Madikeri MLA Dr Mantar Gowda visited the residence of international athlete Machhettira Poovamma in Mangaluru and felicitated her for bringing glory to India and Karnataka through her historic gold medal-winning performance at the Asian Games.
Congratulating Poovamma on her remarkable achievement, Dr Mantar Gowda praised her as a proud daughter of Kodagu and said her exceptional contribution to the field of sports had brought immense pride to the entire region.
During the interaction, the MLA also extended a warm invitation to Machhettira Poovamma to attend the prestigious Madikeri Dasara celebrations as the chief guest.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Karnataka / by DaijiWorld Media News Network – Mangaluru (NJC) / October 03rd, 2026
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
The Indian duo won a bronze medal in the squash mixed doubles at the ongoing Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya.
Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar secured a bronze medal in the squash mixed doubles event at the Asian Games. | Photo Credit: RV MOORTHY
Indian squash mixed doubles players Joshna Chinappaand Velavan Senthilkumarsecured a bronze medal at the ongoing Asian Games2026 at Aichi-Nagoya on Saturday.
The duo lost went down to Hong Kong China’s Lee Ka Yi and Tang Ming Hong 1-2 (10-11, 11-2, 10-11) in the semifinals.
Tamil Nadu chief minister C. Joseph Vijay announced a cash prize of INR 30 lakh for the two athletes.
“My heartfelt congratulations and appreciation to squash players Joshna Chinnappa and Velavan Senthilkumar, who have brought pride to India and Tamil Nadu by winning the bronze medal in the Mixed Doubles category of Squash at the ongoing Asian Games in Japan,” he said via a statement on X.
“In appreciation of the great achievement of these heroes, the Tamil Nadu Government will provide a high incentive of Rs. 30 lakhs each. Their victory will give new inspiration and hope to the young generation of athletes of Tamil Nadu,” he added.
Vijay had earlier announced cash rewards for athlete Baranica Elangovan, badminton player A. Hariharan, cricketer G. Kamalini, and relay runners Vishal T.K. and Vithya Ramraj.
source: http://www.sportstar.thehindu.com / Sportstar / Home> Asian Games 2026 / by Sportstar News Desk / September 26th, 2026
Kodagu, often hailed as the ‘Land of Spices’ and the ‘Scotland of India’, is not only known for its lush coffee estates and spice plantations but also for producing some of the country’s finest athletes and brave soldiers. Adding to this legacy is 22-year-old Monnanda Tasmai Cariappa, an emerging talent in the world of motorcycle racing.
Tasmai recently made a stunning international debut by clinching second place in the SP400 (400cc) category at the BRIC Superbike Championship-2025 held in Thailand, a performance that has turned heads in the racing circuit.
Now, with his eyes set firmly on representing India at the highest level of motorsport, Tasmai is revving up for Indian Superbikes League (ISBL) selections scheduled to take place in Bengaluru next week. His passion runs so deep that he made the bold decision to put academics on hold — despite excelling in his II PUC — to pursue a professional career in motorsport.
A resident of Kuvempunagar in Mysuru, Tasmai is the son of Dr. Monnanda Nalini Somaiah, Professor, Department of Studies in Botany, Manasagangothri, University of Mysore.
Star of Mysore caught up with the promising racer as he gears up for the ISBL trials. Excerpts…
Star of Mysore (SOM): Being such a high-risk sport, how did you get into motorcycle racing?
Tasmai Cariappa: I’ve been passionate about racing from a young age. I grew up watching MotoGP and other races on television, which sparked my interest. After I turned 18, I got my first bike — a KTM Duke 390 — and started riding on the curvy roads of Chamundi Hill, which I loved.
During those rides, I met a few fellow enthusiasts who were already participating in races organised by KTM. That motivated me to take things more seriously. I enrolled in track training academies in 2019 and again in 2022, held in Coimbatore and Chennai. After completing the training, I began competing in Indian National Racing events in the 165cc category.
From the album – Tasmai Cariappa with his racing icon Marc Marquez of Spain.
SOM: Who has been your biggest inspiration among professional racers?
Tasmai Cariappa: Spanish racer Marc Márquez has been a huge inspiration for me. It’s not just his aggressive racing style, but also his mental strength and unshakeable determination that I admire. Despite suffering multiple injuries, he’s always managed to make a strong comeback and dominate on the track.
SOM: How did your family react when you told them you wanted to pursue racing?
Tasmai Cariappa: In the beginning, I didn’t inform my parents. I first shared my interest with my grandmother, Monnanda Jooby Somaiah, who supported me financially so I could join a racing academy. Only after completing my training did I inform my mother and my aunt, Rajini Somaiah, who works as a scientist in St. Louis, USA. Since then, they’ve all been very supportive of my racing journey.
SOM: Mysuru doesn’t have dedicated racing tracks. Where do you usually practice?
Tasmai Cariappa: I regularly train in Bengaluru, Coimbatore and Chennai. Bengaluru is my primary practice location because it has three Go-Kart tracks. I frequently ride at the Velocity International Circuit in Kolathur and the Aruani Grid in Dommasandra. Additionally, I visit the Madras International Circuit in Chennai and the Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore every month for advanced training.
SOM: Motorcycle racing involves a high risk of accidents. How do you manage that risk?
Tasmai Cariappa: Yes, the risks are there. But as you gain experience and improve your riding skills, the risk starts to reduce. A major part of staying safe also depends on the quality of your racing gear — your race suit, helmet, gloves and boots.
High-quality gear plays a crucial role in protecting you during crashes. Apart from that, maintaining physical fitness is essential — it strengthens your body and helps you recover quickly in case of a fall.
SOM: Injuries take time to heal and can be expensive to treat. Since motorsport doesn’t get much support in India, how do you manage your finances?
Tasmai Cariappa: In professional racing, we have what’s called Circuit Insurance, which covers medical expenses during events. However, beyond that, it’s essential to consult reputable doctors and physiotherapists. They help design recovery plans, recommend the right nutrition, and guide you to bounce back faster and stronger.
SOM: Is the fitness routine for motorsport different from other sports?
Tasmai Cariappa: Absolutely. Racing demands both physical and mental strength. It’s not just about building muscle or endurance — it’s about total body fitness. My routine includes CrossFit, Yoga, mobility drills, reflex training for quicker reactions, and stamina-building exercises. Mental sharpness is just as important as physical readiness when you’re on the track.
SOM: What kind of diet do you follow?
Tasmai Cariappa: Diet varies from person to person based on their age, weight, and the bike category — whether it’s 400cc, 600cc or 1000cc. As the G-force increases with higher-capacity bikes, your body needs to be strong enough to handle it. So, nutrition plays a critical role. Most of us follow a high-protein, low-carb, and fibre-rich diet. You can’t just eat anything — every element in the diet must be planned to support your performance.
SOM: You’ve chosen the Kawasaki Ninja 400 as your race bike. Why that model?
Tasmai Cariappa: In my category, riders can opt for the Yamaha R3 or KTM RC 390 as well. But I’ve chosen the Kawasaki Ninja 400 because it performs better at the top end and has a more reliable engine.
It also has a slight edge in displacement — about 50cc more than the Yamaha R3 and KTM RC 390, which makes a difference in race conditions. For long runs of 8-10 laps, engine reliability becomes crucial, and the Ninja 400 holds up very well.
Proud moment – Tasmai with his mother Dr Nalini Somaiah
OM: Do you see yourself racing in higher categories in the future?
Tasmai Cariappa: Yes. I want to race in higher categories — especially in the 1000cc segment. But I believe in taking it step by step. It’s a physically demanding sport, and it’s important to gradually build your knowledge of the bike and your own skill level before moving up. My dream is to represent India on the global stage at world championship-level events.
SOM: What are your thoughts on the newly launched Indian Superbike League (ISBL)?
Tasmai Cariappa: Indian motorsport is growing and the ISBL is a fantastic opportunity for aspiring racers. It’s especially valuable for those who are passionate about racing but don’t own a superbike. Ducati stepping in to provide the bike and gear for selected riders is a big move for the sport in India. The selection process will be tough, but getting through it would be a game-changing opportunity for any racer.
SOM: Thank you, and all the best !
Tasmai Cariappa: Thank you !
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by S N Venkatnag Sobers / July 12th, 2025
Shuttle badminton has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, with a growing number of young players taking it up professionally. What began as a recreational pastime among British expatriates in the 1860s has steadily evolved into a mainstream sport embraced by the younger generation. Pioneers like Prakash Padukone, the first Indian to win the All England Badminton Championship in 1980, played a key role in bringing national recognition to the sport. He was followed by Pullela Gopichand, who also won the prestigious All England title, Olympic medallists like Saina Nehwal — India’s first Olympic badminton medal winner — and P.V. Sindhu, a double Olympic medallist and BWF World Champion, who helped place India firmly on the global badminton map.
Kodagu, a region renowned for producing hockey legends, has also made its mark in badminton through players like Ashwini Ponnappa, who has won multiple medals in international competitions. Now joining the list of Kodagu’s badminton achievers is 17-year-old Boppanda Diya Bheemaiah.
Coming from a family of sports people, Diya has made significant strides in national and international badminton. She was part of the Indian women’s team that participated in the Asian U-17 Badminton Championship held in Chengdu, China, last year, where she competed in the doubles event.
Her achievements include: Bronze in singles and silver in doubles at the Nepal Junior International Series held in Tripureswar in December 2024; Silver in singles and bronze in mixed doubles at the 36th Sub-Junior Badminton Tournament held in Tamil Nadu in 2024; and Winner of the U-19 All India Krishna Khaitan Badminton Tournament – 2024, held in Panchkula, Haryana, among other accolades.
A II PUC student at Vidyaashram College in Mysuru, Diya trains under coach Arun Pemmaiah at Sports Park, Mysuru. Her father, Boppanda B. Bheemaiah, is also a badminton coach, while her mother, K.K. Kusuma (Kambiranda), a former international athlete, now works as a fitness coach. Diya’s younger brother, B.B. Vishal Uthappa, is also a budding badminton player.
Star of Mysore caught up with Diya Bheemaiah for an interview as she prepares for the upcoming National Junior Championship to be held in Bengaluru. Following this, she will head to Guwahati, Assam, to train at the National Centre of Excellence — a facility where only a select few players are offered the opportunity to train. Excerpts…
Star of Mysore (SOM): What inspired you to take up badminton?
Diya Bheemaiah: I used to watch my father play when I was a kid. Initially, I picked it up just for fun, but I gradually developed a deep interest in the sport. I’ve been playing professionally for the past eight years now.
SOM: Why did you shift your base from Madikeri in Kodagu to Mysuru?
Diya Bheemaiah: It was purely for badminton. I moved here when I was in the 6th standard and stayed in a PG accommodation. After the COVID-19 pandemic, my family shifted to Mysuru. It had become difficult to practice in Madikeri, my hometown, especially during the rainy season when we could barely step out of the house. That’s when we decided to move to Mysuru permanently.
SOM: Can you tell us about your daily routine and diet?
Diya Bheemaiah: I wake up around 5 am and attend my fitness session from 5.45 am to 7.15 am. After a short break, I have my on-court session from 9.30 am to 12 noon, where I focus on strokes and technique. Then there’s a lunch break, followed by another session from 1.30 pm. After that, I take a two-hour break before heading to the gym from 6 pm to 7.15 pm. That’s my daily routine for now.
As for my diet, my mother is particular about it. She prepares nutritious meals every day. Of course, to achieve anything great in sports, you have to sacrifice your cravings. It’s been a couple of years since I’ve had ice cream and junk food is completely off my list.
SOM: How have your parents supported you in your badminton endeavours?
Diya Bheemaiah: They’ve been extremely supportive. My mother takes care of my diet and fitness, while my father helps me improve my game. One of them always accompanies me during tournaments to ensure I stay focused and eat healthy.
SOM: You play in all three categories — singles, doubles & mixed doubles. How do you manage different techniques and mindsets required?
Diya Bheemaiah: In singles, the player is solely responsible for his/her performance and has to give the best. In doubles, it’s all about trust and coordination with your partner. When things aren’t going well, it’s also about encouraging each other and making a strong comeback together.
SOM: Badminton is an expensive sport. How have you been managing?
Diya Bheemaiah: Right now, my parents and coaches are supporting me financially. But there is a need for sponsorship. Even though many of us perform well, we often don’t receive any sponsorship. Players end up spending from their own pockets for racquets, training and travel. The State Government has not been very supportive either. The Karnataka Badminton Association only covers our travel and stay during the national championships. I feel that society should come forward and support sportspersons who are consistently performing.
Diya Bheemaiah seen with her father Boppanda B. Bheemaiah, mother K.K. Kusuma and younger brother B.B. Vishal Uthappa.
SOM: Being a Science student, how are you managing your studies along with badminton?
Diya Bheemaiah: Thankfully, my college has been supportive. They not only consider my attendance but also send me daily online class recordings, which help me stay updated academically. Besides, my teachers are always available. I can call them anytime to clarify my doubts.
SOM: Your plans after II PUC?
Diya Bheemaiah: Professional badminton will always be my priority. However, I also intend to specialise in Sports Psychology. But for now, my focus is on badminton and completing my II PUC with good marks. As for my dream — I aspire to become the World No. 1 and make history by winning three Olympic medals for the country.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by S N Venkatanag Sobers / May 31st, 2025
Professor Padma Shekhar, who is originally from Torenur in Kodagu but now resides in Mysuru, was honoured with the prestigious Rajyotsava Award for her contributions in the field of education.
Before her retirement in 2019 as chancellor of Bengaluru Sanskrit University, she served in multiple roles at the University of Mysore, including as professor of Jainology and Prakrit department, director of the Centre for Women’s Studies, chairman of the department of christianity, and chief superintendent of the women’s hostel.
Besides her educational career, Padma authored numerous books and received various accolades. She supervised multiple PhD scholars. She is among the 69 recipients of this year’s Rajyotsava award.
The Karnataka govt also selected two accomplished individuals from the district for the Suvarna Mahotsava Award, as part of the Karnataka Sambhrama-50 celebration.
Kathimada Jimmy Annaiah and Nandini Basappa were chosen for their achievements in sports. Annaiah from Ponnampet was a member of the University of Mysore hockey team in 1957. He currently heads the Kiggatnad Senior Citizens Forum and promotes sports activities through social work.
Nandini, residing at Panya Estate in Suntikoppa, achieved recognition as an international basketball player. She participated in numerous national and international competitions and served in leadership positions. Her roles include vice-president of the Basketball Federation of India, Karnataka Basketball Association, and India Junior Women’s Basketball team manager. Her achievements include the Kempegowda award and State Sports awards in 2001.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> City News> Mysuru News / by G Rajendra / October 31st, 2024
Sarthak overcame a poor start to post his sixth win in the Pro-Stock 301-400cc Open category ahead of Chiranth and veteran Rajini Krishnan (RACR Castrol Power1 Ultimate).
Tasmai Cariappa
Chennai :
Teenagers and TVS Racing team-mates Sarthak Chavan (Pune) and Chiranth Vishwanath (Bengaluru) split the day’s honours with a victory apiece in the two premier Pro-Stock categories on a day of stirring action in the fourth and penultimate round of the MRF MMSC FMSCI Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship at the Madras International Circuit, here on Saturday.
Sarthak overcame a poor start to post his sixth win in the Pro-Stock 301-400cc Open category ahead of Chiranth and veteran Rajini Krishnan (RACR Castrol Power1 Ultimate).
The result in the Pro-Stock 165cc Open class race was the reverse with Chiranth coming through an up-and-down six laps, the last of which saw him and Sarthak coming together, but staying in the saddle to complete the race with KY Ahamed, recovering from a viral fever, made it a 1-2-3 for TVS Racing.
Meanwhile, Chennai’s Ryhana Bee, seeking to regain the National title in the Girls category (Stock 165cc) after three years, scored a lights-to-flag win after topping the practice and qualifying sessions with her new team, Rockers Racing.
Mysuru’s 22-year-old Tasmai Cariappa (Motul Sparks Racing) kept his nerves in a tense finish to score his maiden win the Novice (Stock 165cc) race while Pradeep C, a private entrant from Bengaluru, wrote his own script in winning the Stock 301-400cc (Novice) race after starting from P4.
TVS India One-Make Championship :
Coimbatore’s Raj Kumar C upstaged favourites to record his first win of the season in the Open (Apache RR 310) category as he finished well ahead of Manoj Yesuadian (Chennai) and championship leader Senthilkumar C (Coimbatore).
CS Kedarnath from Tirupati held off Bengaluru’s Harshith Bogar and Akarsh Jangam (Hyderabad) in a tight finish as the trio finished the Rookie (Apache RTR 200) race in close formation that also included Tejash BA (Tumakuru) in P4. Less than a second separated the quartet. It was Kedarnath’s second win of the season.
The results (Provisional, all 6 laps unless mentioned):
Athlete Bollanda Unnathi Aiyappa, who had won a gold medal setting a new meet record in the South Asian Junior Athletic Meet at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, here on Thursday, won her second gold medal setting another new meet record in women’s 200 mts on last day of the Meet.
Unnathi completed the race in the record timing of 23.91sec beating the old record of 24.32 mts set by A. Suseedran at Ranchi in 2013. India’s Nancy (23.11 sec) and Neeru Pathak (29.91 sec) finished in second and third place respectively.
Speaking to Star of Mysore, Unnathi Aiyappa said, she was delighted for having won two gold medals and added that she was in the best of the form because of continuous travelling.
“After World Junior event, I was not able to give my best. I took part in the South Asian Junior Championship with no expectations. But, having won two gold medals has delighted me,” she said.
Though, this was event of the season, Unnathi will be seen in action at the All India Inter University Athletic Championship to be held in December. She is the daughter of Intl. Athletic Coach B.P. Aiyappa and Olympian G.G. Pramila Aiyappa (Guddanda), residents of Bengaluru.
Meanwhile, city’s Thelapanda K. Bopanna won bronze in the men’s 800 mts run. He won bronze with a timing of 1:50.45 sec behind Sri Lanka’s H.D.S. Awishka (1:49.83sec) and India’s Vinod Kumar (1:50.07sec) who won gold and silver respectively.
Bopanna is the son of Dentist T.M. Kalappa and Rachana Kalappa, residents of V.V. Mohalla in Mysuru.
India with a total of 48 medals (21 gold, 22 silver and 5 bronze) finished in the top position of the medals tally followed by Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in second and third positions.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / September 14th, 2024
MR Poovamma, a three-time Olympian representing India, spoke at the Press Club’s ’Gaurava Athithi’ program organized by the DK Working Journalists Association on Saturday.
She credited her family, particularly her parents and husband, for supporting her throughout her sports career, stating that her achievements are shared with them.
Despite being 34, Poovamma emphasized that age should not be a barrier for athletes. “I wanted to prove that I can still compete and inspire others, regardless of age,” she said. She also expressed her intention to continue her career for a few more years and plans to open a sports academy post-retirement.
Acknowledging her husband Jitin Paul’s support in managing her training and household responsibilities, Poovamma praised her mother for her unwavering presence at all her events since her school days.
She highlighted the growing opportunities in sports, noting the government’s supportive role through programs like Khelo India and improved facilities. Poovamma advised young athletes to remain resilient in the face of setbacks, injuries, and failure, encouraging parents to support their children’s interest in sports. She stressed the importance of good practice, adequate rest, and proper nutrition for athletes’ physical and mental fitness.
source: http://www.mangaloretoday.com / Mangalore Today / Home> Main News / by Mangalore Today News Network / August 25th, 2024
The badminton star says that she is grateful to have an opportunity to aim for an Olympic gold at this point in her career.
Team game: Ashwini said that the partnership with Tanisha has been exciting. | Photo Credit: RITU RAJ KONWAR
Ashwini Ponnappa has been around for a long while now but the 34-year-old has no plans of slowing down. Preparing for her third Olympics in a sport as demanding as badminton can be gruelling. To do so in doubles, with a partner almost 15 years younger, is unheard of. Ashwini isn’t bothered.
Ashwini missed the Tokyo Olympics but with Tanisha Crasto, is currently the highest-ranked Indian women’s doubles pair in the world and on top of the race to the World Tour Finals.
Having burst into the limelight after winning a historic gold at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in front of home crowds (with Jwala Gutta) for her maiden senior international title, it’s been an eventful career for Ashwini.
“I think having the CWG in India was the biggest game-changer because there was media and public attention on all sports, not just one or two. And winning in front of the home crowd put doubles in the spotlight because till then, it used to only be about singles. People started viewing doubles as a specialised event after that,” she acknowledged.
“It’s been quite a journey, having started alongside Jwala who was already an established player then and well-known on the national and international scene as a specialised doubles player. I think I got lucky because partnering with her meant that I got to play in the big league at a very young age. I have had different partners along the way and now am with someone who is 14 years younger – I never would have thought back then that something like this would happen. But it’s been an exciting journey since we got together,” she added.
Challenges
The longevity has not been without challenges but a bout of dengue in 2016 triggered a complete turnaround in her training ethos and methods.
“Even though I have had physical ups and downs, I have always been motivated. Being physically fit is most essential to be playing at this level but being mentally motivated is equally important. You cannot have one without the other. That’s something I am very stubborn about – I will not listen to just anyone, I am very fussy about my training.
“I have been training with Deckline Leitao since 2016 and that’s been a game-changer. As you get older, your approach to physical fitness is very critical. It also means that if my coach says back off or slow down, I will listen. When you are younger, you can have the hardest workouts throughout the year. But as you get older, it is important to know when to back off and not keep pushing” she explained.
And while they are equal partners on the court, Ashwini admits it took time to build an understanding with Tanisha. “It’s definitely evolved because initially there was a barrier because of the fact that I am super senior and she is up and coming, the comfort level did take time to get to and, to be honest, there is still a lot of space for improvement but it’s work in progress. I don’t think there is any other pair with this level of age gap on the circuit.
“It’s nice to play with someone who has got a really long way ahead of her. I love her enthusiasm and the curiosity of going for big tournaments,” she admitted.
The senior pro in her does come rear up occasionally, she laughed but insisted she tries to avoid being a nag.
“I don’t think there is pressure of being a senior but I just end up being kind of a mentor. It’s not like I go out and try to be a senior or didi as Tanisha calls me – I don’t want to be – but I end up being one because of what I have seen over the years and can’t help but guide here and there when you see certain things. Fortunately, she has been open enough to listen to me giving her advice now and then,” she said.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport> Other Sprots / by Uthara Ganesan / April 19th, 2024
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