with the fourth game as Pallikal made too many errors for her own comfort.

At the start of the decider, Pallikal suffered a mild injury scare as she slipped and fell on the court. But Chinappa kept her cool and stormed to a big lead.

Pallikal fought back, but only briefly as the world No.14 Chinappa sealed a memorable triumph in front of a cheering crowd.

Earlier, Ghosal faded after a bright start, which saw him win the opening game, dropping just five points, to go down 11-5, 4- 11, 8-11, 7-11 in 61 minutes against Lee, ranked 17 in the world.

The Indian, cheered by a holiday crowd at the Express Avenue mall, was quickly off the blocks and hit some delectable shots to take the opening game.

Undeterred by the loss of the first game, Lee roared back and ran away to win the second to level the match.

The third game was a long one as both gave nothing away. Ghosal played well but his rival always had the answers to whatever was thrown at him. He hit some superb winners of his own to take the third game and gain an edge.

The fourth game appeared to be heading to a rout as Lee surged to a 8-2 lead before Ghosal fought back. He saved two championship points before handing the no.1 seed his maiden Asian title.

source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home> Sports> Other Sports / by Press Trust of India / Chennai – April 30th, 2017

First-ever all-Indian final in Asian Squash Championship to be played between Joshna Chinappa and Dipika Pallikal Karthik

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Sports, World Opinion

Dipika Pallikal Karthik upset the top-seeded Anni Au while Joshna Chinappa made light work of the sixth-seeded Tong Tsz Wing.

It will be an all-India final for the first time ever in the Asian Squash championship when Joshna Chinappa and Dipika Pallikal Karthik clash in the women’s singles event.

The two Indian women made the final of the tournament with contrasting wins.

While Pallikal, seeded fourth, upset top seed Annie Au of Hong Kong 11-9 7-11 11-7 11-9, the second seeded Chinappa made short work of Hong Kong’s sixth-seed Tong Tsz Wing 11-6 11-4 11-8 to storm into the final.

In the first semifinal, Pallikal stunned Au in 50 minutes.

Starting brilliantly against the pre-tournament favourite, Pallikal took the opening game to lay down the marker. However, Au came back strongly to claim the second game with a series of impressive stroke-making.

Pallikal seized the initiative from thereon and kept Au off balance by staying aggressive.

The Chennai-based Pallikal closed out the match for a memorable win.
With this victory, Pallikal has posted only her third win over the Hong Kong player, ranked 11th in the world, in 10 meetings.

Chinappa, meanwhile, completely dominated her rival as she took the first two games easily before Wing posed a challenge in the third.
But the Indian shut her rival out to win in front of a cheering crowd at the Express Avenue mall here.

Earlier, men’s top-seed Max Lee of Hong Kong ousted third seeded Malaysian Nafiizwan Adnan 12-10 11-6 11-5 in 51 minutes to book his spot in the final.

source: http://www.indianexpress.com / Indian Express / Home> IE Sports / by PTI / Chennai – April 29th, 2017

Severe summer unveils gem in Kodagu

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All

KodaguTempleKF28apr2017

Lord Shiva temple accessible to devotees after 33 years as water in Chiklihole reservoir near Suntikoppa recedes

Summer is peaking in the state to compound the prevailing drought and as a result of receding water levels in dams across the state, submerged structures have been resurfacing. With some of the buildings showing up being temples, people have some reason to celebrate even in the eventuality of a shortage of water. So it is, at the Chiklihole dam near Suntikoppa of Kodagu district, after a lord Shiva temple emerged recently.

The temple that was submerged in the reservoir is visible for the first time in 33 years. The spot has since been attracting tourists, who are otherwise missing the pleasing sight of surging waters in the Cauvery catchment area in Kodagu they have been familiar with.

The Chiklihole reservoir, from which water is supplied to farmers of Kushalanagar, Rangasamudra, Bettageri, Nanjaraya Pattana and Guddehosuru among others, has a storage capacity of 0.18 TMC.

The temple area was included in the Chiklihole dam basin in 1983, after experts concluded the land was a good source of water. The government ordered an alternative temple to be built nearby, and in 1993, a Magdooru family constructed the temple of Vishwanatha and installed the main idol of lord Shiva from the old temple in it.

That Vishwanatha temple of Magdooru went on to become famous.

According to residents of Magdooru, Shivaratri is celebrated grandly in the new temple of their village, but with them now being able to access the old temple, they will celebrate the festival even better. Sai Kumar of the Magadooru family, which hails from Kerala, told Bangalore Mirror, “Our ancestors moved from Kerala to this place
in 1947 and they constructed the temple in 1969. As the temple was sunk in the reservoir in 1983, we constructed another one in 1993 on land allotted by the government. We are very happy to see the original temple now.”

Karthik Prasad, a tourist from Mysuru, visits the reservoir at least once a year. “This year I saw the temple, which was like a fantasy,” he said.

source: http://www.bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com / Bangalore Mirror / Home> News> State / by Bangalore Mirror Bureau / by Manoj Sharma / April 26th, 2017

Monte Carlo Masters: Rohan Bopanna and Pablo Cuevas clinch first ATP title as doubles team

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Sports, World Opinion

Monte Carlo:

India’s Rohan Bopanna and his Uruguayan partner Pablo Cuevas lifted their first ATP World Tour title together when they downed seventh-seeds Feliciano Lopez and Marc Lopez in a three-set battle in the final of the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters on Sunday.

The unseeded Indo-Uruguayan pair outwitted the Spanish team in the Match tie breaker for a 6-3 3-6 10-4 win in 74 minutes.

Rohan Bopanna and his partner Pablo Cuevas with the men's doubles trophy. Getty
Rohan Bopanna and his partner Pablo Cuevas with the men’s doubles trophy. Getty

It was the second title of the season for Bopanna having won the the season-opening Chennai Open crown with compatriot Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan.

“I’m really happy to win our first title together. I have come to Monte-Carlo so many years, it’s such a historic tournament. We had a tough start to the season, but it s great to have won. We came through some close Match tie-breaks this week and it s a good start to the clay season. I m looking forward to the rest of the tournaments,” said Bopanna.

Cuevas said, “I am really happy, as I didn t started the season well. I’m happy to win with my partner in the first tournament on European clay and I hope for a good run through to Paris.”

Bopanna is now 16-24 in doubles finals and 4-4 in Masters’ summit clashes. It was Cuves’ second Masters trophy, adding to the 2015 Rome Masters triumph with David Marrero.

Marc Lopez, one-half of the Rio Olympic champion team, came under pressure in his first service game at 1-2, 30-40, when Bopanna feinted a switch at the net off a long rally to strike a forehand volley winner into space.

Bopanna and Cuevas held onto the break and wrapped up a 28-minute set when Feliciano Lopez mistimed a forehand wide on Bopanna’s serve at 40-15.

In the first game of the second set, Feliciano did well to hold as he recovered from 30-40, including two break points. At 1-2, 30-40, Cuevas over-hit a lob long to gift the Spaniards their first service break and it proved to be enough for Feliciano, serving at 5-3, to strike two straight aces for a hold to 30.

The greater weight of groundstroke by Bopanna and Cuevas was felt in the Match tie-break as the pair took a 6-0 lead, largely targeting the volleys of Marc.

Although Team Lopez recovered to 4-8, Cuevas sealed the first match point opportunity with a forehand down the line that Feliciano could not return cleanly.

They were trying to become the third Spanish team to win the Monte-Carlo title in the Open Era (since April 1968), joining Sergio Casal and Emilio Sanchez in 1988 and Rafael Nadal and Tommy Robredo in 2008.

source: http://www.firstpost.com / Firstpost.com / Home> Latest News> Sports News / by PTI / April 24th, 2017

Karnataka hockey stadium gets new turf, new name

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Records, All, Sports

Bengaluru :

The Karnataka State Hockey Association stadium will now be known as the Field Marshal KM Cariappa stadium. It was renamed on Thursday during the inauguration of the newly-laid blue hockey turf by the Department of Youth Empowerment & Sports (DYES).

The grand ceremony, however, was marred by controversy after Hockey Bengaluru (formerly KSHA) – which holds the rights over the stadium land after having signed a 99-year lease with BBMP decades ago – slammed the DYES for ignoring them and not following due procedure.

“It is wrong on the part of the DYES to change the name of the ground without taking us into confidence. We are not objecting to the developments but they could have consulted us as the BBMP has leased the land to us. It’s a clear violation of the agreement,” fumed Hockey Bengaluru secretary K Krishnamurthy.

Krishnamurthy explained that the stadium cannot be renamed without a resolution passed by BBMP. “We are not aware whether DYES sought an approval from BBMP,” he said.

“The agreement signed in 1977 is in the name of KSHA. Although KSHA has been renamed Hockey Bengaluru, KSHA still exists as a trade name with an aim to promote hockey,” he said. “DYES came to an understanding with us during the 1997 National Games to develop the infrastructure and share the facility. The department has no rights over the land.”

Revealing that Hockey Bengaluru was invited only an hour before the inaugural ceremony, Krishnamurthy said: “Field Marshal Cariappa is a hero for all of us. They have put his name on a flex board instead casting it in stone. This is not the way to honour a national hero. We were not even informed about their plans to change the name.”

Blaming the DYES, he said: “Ever since the new director has taken charge we have been given raw deal. We were not informed when DYES called for tenders to upgrade the stadium.”

Krishnamurthy said they will take up the matter with the sports minister after consulting MLA NA Haris, the patron of the club.

Meanwhile, the DYES director Anupam Agrawal countered Krishnamurthy’s allegations saying they have followed the protocol. “We have an approval from the state sports minister to change the name of the stadium. We have not consulted KSHA because legally they don’t exist,” he said. “We wanted to rename the ground to Field Marshal Cariappa ground to honour his contributions,” he said.

Stadium will be upgraded: Agrawal

DYES director Anupam Agrawal said his department will upgrade the Field Marshal KM Cariappa stadium gallery and refurbish the hostel which is home to Sports Authority of India trainees.

“We have sought an additional Rs 1.5 crore to upgrade the gallery and the hostel. We will also upgrade the toilets and dressing rooms according to FIH standards.

We are in the process of installing a hockey turf at Somwarpet and upgrading the existing facility at Ponnampet as Kodagu district is the cradle of hockey,” he added.

source: http:/www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> Sports> Hockey> Top Stories / by Sunil Subbaiah / TNN / April 21st, 2017

306 teams vie for top honours in Kodava family hockey festival

Amazing Feats, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All, Sports, World Opinion

As many as 306 teams have enrolled for the prestigious Kodava family hockey tournament scheduled to begin here on Monday. With Biddatanda family hosting this edition of the annual tournament, the event is named Biddatanda Hockey Namme-2017.

The hockey festival, in its 21st year, promises to a treat for hockey buffs with a record number of teams are vying for the top prize. The tournament has produced fine talents over the years some of whom have made the cut into state and national teams. The matches will be played at three grounds – two at Gen Thimayya Stadium at Cheriyaparambu, and at Govt PU College ground.

Grounds Committee chairman B B Belyappa said, “Final touches are being given to the grounds to make them match-ready at a cost of Rs 16 lakh. The 27-day tournament is being organised at a cost of Rs 1.6 crore.”

Thunder showers, in the recent past, in the run up to the competition have delayed the preparations. With rain taking a break on Saturday, the groundsmen took up the last-minute preparations to make the grounds ready for the matches, starting on Monday.

For the first time in the history of the tournament, a metal gallery has been erected for the benefit of the spectators. The organisers have also made necessary arrangements like mats, sound system, lighting, media gallery at a cost of Rs 33.50 lakh.

As many as waterproof make-shift food stalls have been set up at the grounds. Safety measures are also in place with shade nets covering the banks of Cauvery river to prevent people from venturing into water and contaminating the same.

Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha had promised Rs 30 lakh from his MPLAD funds for the tournament but released only Rs 20 lakh. Zilla Panchayat is also expected to chip in with Rs 4 lakh for building a check wall.

MLC Shantheyanda Veena Achaiah has sanctioned Rs 5 lakh. Legislators K G Bopaiah and MLC Suneel Subramani too have promised funds.

Hockey India, Hockey Karnataka, Hockey Kodagu and Umpire Association have extended their support to the event. President of Umpire Association Katumaniyanda Umesh has taken over the mantle of supervising the matches.

According to technical director of Biddatanda Hockey Namme B S Thammaiah, seating facilities have been made for 20,000 people. It includes 4,000 seats for VIPs. Parking facilities have been made on 15 acres of land.

Hockey Olympian Anjaparavanda B Subbaiah will inaugurate the tournament on April 17 at 10.30 am. Founder of Hockey Namme, Pandanda M Kuttappa, will be the chief guest, while Prof B C Ponnappa of Biddatanda clan will preside over the inaugural function.

Revenue Minister Kagodu Thimmappa, Forest Minister B Ramanath Rai, former minister M C Nanaiah, MP Prathap Simha, MLAs K G Bopaiah and Appachu Ranjan, MLCs Shantheyanda Veena Achaiah and Suneel Subramani, SP P Rajendra Prasad, president of Kodagu Hockey Association Pykera Kalaiah and Muliya Prasad from Muliya Foundation are also expected to attend the inaugural session.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / DH News Service / Napoklu – April 16th, 2017

Biddatanda Hockey Namme 2017 fixtures released

Records, All, Sports
Sampath of Biddatanda Hockey Namme technical committee, ground committee president Biddatanda Belliappa and Kodava Sahitya Academy president B S Thammaiah release the fixtures of the tournament at Madikeri Press Club on Tuesday.
Sampath of Biddatanda Hockey Namme technical committee, ground committee president Biddatanda Belliappa and Kodava Sahitya Academy president B S Thammaiah release the fixtures of the tournament at Madikeri Press Club on Tuesday.

The fixtures of Biddatanda Hockey Namme 2017 were released at Madikeri Press Club on Tuesday. The tournament will be held at General Thimmaiah Stadium at Napoklu Cheriyaparambu from April 17.

Speaking after releasing the fixtures, Kodava Sahitya Academy president B S Thammaiah said that the fixtures released are official and matches will be held based on these fixtures.

The inaugural session will be held between 11 am and 12.30 pm on April 17, he said.

He said that the Rest of India and Coorg Regiment of Indian Army will play inaugural exhibition match between 12.30 pm and 1.30 pm. The majority of people in Kodagu are not aware of Coorg Regiment in Indian Army. Hence, to introduce the regiment to the people, the exhibition match is being organised, he said.

The Rest of India hockey team will be led by Indian Hockey player Raghunath. The inaugural session will have Army band and Kodava dance, Thammaiah said.The tournament will have 18 to 24 matches everyday.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / DHNS – Madikeri, April 12th, 2017

Arunachal Festival of Speed: Amanpreet in lead

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Sports

Amanpreet Ahluwalia proved he’s a master of short turns and deft handling as he finished first in the autocross, or the Super Special Stages.

With the breathtakingly beautiful Dirang valley for inspiration, National autocross champion Amanpreet Ahluwalia jump into the lead on the first day in the fourth edition of the JK Tyre Arunachal Festival of Speed here on Saturday.

He proved he’s a master of short turns and deft handling as he finished first in the autocross, or the Super Special Stages as it’s called here.

However, the championship suffered a huge setback after quite a few big names pulled out. Seven-time Desert Storm winner Sunny Sidhu pulled out citing engine issues. Joining him were ten-time Raid de Himalaya champion Suresh Rana and newly-crowned India Baja champion, Gaurav Chiripal. Both withdrew citing different reasons.

Organisers said Gaurav was stuck in Dubai due to personal issues while Rana’s car’s front axle was damaged. Another prominent rallyist Raj Singh Rathore, too, withdrew.

The hero of the day was Amanpreet. Driving a Maruti Gypsy, Amanpreet tackled the slippery grass track at the L’Opon Stadium to delight the locals, who had gathered in moderate numbers to watch the action-packed event. He needed just 2minutes and 09 seconds to complete the zig-zagging course.

“It was fun racing on this tricky course,” Amanpreet, a veteran rallyist from Delhi, said. “We are happy that we have taken the early lead. There is still a long way to go and we hope to drive on this momentum through the weekend,” he added.

The top seeded racer among those in classified cars here, K. M. Bopaiah from Coorg, had to settle for the second place in his 1600cc Polo. Delhi’s Sandeep Sharma finished third. In the autocross and sprint cars for local talent, Babit Lyngdoh shot into the lead, winning both his rounds.

The provisional results

1. Amanpreet Ahluwalia & navigator Ajay Kumar(02:09), 2. K.M. Bopaiah & Gagan Karumbaiah (02:12), 3. Sandeep Sharma & Prathap Thakur (02:13), 4. Ewellson Cyngdoh & Rijop M Sangma (02:14).

source: http://www.sportsalive.com / Sports Star / Home> India / by K. Keerthivasan / Dirang Valley (Arunachal Pradesh) / April 15th, 2017

Karnataka government to verify disputed land in Kodagu

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Leaders, Records, All

Bengaluru :

The state government on Tuesday took a decision to survey the disputed forest land, wherein the Jenu Kuruba tribals of Diddahalli had gone on an agitation, in Madikeri, Kodagu.

SiddaramaiahKF11apr2017

After an hour long meeting with chief minister Siddaramaiah, forest minister B Ramanath Rai, social welfare minister H Anjaneya, revenue minister Kagodu Thimmappa said the government has decided to verify the land records of Diddahalli before taking a final decision.

“After a detailed discussion, the government has decided to verify the land records of Diddahalli on whether the land is forest land or revenue land. If we verify the land records as being forest land, then we will make all efforts to provide them suitable rehabilitation area with amenities. But if the land records show that it is revenue land, then within eight days we will ensure that they have the title deeds for that land,” said Thimmappa.

The revenue minister said he will be personally camping in Kodagu on April 16 or 17 for resolving the issue.

Thimmappa said the deliberation was held with all stakeholders and that valuable inputs were shared on the case from all parties.
“The government is keen on resolving the issue and we will try to do it at the earliest,” he said.

In December 2016, the Jenu Kurubas of Madikeri who were working in the nearby coffee plantations had been agitating against the eviction by forest department and local police citing it was forest land.
Later that month, the Bettale Seve (nude protest) by a tribal woman in Diddahalli and the alleged insensitivity shown by cops in trying to disrupt the protest held by members of Jenu Kuruba (a tribe) had drawn sympathy from several quarters.

This being the last year before elections, this looter government will do anything to get the votes.

The Diddahalli faceoff had put the government in a spot, with members of civil society strongly criticizing the move.

On Monday, former MLC A K Subbaiah who spoke on behalf of the civil society, which has been seeking respite for the agitators, welcomed the government decision and expressed his hope that the state will give justice to the tribals.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> City News> Bangalore News / by Sandeep Moudgal / TNN / April 11th, 2017

Asian hockey awards: India’s SV Sunil named Player of the Year for 2016

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Sports

India forward SV Sunil, key member of last year’s silver-winning Champions Trophy side, is Asian Hockey Federation’s Player of the Year for 2016 and junior World Cup-winner, Harmanpreet Singh, has been named as the emerging player

SV Sunil was the favourite for the award among the national team coaches of Asia, who made the nominations based on performances during 2016.(Facebook)
SV Sunil was the favourite for the award among the national team coaches of Asia, who made the nominations based on performances during 2016.(Facebook)

India forward SV Sunil was named the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) Player of the Year for 2016 on Thursday, with Harmanpreet Singh chosen as the Promising Player of the Year in the continental body’s annual awards.

SV Sunil was the favourite for the award among national team coaches of Asia, who made the nominations based on performances during 2016, according to a Hockey India release.

Sunil, regarded highly for his pace, played a vital role in India’s memorable run in last year’s Champions Trophy in London, where they claimed a silver for the first time. “This award is the icing on the cake. I believe Indian hockey is growing year by year and we have enjoyed some memorable victories in 2016. This award could not have been possible but for our team work,” Sunil said.

Dragflick specialist Harmanpreet too had a great run, playing a crucial role in India’s Junior World Cup triumph in Lucknow late last year. He was also part of the Rio Olympics and Champions Trophy squads.

“I am very excited to receive this award. Awards and recognition are a big motivation for a young player like me to improve on my skills and come up with memorable performances,” said Harmanpreet, who along with Sunil, is currently in the senior men’s national camp that is preparing for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia.

source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home> Sports> Other Sports / by HT Correspondent, New Delhi / March 30th, 2017