India finally ended its wait for an athletics gold medal as the women’s 4×400 mts relay quartet of Kiran Pahal, Machettira Poovamma, Prachi and Vithya Ramaraj produced a composed run to clinch the gold at the ongoing Asian Games 2026 at Aichi-Nagoya in Japan.
The Indian team clocked 3:29.69 in the final to finish first, with Bahrain taking silver in 3:30.21 and China claiming bronze in 3:31.02. The victory was India’s first athletics gold of the Games and came after the country had collected a string of silver and bronze medals in track and field.
The quartet held its composure in a closely contested race, with Bahrain and China staying in contention before India pulled clear in closing stages. The victory underlined the depth of India’s women’s quarter-mile programme.
Poovamma of Kodagu brought considerable experience to the quartet, while Kiran, Prachi and Vithya combined to maintain the pressure through the four legs. Poovamma and Vithya had earlier been part of India’s mixed 4×400 mts relay silver-medal winning team, making yesterday’s gold another significant achievement for the two runners.
The women’s 4×400 mts relay triumph finally put India atop an athletics podium at Aichi-Nagoya and provided a fitting highlight to a day of multiple track and field medals.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / September 30th, 2026
Karthamada Shama Appanna, wife of Karthamada Dicky Appanna and a resident of Trendz Apartment in Bogadi, Mysuru, has won ‘Amritha Cinecrafts – Mrs. India Women of Substance-Season 9’ held at Sheraton Grand Hotel at Brigade Gateway, Bengaluru, on Sept. 27.
Originally from Ponnampet, Kodagu, she is the daughter of Chowrira Bopaiah and Sharada.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Photo News / September 30th,2026
The Annual Kodava Convention of North America brought together more than 500 guests in Houston, Texas, from Sept. 4 to 6, with 141 Kodava families from 116 cities and three countries taking part.
This was the third time Texas hosted the event, following earlier gatherings in Austin and Dallas. Preparations began more than 14 months ago, with Kodava families from the Greater Houston area involved.
The Convention opened on Sept. 4 with a ‘Meet the Hosts’ gathering, allowing participants to reconnect with friends and families from across North America and overseas.
The celebrations on Sept. 5 had a distinct Texas flavour, with optional morning run/walk and shooting range activities, followed by a pre-convention celebration at a ranch-style venue. The programme featured Bollywood and Western line dance performances by Houston hosts and a Mexican folk dance by guest artistes.
On Sept. 6, participants visited NASA’s Johnson Space Centre before attending the Main Convention programme centred on the theme, ‘What does it mean to be a Kodava today?’
Kodagu brought to Houston
The Convention venue featured a Kodava heritage exhibition displaying traditional jewellery, clothing, household and cookware items, along with storyboards on Kodava history and identity. Tables were named after villages in Kodagu, while traditional Kodava proverbs were used for an interactive quiz.
The décor also reflected Kodagu’s landscape, incorporating coffee beans, paddy, anthuriums, banana stems and flowers.
The main programme began with a traditional prayer song and ceremonial lamp lighting by members of the Baduvamanda and Gummatira families. Traditional ‘Ummathat’ by Kodava women and ‘Bolkaat’, the martial dance performed by Kodava men, were among the highlights. A contemporary dance by Kodava women and a children’s skit, ‘Two Boots, One Beat’, exploring the cultural similarities and contrasts between Texas and Kodagu, were also presented.
Tradition takes centre stage
A multigenerational panel discussion, ‘One Heritage, Many Journeys: Being Kodava Today’, brought together five Kodavas from different generations to discuss identity, traditions and the challenges of preserving their heritage while living away from Kodagu. Live polling also allowed the audience to share their views.
The convention also saw the introduction of ‘arivāme’, a Kodava heritage and language app aimed at supporting the preservation and teaching of Kodava Thakk.
The programme concluded with an update from Kodava Koota on its activities and plans, followed by dinner featuring Kodava and Indian cuisine. The evening ended with music and Kodava Vaalaga, with guests joining the celebrations on the dance floor.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 30th, 2026
Set across 76 acres of lush Coorg forest, The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary brings together secluded luxury villas, immersive nature trails, local cuisine and expansive wellness experiences. From private pools and heritage coffee rituals to birdwatching and the Aujasya spa, this is Coorg designed for slowing down in style.
At the Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary, bamboo-canopied architecture and laterite stone come together to embellish the 71 secluded luxury villas, each of which offer a distinct experience
Nestled in a 76-acre estate in the heart of Coorg, The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary marks a new foray for one of India’s finest hospitality brands. From verdant landscapes and nature trails, local flavours, curated wellness programs and astounding birdlife, Leela’s first wellness-anchored forest sanctuary allows you to truly immerse yourself in the best of Coorg.
Secluded luxury villas
Bamboo-canopied architecture and laterite stone come together to embellish the 71 secluded luxury villas, each of which offer a distinct experience. The Presidential Villa is an abode in itself with easy access to the in-resort helipad. It combines four villas with a drawing room that will transport you to a colonial-era, planters club replete with leather sofas and dark wood.
The large private kitchen at the villa can be manned by one of Leela’s chefs or your own personal Chef. The accommodation also includes a large private pool with a poolside bar and a dedicated gym. Villa options include the massive 3,200 sq. ft.
The Forestlight Villa includes a stunning outdoor lounge, and a temperature-controlled pool with twin massage beds on the deck. There’s also the Mistwood Villa which features two large indoor spaces, a private pool with a deck and a jacuzzi.
For your taste buds
Zen, Leela’s signature Pan Asian restaurant, plays out in a new setting. Located over a shimmering water body, this outdoor paradise offers a choice of private gazebos that overlook acres of green landscapes. The menu includes Zen’s signature sushi rolls and dim sums with a cocktail program that incorporates local ingredients. Some of these ingredients also play out in the cocktail program at The Cellar, the resort’s cosy bar that’s tucked away under the all-day diner. Do check out the bar’s signature cocktail, the Kachampuli Highball with a tangy Coorg slant.
The Presidential Villa at the Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary is an abode in itself with easy access to the in-resort helipad
Luma, the all-day diner, offers some of the best views of the private lake within the resort. Ask for the chef’s specially curated local menu where emblematic dishes like the pandi (pork) curry and ingredients like bamboo shoot are usually in the mix. I’d also recommend a signature heritage coffee curation experience at 92 degrees, the resort’s dedicated coffee lounge that allows you to get up close with Coorg’s coffee heritage. You will be tempted to take advantage of the resort’s elaborate in-room dining menu that blends the best of Asian, European and Indian flavours.
Rejuvenate, relax in luxury The 27,000 sq. ft. Aujasya by The Leela Spa is one of the biggest in any luxury resort in India. With 25 treatment rooms spread over multiple levels, it’s easy to find your zen space. The spa offers a hammam and treatments from across the world. You can also opt for the in-villa spa experience. The large Vinyasa deck on the edge of the lake offers yoga and pranayama sessions. There are a host of activities, including kayaking on the private lake, that truly let you unwind.
The 27,000 sq. ft. Aujasya by The Leela Spa is one of the biggest in any luxury resort in India
Trails, at your doorstep
The best trails begin at your doorstep. Sign up for one of the nature walks that are worth waking up early for. The resort is a hub for Coorg’s fabled birdlife. It’s not unusual to spot at least 25 species of birds during the space of a 90-minute walk through the resort. Look out for woodpeckers and hornbills as well as the Giant Malabar Squirrel (one of the world’s largest squirrels) as it leaps from one tree to the next. Coorg’s popular attractions like Talacauvery (where the Cauvery river originates) and Abbey Falls are easily accessible from the resort. Do make time to visit Namdroling Nyinmape, a Tibetan monastery in Bylakuppe (45 minutes from the resort) that is home of one India’s largest Tibetan communities.
Plan your stay
The resort is about six hours from the Bengaluru International Airport. The Kannur International Airport is three hours away. You could combine your trip to the resort with a pit-stop in Mysore (three hours away). The in-resort helipad also allows you to arrive on a chartered helicopter service.
Flaunt insider tip
If you’re planning a romantic break, do book the Forestlight Villa with an intimate bedroom, a large outdoor lounge and outdoor showers.
source: http://www.firstpost.in / First Post / Home> Travel / by Ashwin Rajagopalan / August 26th, 2026
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