Manish Pandey is probably one of the fearless, carefree, swashbuckling batsman in Indian cricket. These qualities are the basics of any T-20 player, but Manish plays in the same fashion in all forms of the game.
The lucky aspect is that Manish Pandey plays for Karnataka and lives in Bangalore. He can literally go wild with hitting as the game progresses. I still vaguely remember that a few years ago, in a game against Punjab in a quarter-final of the Ranji Trophy, with Karnataka 28 runs short, Manish suddenly went haywire to get the first innings lead for Karnataka. But this sort of approach has been seen from Manish right from the beginning keeping the captain in tenter-hooks.
Because of an illness in 2011 this guy missed his cricket. But when he returned he was as adventurous as ever. This devil-may-care batting is criticised by the older generation but they silently applaud him because he scores centuries after centuries.
Manish came to Bangalore as an army brat when he was only seven-years-old and even at that age he loved to bat and bat wildly. His father was transferred out of Bangalore but this lad continued to stay in Bangalore with his mother and continued to play. He made a name for himself in Under-15 cricket. The seniors were angry at him for his wildness and also loved him at the same time, because of his consistent scores. He played for India Under-19 with Virat Kohli but from then, it has been an up and down route for him.
However this year he was picked very intelligently by Gautham Gambhir for KKR who placed him at No. 3 while the innings was opened by another Karnataka hitter, Robin Uttappa.
Manish can never be controlled in cricket. He has a collection of cars which includes an Audi and a two-seater Mercedes. His team- mates shudder to sit with him when he drives because he drives as he bats, aggressive and taking chances all the time. I am fairly certain that at this point of time, this “wild one” will fit into the Indian team particularly the shorter forms of the game. In this process the good news is that he has also become a fantastic fielder. Good luck Manish.
MANKADING!!??
This Mankading is something which is named after a great Indian all-rounder Vinu Mankad who dismissed the Australian batsman Brown in 1948 by running him out from the bowler’s end because the batsman
Initially it became a controversy and even today it remains a controversy as to the method of dismissal of a batsman. However if you analyse it carefully it is absolutely non controversial and is a convenient method for an intelligent spin-bowler to dismiss a batsman who wants to backup for a run too early. I don’t see any reason why as mentioned in few instances a runner should be initially warned by the umpire not to leave his crease before the ball is bowled.
Lately another left arm spinner has repeated Mankading and that is Murali Karthik. According to ICC Law 42.15, “The bowler is permitted before releasing the ball to attempt to run-out the non striker.” As such it is meaningless to make it a controversy. It is a bowler’s weapon especially an intelligent left-arm spinner who can be watching the runner’s feet more easily. Long live Mankading!!!
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / June 14th, 2014
Legendary Spinner Raghuram Bhat is seen demonstrating bowling action to youngsters.
Mysore :
by S.N. Venkatnag Sobers
During his prime as a young cricketer, he was one of the few spinners in the country who dominated the batsmen. In fact, at the time when he represented the Karnataka State in Ranji Trophy semi final against Bombay in early 80s, he forced batsman like Sunil Gavaskar to bat left handed as he proved to be unplayable for the little master batting right handed. Having played just two tests for the country, this legendary left-arm spinner has scalped 373 wickets for State in First Class Cricket. Though, his services were needed for the national side for a longer duration, it was unfortunate for him not to be given enough opportunity to prove his skills. We are speaking about Raghuram Bhat, who is currently in city to conduct spinners’ camp to unearth the talent in budding cricketers.
Star of Mysore caught up with the legendary spinner. Excerpts…
Star of Mysore (SOM): Having been a legendary spinner yourself , do you feel there is a dearth of quality spinners in the State?
Raghuram Bhat: Definitely, there is a dearth of quality spinners. There is no dearth for talent, but quality has to be improved. Not only in spin, quality has to improve in all departments which includes batting, bowling and fielding. Now, that KSCA has started the academies throughout the State, emphasis is being given to improve the quality of cricket and also to identify talented cricketers.
SOM: Tell us about the spinners’ camp conducted by KSCA?
Raghuram Bhat: The camp is being conducted to identify the potential of budding cricketers at junior level. This will enable them to learn the art of spin and will also help us to identify the talent and guide them throughout their career.
We are thinking of organising the camp throughout the year where a few talented spinners will be picked and trained by the qualified coaches at the academy. I would be visiting the academy once in a month to record the progress of the cricketers and also to enhance their skills.
SOM: What are the important qualities of a good spinner?
Raghuram Bhat: The most important factor for a quality spinner is the length and line. For a spinner it is important to maintain good length and line unlike fast bowlers for which importance is given to line and length. This apart, another important factor is the flight which a spinner has to concentrate.
SOM: What do you have to say about cricketers in Mysore?
Raghuram Bhat: Cricketers in Mysore have been impressive so far. There are currently 15-18 good spinners in the camp who posses the talent of being good cricketers. It is important to nourish them and mould them into quality cricketers. KSCA Mysore Zone has been providing quality infrastructure with the help of KSCA Bangalore, which is helping young cricketers to play quality cricket.
SOM: Karnataka has done well in the previous Ranji season. How do see the prospects in the next season?
Raghuram Bhat: We have a bunch of young and talented cricketers in the team who have been performing consistently for the State. These boys were identified at the U-14 level and trained at KSCA academy under Brijesh Patel to become the top players in the country. There is no doubt that the boys will perform in a similar way in the next season also and become an inspiration for the younger generation.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / June 13th, 2014
Golf is a sport that attracts more players than any other outdoor sport; one of the reasons is the beautiful surroundings and the pleasure of being on the course to share this experience amongst friends and nature. To be able to perform successfully on such a playing field demands the ability to analyse and adjust to variable elements as well as the risk-reward factor, altogether making the game so rewarding or, so humbling.
The game is played and patronised in Mysore at the Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Golf Course (JWGC). JWGC has been producing talented golfers from time to time with their development programmes. One such product out of their junior programme is Pranavi S. Urs, who made waves with her excellent performance in the recently concluded NR Group IGU Ladies & Junior Girls Golf Championships held at JWGC course here recently where she won the Sub-Junior Girls (Category C – 11-12 years) title. She is our ‘Star This Week.’
Pranavi, a VI std. student of National Public School, Mysore, is the daughter of Sharath Chandra Raj Urs and Kaivalya, residents of Lakshmipuram.
Pranavi encouraged by her parents, took up to golf at the age of 8 and after her success in the South Zone Sub-Junior Golf Tourney, she took up to the game seriously and has made steady progress since then. Pranavi is presently ranked No.2 in the Sub-Junior Girls in the IGU merit list in the country and is No.1 golfer in the South Zone. She presently trains under Tarun Sardesai (IGU qualified coach) at the Champions Reef Golf Club in Kolar.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / June 15th, 2014
Fifa World Cup 2014 stamps, miniature sheets and first-day covers are up for grabs at the Philately Bureau of the Mysore Head Post Office, Nazarabad.
Philatelists and soccer fans in Mysore made their way to post offices on Friday morning, snapping up over 6,000 stamps. Three of the stamps depict players in action; the fourth one is of mascot Fuleco.
“A total of 514 sheets, each of all the four stamps, are being sold. Each sheet comprises 49 stamps; 4,000 miniature sheets are also available. In addition, 560 first-day Covers and 560 information sheets are on display too. Stamps worth of Rs 9,95,580 are here,” said S Mahadevaiah, senior post master.
“We have 849 philately account holders. When Sachin Tendulakar’s 200 century commemoration stamp was released, we got a good response. Around 1 lakh stamps were sold then. This time, too, we are expecting a similar response,” he added.
The Head Post Office will despatch these stamps to the regional post offices at Nanjangud, Kollegal, Chitradurga, Chikkaballapur, Davanagere, Tumkur, Tiptur, Mandya, Madikeri and Srirangapatna. In Mysore, the stamps will be on sale at the Saraswathipuram Head Post Office from Saturday.
Philatelist Anand Kumar observes: “These commemorative stamps popularize sports especially among youths. India Post must release sports-related stamps on every such occasion.”
“The size of the stamps could have been increased. The pictures are not clearly visible and not so attractive,” says Nagendra, a student of Banvai College.
A set of four stamps costs Rs 60. Two stamps cost Rs 25 each and two Rs 5 each. First-day covers cost Rs 5 and information sheets Rs 5, said Tabassum, a postal assistant at the Mysore Head Post Office.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Mysore / TNN / June 14th, 2014
Aditi Ashok, the soft-spoken Bangalore girl who has been making waves with her brand of golf in the International and Indian golfing scene, represented India as a Junior at the age of 15 years at the Duke of York Young Champions Trophy in 2013. Aditi played in the 2nd Asian Youth Games 2013 at the age of 15 years. Aditi is the youngest amateur in the World at 13 years and 5 months to win the Hero WGAI’s Clover Greens Ladies Professional championship in 2011. Aditi has to her record as the best finished Indian Lady golfer and tied 8th at the Hero Women’s Indian Open 2012.
In December 2011, Aditi became the youngest Amateur (also equalled the record), at the age of 13 years, to win the 95th All India Ladies Amateur Open Golf Championship 2011 at Chandigarh Golf Club, Chandigarh. Aditi is the first junior girl in the country to have chosen to compete in the higher category. Aditi is the first Indian Amateur at 12 years to have represented India at the Asia-Pacific Invitational, 33rd Queen Sirikit Cup 2011.
Aditi won her maiden International junior title at 13 years (Individual Girls U-14 and Team India) at the 100 Plus Malaysian Junior Golf championship 2011 and won the Asia Pacific Juniors 2012 (U15 girls). Aditi is the National Junior champion and won the Toyota Etios Player of the Year 2012 (Junior Girls). Presently Aditi is ranked No 3 in the IGU Ladies Merit List and No.1 Junior in the country.
Aditi Ashok is currently taking part in the N R Group IGU Ladies & Junior Girls Amateur Golf championships at JW golf course from June 7-10th 2014, and she shared her views with SOM Correspondent. The writer also spoke to Raian F Irani, President, Indian Golf Union (IGU), who is responsible for bringing the National Ladies and Junior tournament to Mysore. Arjun Ranga, Managing Director, N R Group of Companies have given patronage by supporting golf in a big way and have sponsored the tournament in Mysore.
Below are the excerpts of the interviews with all the three of them.
SOM: How do feel taking part in the N R Group IGU Ladies & Junior girls Amateur golf championships played at the J W Golf course here in Mysore ?
Aditi: I have not played in this course for the last five years. I have been playing in different tournaments and did not have a chance to play in Mysore. Now the greens are good and the course is much better and the club authorities have done a lot of good work to keep the course in good playing condition.
SOM: You have achieved many firsts- the first amateur golfer at 13 to represent India and also to win the All India Ladies championships. What do you attribute your success to?
Aditi: I really liked golf and am a very focused person. I put in a lot of hard work and played really well and that yielded results. Hard work and practice helped me to achieve success at all levels.
SOM: You are currently ranked No.3 in the IGU Ladies merit list and No.1 in the country in the Junior girls section. What are your future aims?
Aditi: I definitely want to turn professional and become one of the top golfers in the World. I will decide in the next two years as I have to finish my schooling before turning a professional.
SOM: How did you take up to playing golf and who inspired you to do so?
Aditi: Nobody inspired me into playing golf. I accompanied my father to KGA and liked the game and took up to playing the game when I was 6 years old. My parents Ashok and Maheshwari encouraged me and I started playing tournaments when i was 7 years old at the Karnataka Golf Course (KGA) in Bangalore.
SOM: Which are the future tournaments you are going to take part?
Aditi: By playing well on the National circuit, I will get to play for India. I aim to represent India in the forthcoming Asian Games, the World amateur championships. I will also be taking part in the Junior Open in United Kingdom in August 2014 and in the Duke of York tournament in September.
SOM: How do think is the present Indian golfing scene?
Aditi: Golf in India has become more famous. Many girls have taken up the game which is a good sign. There are lot of golf courses coming out in the country which in turn will help lot of people to take up to play golf. The myth that golf is a old man’s game has been broken with more and more youngsters and girls taking up to the sport in the country.
SOM: How do you balance your studies with playing golf?
Aditi: My school-Frank Anthony’s Public school, Bangalore have been very supportive and have helped me a lot in perusing and excelling in golf. They let me take leave to play in tournaments and the teachers are supportive and take extra classes to help me cover the portions. That’s how, I could manage studying as well as playing in the higher level.
SOM: Who is your present coach and how has the coaching helped you in improving your golf?
Aditi: I train under Australian Steven Giuliano at Malaysia. I go often to Malaysia to train under him. I am in constant touch with him and when in Bangalore, I practice at the KGA. His coaching methods has helped me to improve on my game and since September 2012.
I would like India to be a power house in Golf: Raian F. Irani
SOM: As President IGU, how has been your stint so far?
Raian: Excellent. A lot of good things are happening. The IGU team is putting in lot of hard work to develop the game in the country. We have started different programmes to popularise the game and have introduced golf to children in schools in order to increase the base and attract and spot fresh talent.
SOM: How do you feel bringing bigger tournaments to two tier cities like Mysore and who will it help in popularising the sport?
Raian: Definitely it will help the stature of golf and in the longer run. Two tier cities will benefit with these type of exposure and tournaments. Local sponsors like N R Group, headed by Arjun Ranga, coming in to sponsor the IGU Ladies & Junior Girls Amateur tournament in Mysore also goes a long way in promoting the sport. It indirectly helps the clubs in Two-tier cities who lack in certain facilities, but they make it up with hundred percent commitment to the game.
SOM: How do you think is the future for Indian golf in the days to come?
Raian: The golfing scene in the country is vibrant. It is a positive sign. We are going step by step and trying to give more exposure to the players by sending them to play in as many international tournaments as we can. In 7-10 years we would like India to become a power house in golf.
SOM: Tell us on the future plans of IGU?
Raian: We are presently laying more emphasis on training and upgrading the quality of coaches and tournament directors. IGU intends to increase more number of golf courses in the country and are in talks with the respective state governments to allot lands for golf courses and academies.
NR Group will continue to help sports activities: Arjun Ranga
SOM: Your views on N R Group of Companies promoting golf by sponsoring the IGU Ladies & Junior amateur golf tournament in Mysore?
Arjun: We are lucky to have Mysorean Raian Irani, as the President of IGU, who went a long way getting this tournament to Mysore.
N R Group has always supported sports in a big way. As our organisation is also into women empowerment with the Agarbathis manufacturing, we found it fit to sponsor the tournament.
SOM: NR Group has always been supporting sport in Mysore. How do you think this venture of yours will help the upcoming golfers in Mysore?
Arjun: This in one way where-in we could provide more opportunities for local golfers to get the needed exposure in taking part in such tournaments. With the IGU allotting the tournaments to Mysore it will benefit the youngsters a lot and will be an annual affair. N R Group will be sponsoring this event annually.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / June 09th, 2014
NR Group is bringing to Mysore for the 1st time ever the National-level Ladies Golf Tournament. The Golf Tournament is called NR Group All India IGU Ladies Golf Championship. The Tourney will be conducted by the Indian Golf Union (IGU) at the JW Golf Club Mysore. The 1st Tee Off is on June 8 at 8 am and the prize distribution ceremony will be held on June 10 at 1.30 pm.
The three-day tournament will witness 70 amateur golfers from across the country vying to be crowned as champions. The Championship will have Top national-level golfing ladies such as Seher Atwal, Gaurika Bishnoi and Aftha Madan.
The event will feature competition in four categories — Ladies Open for women who are 18 years of age and above; Junior Girls Category-A for young girls between 15-18 years of age; Junior Girls Category-B for girls aged between13-14 years of age and Sub-Junior for girls aged 11-12 years.
Speaking about the tournament, Arjun Ranga, Managing Partner, NR Group said, “NR Group has legacy of supporting and nurturing sporting talent. We are confident, that the NR Group IGU Ladies Amateur Championship will offer amateur golfers a platform to display their golfing talent. This national event will present the golfers of Mysore an excellent opportunity to treat their golfing spirits as well.”
For details, contact Mob: 97422-79654 or 97422-72210, according to a press release.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / June 07th, 2014
Trekking through snow is an unforgettable experience for the simple reason, there is no path or trail waiting for you; you have to create your own path, where even a small miscalculated step can be your last, says Aishwarya Sunaad, Trekker, International Academy of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, Mysore.
by Aishwarya Sunaad
As the IAMAS (International Academy of Mountaineering and Allied Sports) team bid good bye to Mysore on the evening of 30th April, nobody could anticipate the adventure that awaited us 3000 kilometres away. We were 47 of us, of all ages and sizes, from 3 different States, making our way to conquer (as we would later learn) one of the toughest expeditions in the past 6 years.
Our journey took us backpacking through 5 States and several cities before we could officially start our endeavour up the mountains from Manali. There is a certain unexplored joy in visiting a new city everyday and as our team wound its way through each of these new places, it was like unravelling a different world. New people, new cultures, new experiences, new stories.
The star highlights of our backpacking being an exclusive visit to the Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi; reliving history in Agra and Mathura, experiencing sanctity at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, reliving the stories of partition at the Wagah Border with Pakistan at touching distance, 14 kilometres of White Water Rafting amidst class 6 rapids in the Ganga at Rishikesh and a VIP visit to the prestigious Indian Military Academy at Dehradun, to name a few.
After these indelible experiences, we arrived at our Base Camp in Manali on the 8th of May. Set in the Beas River Valley in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, Manali is a treat to ardent trekkers and tourists alike. Our base camp, set amidst apple orchards with snowcapped mountains and pine forests on all sides marked the beginning of one of the greatest adventures we could experience. After acclimatising to the cold of Manali from the heat of the plains with some thrilling rappelling and river crossing, we started our trek officially on the 11th of May to Segli, our first camp.
The team descended down to a landmark point called ‘15 Mile’ before beginning the 12-kilometer ascend to Segli, at a height of 7,100 feet. The trail wound through small villages and dense vegetation, with the Dhauladhar mountain ranges surrounding us. Just as the team halted for lunch, we were greeted by the first spells of heavy showers. With raincoats and ponchos and an undying spirit, we trekked through the rain and reached the camp site by evening. Sipping some hot tea to combat the chill, we geared up for the next day.
The rain had subsided as we wound upwards towards the camp of Haura Thatch, at 10,700 feet on May 12; ‘Thatch’ means ‘plateau like land.’ Our camp site was actually on a Plateau up a Mountain! This goes to say, nature has her own mysterious ways. We trekked about 10 kilometres through dense green forests and gurgling streams with occasional glimpses of the mountains through the canopies. The sights that we saw and the scenes that we experienced are beyond description.
Trees, flowers, leaves, mosses, birds, insects and all other wonders of nature of all shapes and sizes ! It was paradise. As we were taking in the surroundings, we were greeted by rain, heavier than before. We couldn’t stop. With the rain and hail pounding, we continued upwards. It was getting cold and we were drenched to the bone. At one point, it seemed impossible to go any further when we reached a clearing that seemed suitable to camp. Tents were pitched and a fire was lit under a rock. After vain attempts to dry ourselves we retired to our tents. It rained the entire night and the next morning of 13th, the weather was so ruthless we couldn’t move camp. It was a truly chilling experience. By evening, on the 13th, the weather cleared and the sun peeped out. As we saw the first rays of sun in 2 days, the world seemed magical. We had set up camp near a small stream in an evergreen forest with pine trees on the fringes. There were colours even our cameras couldn’t capture!
But now, there was a crisis. Before starting the trek, we had already decided to forego our fourth camp at Dohra because of extreme snow conditions. Now we were lagging behind yet another day as we could not trek to Camp 3, Maylee, because of the rain. To make up the distance and keep the time schedule, a bold decision was taken. A decision of risk and daring. A decision that would test our courage and endurance, our mental strength and will power. A decision of ultimate adventure. A decision to cover the entire distance to Saurkundi Pass Summit in one day!
We started on the trail at 4 am in the morning on May 14. With torches in our hands and adventure in our hearts, we continued upwards. We encountered the first patches of snow and the first rays of light around 5.30 am. It was breathtaking. By 6.15 am, we had hit the snow.
[ Part 01…To be continued]
TRAVELOGUE…: SCALING SAURKUNDI PASS-2
Aishwarya Sunaad
Trekking through snow is an unforgettable experience for the simple reason, there is no path or trail waiting for you; you have to create your own path, where even a small miscalculated step can be your last. The temperature kept dropping to subzero values and the sun shone harsher. It was maddeningly white everywhere and without goggles one could go blind. The snow seemed never ending and the summit was nowhere in sight. It was getting colder and colder.
There was snow in our shoes and pants, our feet were going numb and we couldn’t feel our fingers. We had walked for nearly 6 hours up the mountain without stopping and still there was no sign of the Summit. Finally, at around 11.06 am, after a grueling walk, we reached the Saurkundi Pass. The snow was about 3 feet deep and it was snowing heavily.
Despite this, we crossed the Pass and summited, at a height of 13,500 feet. There is no greater feeling than having successfully summited an expedition. You are literally and figuratively on top of the world. We had the frozen Saurkundi Lake on one side and never ending ranges of mountains on all sides. We could almost touch the clouds.
By this time, our feet were frozen and our fingers non-existent. That was the day we realised that cold is the most unforgiving condition you can experience. But the joy of having summited one of the most difficult treks, however easy I may make it look, overshadowed everything else.
The 20 minutes we spent on the summit with the Indian flag and the IAMAS banner fluttering proudly in the wind, I can guarantee, will be the most important moments of our lives. But it did not end there. What we thought was difficult while climbing up was nothing compared to what we encountered while descending.
The snow was falling heavily and there was no route we could follow. We were numb and hungry but had to soldier on. We had no choice but to slide down the slopes ! Slide down with no equipment apart from a rope, which we used occasionally.
That was real adventure and the adrenaline rush was simply superb. With everything at stake, we made it down to the tree line by around 4 pm. We had trekked through the most extreme conditions for 12 hours. We finally reached our campsite at Longa Thatch by 6 pm after 14 hours of ascending and descending. We had done it with zero casualties! It was the most satisfying feeling one can feel.
After a good night’s sleep and merry making, we set off for base camp. The weather was sunny with the city of Manali, which looked like the Map of India from that height, sprawling beneath us. We descended down to Lekhni on May 15. The sights were like a poem. After staying at an authentic log hut that night, we finished our expedition on the 16th of May 2014 after successfully reaching Base Camp.
The next few days saw us exploring the city of Manali and seeking some more adventure while rafting in the Beas River. The team left for Delhi on the evening of 18th, where a privileged visit to the Parliament House added another feather to our caps. We caught the Duronto Express back home on the 19th with truckloads of memories and made it home on the 21st of May 2014, successfully.
Every expedition brings your best side to the forefront because it is the ultimate challenge one can face alone. And if you are an adventurous person and need the adrenaline, it is the call of the mountains you must answer. And finally, if you want to test your daring and mettle, it is the Saurkundi Pass you must conquer. For, if there is a paradise, it is this, it is this, it is this.
[Concluded]
Part 01:
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles /by Aishwarya Sunaad / June 06th, 2014
Part 02:
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles /by Aishwarya Sunaad / June 07th, 2014
City’s Table Tennis player J. Mamatha won women’s Singles title by beating Nagarathna (KPCL) 11-9,11-4,12-14,14-12 in the L.M. Inamdar Memorial State Ranking Veteran’s TT Tourney-2014 played at Malleshwaram Association, Bangalore, on May 25.
City’s K.V. Krishnamurthy lost to K. Sathyanarayana of Bangalore 10-12,7-11,14-12,12-14 in the Men’s 70 plus Singles final.
SSLC State Topper B.A. Nityasurabhi (622/625) and PUC State Topper D. Vasudha (594/600) were felicitated at the valedictory of Chinnara Loka, organised by Akshaya Foundation, at Scouts & Guides Grounds in city last evening.
MLA Vasu, former Mayor P. Vishwanath, Baden Powell Public School Secretary Jameel Ahmed, Karnataka Co-operative Bank former President Pradeep Kumar, Akshaya Foundation members Suresh Gowda, Harshit, Anuradha, Indukrishna and Dharma were present on the occasion.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / May 19th, 2014
This executive director unwinds on horseback, and admits to being emotionally connected to his horse
Faiz Rezwan (34) Executive Director, Procurement and Contracts, Prestige Group
As a 14-year-old child, Faiz Rezwan would watch his father and uncle ride their house — Matador, around their Hennur farm. Sometimes, his indulgent father would hoist him up too. That boyhood experience has translated into him owning two horses–Dragon Lady, a warm blood German mare bred for jumping, and Mr Bean, a thoroughbred ex-race horse that Rezwan has given to the Embassy Riding School to help children learn how to ride.
Despite a back problem, nothing stops Rezwan from riding at 5.30 am, at least five times a week. “I have to ride no matter what,” he says. “It’s important to stay in touch with the horse every day.” His beloved pets also get five-star treatment — a few years ago, at the stable at Equestrian Centre for Excellence, he flew down a saddlemaker from France, and around a year and a half ago, a vet was flown down from Germany to work on the acupressure points of the horses. Dragon-Lady is also given regular supplements for her joints, and her horse-shoes are changed every two weeks.
A rather expensive hobby, this. But his “investments” have also paid dividends. Five years ago, Rezwan, who also handles award-winning golf development Prestige Golfshire, got into show jumping. He even competes in the Equestrian Premier League at Embassy International Riding School every year, and took part in the Delhi Horse Show two years ago. “My passion is show jumping,” he says, hoping to make it to the Asian Games some day and even shows in Europe.
Being with Dragon-Lady keeps Rezwan fit and “is a stress buster,” he says. The animal-lover also owns a cat, two dogs, half a dozen birds, and fresh water and marine fish at home. But “Dragon-Lady is my star,” he says. “I’d never want to sell her and get another horse. Starting my day with her sets me up for the day,” he says, admitting to being emotionally connected to her. Rezwan recently bought another horse from Ireland, a Belgian-born warmblood called Valentino.
“If there was no work, I’d be riding all day,” he says. The dream life.
source: http://www.bangaloremirror.com / Bangalore Mirror / Home> Columns> Work / by Khushali P. Madhwani, Bangalore Mirror Bureau / May 19th, 2014
