Category Archives: Sports

Padma Bhushan for Rajesh Khanna, Rahul Dravid

Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Sports, Uncategorized

Noted physicist Yash Pal and space scientist Roddam Narasimha were named for the Padma Vibhushan awards Friday, with 106 other Padma awardees, including actors Sharmila Tagore, Sridevi, the late Rajesh Khanna, late satirist Jaspal Bhatti and Olympic medallists Mary Kom, Yogeshwar Dutt and Vijay Kumar.

Sculptor Raghunath Mohapatra and painter S Haider Raza were among the four chosen for the second highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan. Nobody was named for the Bharat Ratna for this year too.

Cricketer Rahul Dravid made the 24-strong list for the Padma Bhushan . List of Padma Awardees

Joining him was Godrej group chairman Adi Godrej and missile scientist A Sivathanu Pillai. The awards will be presented in March and April.

Kom, silver medallist at the London Games, is the only Olympian in the Padma Bhushan list. India’s other two Olympic heroes, wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt and shooter Vijay Kumar, were named for the Padma Shri, along with actors Sridevi and Nana Patekar, filmmaker Ramesh Sippy and fashion designer Ritu Kumar.

Rajendra Achyut Badwe, director of Mumbai’s Tata Memorial Centre, oncologist Pramod Kumar Jhulka of AIIMS, homeopath Vishnu Kumar Gupta and sculptor Rajendra Tikku were named for the Padma Shri.

Four more sportspersons were named for the Padma Shri — mountaineer Premlata Agrawal, para athlete Hosanagara Nagarajegowda Girisha, boxer Ngangom Dingko Singh and rower Bajrang Lal Takhar.

source: http://www.HindustanTimes.com / Home> North India> New Delhi / by HT Correspondent, Hindustan Times / New Delhi, January 26th, 2013

Kundapur Bar Association bags Inter-District Cricket Trophy

Sports

Kundapur,22 Jan 2013:

The city Bar Association bagged inter-district cricket trophy for the first time in the history of Kundapur, during the tournament held at St Philomena College, Puttur.

Karnataka Advocate General K M Nataraj inaugurated the tourney.  Over 18 teams of Bar Association from different districts participated in the tourney.

Kundapur team led by its captain lawyer Raghavendra Charana Navada defeated Mangalore B team in the first round.  Vishwanat adjudged man of the match by hitting 4 sixes.  Kundapur team also defeated Udupi team with huge runs.  The captain Raghavendra Charan adjudged man of the match by hitting 2 sixes and top bowling.

Kundapur team defeated strong team of Bantwal to reach the final.  Raghavendra Charan adjudged man of the match by bagging 4 wickets in 1 over.  Kundapur team in finals with Puttur team managed to win the trophy with 10 wickets.

Vishwant was adjudged as top bowler, while Puttur team member Narasimha Prasad adjudged top batsman.

Dakshina Kannada fast-track court judge T G Shivashankar Gowda distributed the trophy at the occasion.

Puttur Bar Association president Devanand K, secretary Jagannat Rai, lawyer T N Poojary, Kundar Bar Association president A B Shetty, lawyer Sasidar Hegde, and others were present at the occasion.

source: http://www.Bellevision.com / Home> News / by Bernard J. D’Costa , Bellevision Media Network / Kundapur, January 22nd, 2013

Studies a priority for budding cricketers – Anil Kumble Interview

Leaders, Sports

Anil Kumble is a simple and modest man. Despite being chased by media and fans for his contribution to the game, the legendary leggie remains grounded and has never been carried away by the glories, glitz and moolah in the game.

He is one such sportsman who has emphasised on education and has set an example of being among the very few who have a professional course degree. He is an engineer and passed out of well-known institute called Rashtreeya Vidyalaya College of Engineering (RVCE) in Bangalore and as the president of Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), he expects his young cricketers to focus on studies in the next few months which kicks off the exams fever.

“There has always been competition over the years. For the youth today, it has definitely become more intense, especially in terms of what must be achieved in education,” Kumble, who was in a preachy mood, told Sportskeeda when we caught up with the legend for a quick chat during his evening rounds at KSCA.

“During my days, 85-90 percent was termed as really good. But today, even if you get 90 percent, you are ranked in the 100s. In that sense, the competition in life is more complex and intense,” he adds.

Aware of the increasing pressure faced by young cricketers who are pursuing their studies and are appearing for board exams, KSCA has made a calendar of events, keeping in view the exam season.

“Kumble and Srinath are very particular about studies and expect all young cricketers to do well in their exams. That was the reason why we didn’t go by the request of KPL (Karnataka Premier League) team owners to have the tournament in Feb-Mar,” explained Vijay Bharadwaj, former India cricketer and committee member of KSCA.

“If you see the calendar of events, you will find fewer tournaments in the month of Feb and March. Even if there are any it, would be for U-25 and not for junior cricketers, Bharadwaj added.

So, what’s been Kumble’s mantra to find success in cricket as well as pursue his studies?

“Personally, what held me in good stead was unwavering focus, commitment and work ethic. This was what helped me play for the country for as long as I did and has given me the kind of career I have had,” added the task master.

Who according to Kumble is an ideal role model?

Not himself, not Sachin Tendulkar or even the most hardworking Rahul Dravid. It is actually badminton legend Prakash Padukone. Kumble believes that the living legend is a perfect example of simplicity and being down-to-earth. “It is difficult to be relentless in your quest for greater things when you are playing an individual sport, more so when your achievements don’t get the kind of appreciation they deserve. Padukone didn’t quite get the recognition he deserved but continued to excel at the highest level. He is a great role model for the youth,” he concluded and hoped that the new year would bring glory to Indian cricket and refused to comment on the recent debacle in Test and ODI.

source: http://www.sportskeeda.com / Home> Cricket> Interview

I don’t have a special someone yet, says Pankaj Advani

Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Records, All, Sports

Having won his eighth world title, ace cueist Pankaj Advani  opens up to Chennai Times on his sport, love and life.

You have won a record eight world titles now. How do you motivate yourself to better this achievement?
In each phase of a sportsperson’s life, the aims, goals and the purpose of playing the sport changes. For me, initially, when I started out, I just wanted to enjoy playing the sport and improve my rankings. Later, when I started winning the titles, the challenge was to retain my position. And, now, I want to push myself further and perform consistently and play as perfectly as possible.

With this title, you are already being talked about as a serious contender for the Greatest Of All Time tag. How do you view this?
Of course, being talked about in such a manner is definitely a huge morale booster. But such statistics and comparisons can wait till I retire or can rise towards the end of my career. Also, these talks can give you a false sense of confidence and I don’t want to be carried away.

Who is your inspiration?
It’s my coach Arvind Savur. He agreed to coach me without charging and penny and his knowledge of the game is incredible. But more than a coach, he is my friend, philosopher and guide. I also get inspired watching  Roger Federer  play. He is definitely the greatest sportsperson of all time. To play so gracefully and successfully all these years is just fantastic. I haven’t met him yet but I would like to. I would also love to watch him play live.

So what’s your idea of an ideal break?
I spend time with my friends and family. And, sometimes, I go to Goa and spend some time by the seaside. It is very relaxing. As a professional player, I get very few days to unwind and so, I try to get adequate sleep and rest. And, yes, I do like to walk the ramp, if only to relax. (Laughs)

What do you think of sportspersons taking an interest in films of late?
Well, people perceive a sportsperson in only one light. They don’t generally see you beyond your game. So, unless your priorities have changed, you should stick with your career. But once you have decided, you have to be yourself as you don’t want to make a fool of yourself in public. Even I got a couple of acting offers and a filmmaker was interested in my life story, but every time I decided to give it a thought, some important tournament would come up and I put it on the back burner.

You are considered one of the most eligible bachelors in India…
Actually, it feels great to be in this category. But I would like to stay an eligible bachelor for some more years. And, no, I don’t have a special someone yet. I have been traveling between India and England for the past six years and with the amount of travelling, it’s wise to stay out of a relationship. But, then, you don’t plan to fall or not to fall in love. If the moment and the person arrive, there’s nothing you can do.

Do sportspersons need to be socially active?
I think it is important that sportspersons involve themselves in social causes in any little way possible. There are so many issues that need to be addressed and each sportsperson or celebrity who has an appeal can go out there and do something for the society. Aamir Khan’s Satyameva Jayate was an excellent concept. Yes, it had a lot of drama and emotions but it brought out a lot of issues that need to be addressed today.

How has 2012 been for you and what plans for 2013?
2012 has been the best year in my career so far. Of course, it involved lots of struggle and was the toughest yet but it was also the most productive and fulfilling. I’ll be concentrating on my fitness in the coming year as health is very, very important when you play at the global level. I would also like to relax and stay mentally fresh.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> Sports> More Sports / by M Suganth, TNN / December 31st,  2012

City’s sports stars

Records, All, Sports

By S.N. Venkatnag Sobers

Mysore:

Nobody can dispute the fact that Mysore is tagged as Heritage City or the City of Palaces. Being home to some of the best historical structures and Palaces, our City is also home for many sports personalities who have made a mark in their respective sport. Among them are ‘Mysore Express’ Javagal Srinath, Lawn Tennis player Poojashree Venkatesh, Chess players M.S. Thejkumar, Girish Koushik and others. This Weekend Star Supplement brings together some of the young and upcoming sports stars who have earned accolades both at National and International level.

Sporting talents born to excel

Pratheek Raja

Talented skater Pratheek Raja has done everyone proud with his feats in the Roller Skating scene in the National and International-level. His feats were given due recognition when the Karnataka Government awarded him with the Ekalavya Award earlier this year.

Prateek captained the Indian team in the Asian Games held at Guangzhou, China. He won 5 gold medals and the Individual Championship in the men’s section and emerged as the fastest skater of the meet at the 48th National Roller Skating Championships at Vaizag. He was part of the Karnataka team which retained the Overall Championship title in the National championship.

Pratheek took up to roller skating at a young age of 7 years. He is the current National Men’s champion. Now 23 years old, Pratheek is a B.com graduate and has started his own club — Imperial Skating Club — in city and has trained many skaters who have gone on to win medals in the National and State-level championships. He is encouraged by his mother Mahalakshmi who is working in the District Training Centre.

Pratheek has won the National championship title in the men’s section for 5 years and has secured 14 golds in National championships. He has donned Indian colours five times. Presently he is training under K. SrikanthaRao, Ekalavya Awardee and Indian Team coach, at the VMRSC & Rao’s Roller Skating Club in city.

He represented the country in the 13th Asian Roller skating championship at Haining, China during 2008 and also in the 10th Asian Roller Skating championships at Akita, Japan during 2004. Pratheek intends to do well in the forthcoming championships representing India and bring laurels to our Country and State with his performance.

Shraddha Rani B. Desai

Shraddha Rani B. Desai did everyone proud with her feats in the recently concluded 24th National Inter-zone junior athletic meet held at Pune by winning gold in the 1,500 m event in the girls U-20 section. Sharaddha, 20, is a student of Teresian First Grade College in city. She is a product of the Sports Hostel Mysore and is being coached by former International athlete Damodar Gowda. With the encouragement and guidance from DYSS, College and support from her coach this talented athlete has the potential in her to make her mark in higher level.

J. Suchith

All rounder J. Suchith has been performing consistently and has represented Karnataka in the Shafi Darashah All-India cricket tournament held in Bangalore. He captained the Mysore Zone U-19 team at the Inter-Moffussil tournament which was held at Mysore. Suchith bowls left-arm spin and bats in middle-order. He has represented Karnataka in the Cooch Behar All-India U-19 tournament. He represented Mysore Gymkhana in the KSCA Mysore Zonal league in the first division. He represented the State U-13, U-15, U-17, U-19 and U-22 teams and South Zone in the U-15, U-17 and U-19 levels.

H.S. Sharath

Mandya and Mysore Zone player Hosagaviappa Shivalingiah Sharath announced his arrival in the National circuit by scalping a 5 wicket haul in his debut Ranji trophy match against Uttar Pradesh in Meerut recently. He rocked the UP batting line up and returned with figures of 5/60 on his first day in first-class cricket. His performance helped Karnataka to restrict UP to 273/9 in 90 overs on the first day.

This 19-year-old Mandya lad, who began his cricketing career at PET Cricket Club, Mandya in 1997, was initially coached by Mahadev, cricket coach at the PET Institutions. A tall lad with good pace, Sharath developed into a good medium-pacer and represented Mysore Zone in the U-16, U-19, U-22 & U-25 levels. He also earned the State cap in the U-16, U-19, U-22 and U-25 levels. His consistent performance for Karnataka in the U-25 Col. C.K. Nayudu Tournament helped him to earn a place in the State Ranji squad.

He is the son of Shivalingiah and Puttagowramma from Hosagavi village in Mandya. It was Sharath’s mother who brought him to PET grounds in Mandya to enroll him in the Cricket Club.

He attended the MRF Pace Foundation Camp in Chennai this year and learnt the finer points of fast bowling from none other than Australian cricketer Glenn McGrath. He has emerged as the front-line bowler in the Karnataka bowling line-up in the absence of Vinay Kumar and Mithun, who were out with injuries.

M.V. Spoorthy

Table tennis player M.V. Spoorthy has been consistently winning titles in the State-level both in the sub-junior and junior girls sections. Spoorthy is a product of the PTTA, Mysore and is coached by Rajashekar. Encouraged by her parents, this lass has been performing well in the State-level tournaments as well in the National-level. She has represented Karnataka in the Nationals in the sub-junior girls and junior girls sections. Spoorthy is a student of CFTRI School in city. Spoorthy won the titles in the State championships held at Belgaum, Dharwad, Bangalore and also at Mysore. An attacking player on both the flanks, this girl is seeded No.1 in the sub-junior girls section in the State and intends to work hard and win a medal in the National level in the days to come.

Nisha Joseph

Nisha Joseph of Sports Hostel Mysore, is being coached by Ashok, SAK, Volleyball coach at DYSS. Nisha is a final year B.Com student at Teresian College. DYSS volleyball team finished third in the All-India Dasara Invitation volleyball tournament and Nisha played an important role. She led the Mysore University Volleyball team at South Zone Inter-Varsity volleyball championships at Guntur in October. She captained the Indian team which finished 6th in the Asian Junior Volleyball championships at Bangkok. She is the daughter of Joseph Mari and Elizabeth Rani and a native of Dooranahally in KR Nagar. She started playing when she was in 8th standard. She joined Vidyanagar Sports School, Bangalore and started making heady progress in the sport.

Suraj R. Prabodh

Suraj R. Prabodh of Mysore Tennis Club in Chamarajapuram has been consistently performing well in the senior U-18 sections, both in the International and National-level. He also played in ITF One Jet Grade IV tennis tournament for juniors at Bundung, Indonesia, where he reached the semi-finals. Suraj has also taken part in the two ITF tournaments held at Mandya and Mysore in the men’s section. He won the men’s singles title in the recently concluded AITA NVK Men’s 50k All-India Ranking Tennis tournament 2012 at Hyderabad.

Suraj had represented India in Australian Open junior tournament and played in the qualifying round last season. He is presently ranked 340 in the World in the junior rankings. He is among the top 10 junior players in the country. He won his maiden ITF Junior title after winning at Indian ITF Junior tournament (Grade V) at Guwahati in 2011. He also took part in the ITF tournaments in Mumabi. Suraj performed well in the Adidas-MCC National junior tennis championship held at Chennai where he entered the semi-finals in the singles event.

He is the son of Renukananda Prabodh and Tejawathi. Suraj is so indulged in Tennis that his father Reukananda said that there were no backup career options for Suraj if tennis did not work for him as he is very confident of excelling in the sport.

S. Varun Karthik

Varun Karthik is a talented footballer from Mysore. Having started playing football from the age of 10, he has gone on to represent State in Junior National Championships. The 21-year-old Varun has represented Sports Union FC, Nanjangud, Ganesha FC and Dugramba FC in the Mysore District Football League. He is currently representing Royals FC in the league matches and credits the Club for his success. Varun plays in forward position and is a prolific scorer in the league matches held in Mysore.

Varun was also a member of University of Mysore Football team which participated at the South Zone Inter University Tournament held at Trivandrum last year.

Varun has been a getting a lot of encouragement from his parents T. Subash and N. Shantha and aims to play in higher level. He also credits his physical education teachers Mahesh and Shivanna for his success. He is currently a pursuing his 2nd year BBM at TTL college in Mysore.

M.S. Abhilash

This 23-year-old footballer started to play football at a young age of 9 years. Abhilash has achieved a rare feat of representing the State in the prestigious Santosh Trophy. He also represented Mysore University 3 times and has led the team in 2010. Abhilash has presented Karnataka in Sub Junior, Junior and U-21 National tourney. Abhilash represents Royals FC at the Mysore Division Football League. Currently, he is pursuing MBA at Bahadur Institute of Mana-gement Sciences, Manasagangothri. He credits his coaches and parents M.K. Sundaresh and Vishalakshi for his success.

S.K. Apsana

Apasana is from the Vidyanagar Sports Hostel in Bangalore. Her field of interest is 400 mts hurdles. But, she has also won medals in 4×100 relay and 4×400 mts relay events at the University level.

Apasana is currently being trained under the watchful eyes of SAK Coach Damodhar Gowda. She is a silver medallist in the 400 mts hurdles in Amateur National Championships held at Lucknow recently.

Apasana has also represented University of Mysore in All India Inter University championships. She is currently pursuing her 1st year degree at Teresian College in city.

Reena George

Reena George was a student of Vidyanagar Sports Hostel in Bangalore. She came to Mysore after completing her high school education. Later, she joined Mysore Sports Hostel and got trained under athlete coach Damodhar Gowda. Reena has emerged as undisputed champion in 400mts and 200mts run. Currently, she holds record in 400 mts for University of Mysore and also in Dasara Sports. She also won a gold medal in U-20 National Championships held recently. She has been representing University of Mysore at various levels. Reena is a part of Mysore University Athletic team which will be participating at the All India Inter University Athletic Championships to be held at Kolkata in Jan. 2013. She has been selected for the Indian camp which is preparing for the Asian Track and Field Championships to be held at Chennai in 2013. Reena is studying at Teresian College in city.

Bibi Sumaya

Bibi Sumaya is the current U-20 National 200 mts champion. A student of Teresian College, she is currently undergoing training under Damodhar Gowda, SAK Athletic coach. Sumaya is a product of Kudgi Sports Hostel in Coorg. Sumaya took up to athletics while she was studying 6 std. Later, after completing her high school she came to Mysore to pursue her training in athletics as well as higher education.

Sumaya has emerged as an undisputed queen in 100 mts and 200 mts. She currently holds record for 200 mts in Women’s Nationals, Mysore University and Dasara Sports Meet. She was also the part of the team which won the gold medal at University-level in 4×100 mts relay and also 4×100 mts relay and 4×400 mts relay in Dasara Sports. Currently, she is preparing for the Asian Track and Field Championship which is scheduled to be held in Chennai later in 2013.

Kavyashree

Kavyashree is an upcoming hockey player from city. She was trained in Kudgi Sports Hostel initially before she moved to Mysore.

Kavyashree has been representing the University of Mysore for the past four years.

She will be representing the University of Mysore at the All India Inter-University Championships to be held in Rajasthan later in January, 2014.

B. Pourush

Pourush is an upcoming swimmer from city. Having specialised in breath stroke, he has won medals at State-level Inter School Championships. He started his training since the age of 3 and continues to train under the University of Mysore Swimming Coach Puttaswamy and retired coach Nabhiram. He is currently studying 9th std. at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in Mysore.

Muthamma

Muthamma is an upcoming hockey player in Mysore. Previously, she has been a part of Senior Women’s Hockey camp which trained in Bhopal. Having proved her potential, Muthamma has been selected to represent the State in Junior National Championship which will held in Delhi during January 2014.

Muthamma started to play hockey when she was in 6th std. and was initially trained in Kudgi Sports Hostel in Coorg. After, coming to Mysore, she has been able to reach great heights and Muthamma has represented the University of Mysore for three years at the Inter-University Hockey tournaments.

A.S.Deekshith

Deekshith is a promising swimmer from Mysore. A student of Anantha Geetha Vidyalaya in J.P. Nagar, Deekshith aims to achieve great heights in the field of sports he loves.

Deekshith has won medals in many District and State-level swimming championships. He specialises in 50 mts freestyle and 50 mts backstroke swimming.

V.N. Prathamesh

He is a student of Vijaya Vittala Vidyashala. Prathamesh has been performing consistently in every swimming championship he participates. Prathamesh has taken up all major events in swimming which includes butterfly, backstroke, freestyle and breadth stroke. He is currently studying in 5th std and aims to reach great heights in the future.

Dr. Varsha Puranik

Dr. Varsha Puranik is pursuing her M.D (Mirco Biology) at JSS Medical College. She is trained by Ekalavya Awardee Sr-ikanth Rao. She took up roller skating in 1990 after being inspired by her elder brother. Varsha is the first roller skater from India to win a medal at Asian Cham-pionship in 2001. She has won 28 gold medals at National level. She was a part of Indian contingent which took part in the world championships in Italy.

Nirmith Nityanand

Nirmith is a right hand batsman and also bowls leg spinners. He has represented U-15, U-17, U-19 and U-22 State teams. Nirmith has been representing RBNCC in KSCA Mysore Zonal-level league matches and FUCC in Bangalore league. A BE graduate in Construction Technology & Management from SJCE, Nirmith played for U-14 and U-16 National-level C.K. Naidu tournament in his school days.

V. Varshith

Varshith started his career in roller skating in 2001-2002 and from then on he has made a name for himself in roller sports. He is a remarkable skater and has been winning almost every championship he has participated in so far. Varshith has won several gold medals at National and State level championships.

Varshith won bronze medal in the 15th Asian Championship when he was 14 years in the Under 19 category, held at Kaohsiung city, Taipei from July 16 to 25, 2010. He was also impressive in the Junior Men 3,000 mts relays where he won a bronze medal and was placed 4th in 500 mt road race, 4th in 20 km elimination & 5000 m relay and also 5th in 10 km point-to-point and 6th in 15 km rink elimination races.

He has won 9 National gold medals with three Individual Championship, 6 silver medals and 4 bronze medals. His overall Medals in International, National and State championships are 45 gold, 15 silver and 13 bronze medals.

He recently participated in the 15th Asian Championship held in China and was placed 4th in 3000 mts relay. His brilliant performance in the 28th State Championship recently held at Belgaum earned him 3 gold medals and Individual Championship. In the year 2014, he will try to become the first skater in the Country to win gold medal in the 16th Asian Championship.

He is currently studying in I PUC at Chaitra PU College in city. He is the son of B.Venugopal, who was recently conferred with the Rashtriya Udyog Ratna Award by the National Organisation of Commerce and Industry and Geetha Venugopal.

Ruthu Rohit

Ruthu Rohit is a student of St. Joseph’s Higher Primary School. She won her first State ranking tourney at Bangalore conducted by Canara Union Malleshwaram. She won her 2nd title in Sir M. Vishvesvarya Memorial TT Tourney at CFTRI. In the State championships conducted by Karnataka TT Association in memory of C.V.L. Shastry, Ruthu won the cadet event by beating top seed Ayesha Siddiqui. Ruthu will be representing the State Cadet team in the 74th cadet and sub junior nationals at Gandhidham, Gujrat from Jan 16, 2014. She is the daughter of Rohit Ramdev and Rekha.

Ridhi Rohit

Ridhi is one of the most promising table tennis players in Mysore. Ridhi captained Karnataka State under-14 team to 53rd SGFI National school games held at Mizoram in 2007-2008. She won 8 out of 9 State ranking tournaments in cadet (U-12) in 2008-2009. She also led State U-12, U-14, State sub-junior teams. She represented the State in National schools games held in Chandigarh in 2008-09, sub-juniors at Chennai in 2009-10, State Junior U-17 and U-21 teams at Youth Championships held at Ahmedabad in Gujrat. She is a student of St. Joseph’s High School.

Ranjitha

Ranjitha, a native of Shimoga, is an upcom-ing volleyball player and is currently pursuing final year B.Com at Teresian College. Ranjitha has also represented the State in Senior National and University-level tournaments. She was a member of the Indian team which took part in the Jr. Asian Championships at Thailand in 2011-12. She has been representing University of Mysore at Inter-University Championships for the past 3 years. Currently, she is gearing up for Senior Natl. Championships to be held in Rajasthan next year.

Akash Aaradhya

Akash Aaradhya holds the National record for under-19 short distance roller skating. He won a gold and silver medal at National championships.

Akash Aaradhya was also a member of Indian team which participated at World Championships in Italy and Asian Championship in China.

Akash is being trained by Ekalavya Awardee Srikanth Rao, who has been producing talented roller skaters from the city over the past few years.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / Home> Feature Articles / December 15th, 2012

ITF event at Dharwad

Sports

Dharwad is set to host its first international tennis tournament since 2006, as the ITF Futures tour moves to the city from Davangere.

The $10,000 ITF Dharwad Open will commence on Monday at the Dharwad District Tennis Association courts.

Sanam Singh, who won the Davangere Open, will compete as the second seed, while Sriram Balaji has been given top billing.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> Sport / Bangalore, December 10th, 2012

Rohitha bags two titles

Sports

Athletics:  DAC Weekend meet

Rohitha Chow-dhary P of Deccan International School bagged a double in the girls’ under-12 section in the 24th Deccan Athletic Club Weekend Meet, sponsored by Deccan Herald and Prajavani, at the Sree Kanteerava stadium on Sunday.

Rohitha came up trumps in the triple jump (8.21 metres) and high jump (1.15 metres) events.

Praveen Kumar S of Max Mueller Public School (boys’ under-16), Toommy Vyshnavi B of Baldwin Girls High School (girls’ under-15), Kavya Annie Jacob of Clarence (girls’ under-15) and Tejaswini G of Outreach International (girls’ under-12) also clinched two titles each.

Smayana Kamath of  Deccan International  School threw the iron ball to a distance of 9.34 metres to pocket the  girls’ under-15 shot put title.

Results:  Boys: U-16: 100M: Manoj P (Florence) 12.1 seconds, 1; Nikhil Rohan (Devamatha) 12.4, 2; Praveen Kumar M (Indiranagar HS) 12.6, 3.

800M: Praveen Kumar S (Max Muller) 2:11.2, 1; Rakshita Gowda N (Florence) 2:18.8, 2; Suresh Oran (Kendriya Vidyala) 2:27.2, 3.

3000M: Praveen Kumar S (Max Muller) 10:32.3, 1; Sharath S (St Joseph’s Indian School) 11:50.9, 2; Stalin Abhilash C (St Joseph’s Indian School) 11:52.1, 3.

110M hurdles: Nikhil Rohan (Devamatha) 20.1, 1; Harsha N (Deccan International) 21.1, 2; Krishna Prasad N D (Indiranagar HS) 21.3, 3.

Long jump: Jeevan S (Silicon City AS Education), 5.53 metres, 1; Shankarshan D (DPS) 5.37, 2; Praveen Kumar M (Indiranagar HS) 5.35, 3.

Triple jump: Sachin Gowda B (Akai Public School) 10.9 metres, 1; Abhiram Natarajan (Ryan International) 10.43, 2; Kiran Gowda (Devamatha) 10.06, 3.

High jump: Akash B G (Vidyanikenthan) 1.58 metres, 1; Abhiram Natarajan (Ryan International) 1.56, 2; Preran M (Vidyanikenthan) 1.56, 3.

Shot put: Shehith Gowda V (Indiranagar HS) 8.6 metres, 1; Vedh Bidri (Vidyanikenthan) 8.31, 2; Kiran Kumar L (St Yash) 8.06, 3.

U-13: 100M: Anish Yadav (Army) 12.9 seconds, 1; Yogesh C G (VLS Vidyasagar Kannada HS) 13, 2; Sagar Abhishek (Army) 13.2, 3.

800M: Sagar D (VLS Vidyasagar Kannada HS) 2:29.8, 1; Ningarju (St Yash) 2:31.2, 2; Devaraj (St Yash) 2:37.4, 3.

3000M: Hari Krishna L S (St Joseph’s Indian School) 11:40.6, 1;  Akshay (St Yash) 11:44.6, 2; Rajashekar (St Yash) 12:05, 3.

80M hurdles: Yogesh C G (VLS Vidyasagar Kannada HS) 16, 1; Hari Krishna L S (St Joseph’s Indian School) 16.3, 2; Srinivas S (Seshadripuram  HP School) 16.6, 3.

Long jump: Sanjeeth Kumar (Silicon City AS Education) 5.11 metres, 1; Anish Yadav (Army) 5, 2; Bhagavankripa Mehta (Vidyaniketan) 4.55, 3.

Triple jump: Sujay K Subramaniam N (Sri Kumaran Children’s Home) 9 metres, 1; Kushal N Raja (Deccan International) 8.86, 2; Yajath Kumar R (Kendriya Vidyalaya) 8.74, 3.

High jump: Rahul Raghu (Vidyaniketan) 1.33 metres, 1; Chandan R (Devamatha) 1.25, 2; Abhinav G (Devamatha) 1.21, 3.

Shot put: Rohit S Jahgirdar (Vidyaniketan) 8.9 metres, 1; Varun Adti D S (Devamatha) 8.43, 2; Aditya Nahata (Carmel) 8.28, 3.

Girls: Under-15:  100M: Toommy Vyshnavi B (Baldwin) 13.7 seconds, 1; Ela Manya Navin (Sacred Heart) 13.8, 2; Mutamma M B (Sacred Heart) 14.8, 3.

800M: Jeshritha Kumar (Kendriya Vidyalaya) 2:58.1, 1; Padmavathi A (St Yash) 3:01.9, 2; Jothika Roshan (St Francis Xavier) 3:04.5, 3.

1500M: Padmavathi A (St Yash) 5:58.8, 1; Anu Priya P (Holy Angels) 7:16.6, 2; Akanksha P R (Vidyaniketan) 7:25.9, 3.

100M hurdles: Toommy Vyshnavi B (Baldwin) 18.7 seconds, 1; Viha Atri (Clarence) 18.9, 2; Reshma P Roy (Baldwin) 19.1, 3.

Long jump: Kavya Annie Jacob (Clarence) 4.78 metres, 1; Tanisha Naik (Baldwin) 4.48, 2; Pranitha Prakash (KLE Soceity) 4.27, 3. Triple jump: Kavya Annie Jacob (Clarence) 10.35 metres, 1; Viha Atri (Clarence) 10.26, 2; Tanisha Bethany) 10.05, 3.

High jump: Annapurna G (CMR National) 1.45 metres, 1; Druthi C (Holy Angels) 1.33, 2; Harshini P P (Baldwin) 1.25, 3.

Shot put: Smayana Kamath (Deccan International) 9.34 metres, 1; Aliya Thanveer (Baldwin) 8.10, 2; Sahana R (Nirmala Rani) 7.39, 3.
Under-12: 100M: Andrea Pinto (Legacy) 14.9 seconds, 1; Amshula Prasad (Bethany) 15.6, 2; Mihika Gonsalves (St Francis) 15.7, 3.

800M: Tejaswini G (Outreach International) 3:00.9, 1; Ashwini (St Yash) 3:02.9, 2; Sanjana A Hoskore (Deccan International) 3:06.6, 3.

1500M: Tejaswini G (Outreach International) 6:13.9, 1; Sumeda Puja (Deccan
International) 6:34.2, 2; Yuktha Shree (RT Nagar Public School) 7:01.3, 3.

60M hurdles: Vaishnavi R (Seshadripuram Higher Primary) 14.1 seconds, 1; Sindhu S (Sacred Heart) 14.8, 2; Sawathi Sharavana S (Holy Angels) 14.9, 3.

Long jump: Andrea Pinto (Legacy) 4.09 metres, 1; Mihika Gonsalves (St Francis) 3.74, 2; Aprajitha Jayaram (Vidyaniketan) 3.67, 3.

Triple jump: Rohitha Chowdary P (Deccan International) 8.21 metres, 1; Amshula Prasad (Bethany) 8.10, 2; Niharika V (Bethany) 8.01, 3.

High jump: Rohitha Chowdary P (Deccan International) 1.15 metres, 1; Bhavana S (Deccan International) 1.10, 2; Aprajitha Jayaram (Vidyaniketan) 1.10, 3.

Shot put: Megha Rama Priyan (Vidyaniketan) 5.72 metres, 1; Faaiza Fahman M (Holy Angels) 5.04, 2; Nafisa Fatima (Indiranagar HS) 4.93, 3.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> Sports / DHNS / Bangalore, December 09th, 2012

Malavika, Shraddha sparkle

Sports

Nettakallappa Aquatic Centre swimmers Malavika V and Shraddha Sudhir stole the show on the opening day of the 13th State Junior Short Course swimming championship at the Basavanagudi Aquatic Centre here on Tuesday.

Malavika claimed a treble in the girls’ Group II category. Malavika clocked one minute 00.92 seconds to clinch the 100M freestyle gold. In the morning, the Delhi Public School ninth standard student bagged the 200M freestyle (2:11.02) and 800M freestyle (9.40.87) crowns with meet records.

Malavika erased existing time of 2:15.27 set two years ago by Tulasi R Haritsa of BAC in the eight-lap event while the 14-year-old lowered her own mark of 10:14.35 in the 32-lap race.

Shraddha, who also competed in Group II, took home the 200M backstroke (2:43.41) and 200M individual medley (2:41.50) titles. In the corresponding boys category, PMSC’s Md Yaqoob Saleem pocketed three gold medals — 100M freestyle (58.06 seconds), 200M freestyle (2:04.90, NMR) and 800M freestyle (8:56.07, NMR).

Results: Boys: Group I: 100M freestyle: Rakshith U Shetty (BAC) 55.13 seconds, 1; Pranav Padode (BAC) 58.35, 2; Gaurav Yadav K (Dolphin Aquatics) 59.69, 3. 400M freestyle: Mitesh M Kunte (BAC) 4:20.51, 1; Aditya Krishna (GSC) 5:31.73, 2; Joshua Jan Spannder (SJIHS) 5:58.01, 3. 1500M freestyle: Mitesh M Kunte (BAC) 16:42.38, 1; Suraj (BAC) 21:17.80, 2; Prajwal (VSC) 21:58.82, 3. 100M backstroke: Varun Rao (Dolphin Aquatics) 1:03.69, 1; Aditya Krishna (Global Swim) 1:11.21, 2. 100M breaststroke: Arvind M (BAC) 1:08.06 (NMR, Old: 1:08.73, Akash Rohit G, 2010), 1; Gaurav Yadav K (Dolphin Aquatics) 1:12.64, 2; Kuldeepak (Pet Aquatics) 1:20.13, 3. 100M butterfly: Rakshith U Shetty (BAC) 58.40 seconds (NMR. Old: 59.41, Aaron D’Souza, 2007), 1; S V Sumukh (BAC) 1:02.40, 2; Suraj (BAC) 1:17.89, 3. 400M individual medley: Arvind M (BAC) 4:41.61 (NMR. Old: 4:44.43, Arvind, 2011), 1; Prajwal S  M (BAC) 6:35.22, 2; Akash (SJIHS) 7:25.25, 3. 4x50M medley relay: BAC 2:00.47, 1; SJIHS 2:46.71 2.

Group II: 100M freestyle: Md Yaqoob Saleem (PMSC) 58.06 seconds, 1; Vishwesh (BAC) 1:01.11, 2; Rohil Girish (Dolphin Aquatics) 1:02.20, 3.  200M freestyle: Md Yaqoob Saleem (PMSC) 2:04.90 NMR (Old: 2:05.17, Rohit Havaldar, 2009), 1; Avinash M (BAC) 2:08.73, 2; Vishwesh (BAC) 2:13.91, 3. 800M freestyle: Md Yaqoob Saleem (PMSC) 8:56.07 (NMR, Old: 9:22.54, Saleem, 2011), 1; Sanjeev R (PMSC) 9:39.06, 2; Aakaash A (NAC) 10:23.57, 3.
100M backstroke: Aditya Satpute (ABBA) 1:10.23, 1; Jitvan Suri S (BAC) 1:12.25, 2; Rakshith R (Global Swim) 1:13.33, 3.
200M backstroke: Aditya Satpute (ABBA) 2:34.33, 1; Jitvan Suri S (BAC) 2:36.49, 2; Rakshith R (Global Swim) 2:36.67, 3.
100M butterfly: Avinash M (BAC) 1:04.35, 1; Rajeev B (BAC) 1:05.17, 2; Vishwesh (BAC) 1:06.32, 3. 200M individual medley: Likith S P (BAC) 2:18.46 (NMR. Old: 2:21.59, Arvind M, 2010), 1; Rajeev B (BAC) 2:30.44, 2; Rakshith R (Global Swim) 2:36.92, 3. 4x50M medley relay: BAC ‘A’ 2:09.74, 1; PMSC 2:15.82, 2; Davans 2:16.14, 3.

Group III: 100M freestyle: Hemanth Jenukal V B (Global Swim) 1:02.11, 1; Manav D (Global Swim) 1:04.67, 2; Chirag Kempegowda (Global Swim) 1:05.15, 3.
100M backstroke: Hemanth Jenukal V B (Global Swim) 1:10.90, 1; Siva S (BAC) 1:11.83, 2; Sri Hari (Dolphin Aquatics) 1:15.58, 3. 50M breaststroke: Manav D (Global Swim) 36.57 seconds, 1; Akash N (VSC) 38.15, 2; Pruthvik D S (BAC) 38.20, 3.
50M butterfly: Anirudh H Murali (BAC) 31.39 seconds, 1; Chirag Kempegowda (Global Swim) 32.10, 2; Om Kumar (BAC) 34.19, 3. 4x25M freestyle relay: GSC, 54.99 seconds, 1; BAC ‘A’ 56.99, 2; BAC ‘B’ 59.74, 3.

Group IV: 100M freestyle: Sanjay C J (Dolphin Aquatics) 1:06.94 (NMR. Old: 1:07.31, Sheraz Jason, 2003), 1; Prajwal L (NAC) 1:13.50, 2; Raj Vinayak Reliker (PMSC) 1:14.99, 3. 50M backstroke: Sanjay C J (Dolphin Aquatics) 37.16 seconds, 1; Siddharth Doshi (Global Swim) 37.85, 2; Yatish S (BAC) 39.23, 3. 4x25M freestyle relay: PMSC ‘A’ 1:04.88, 1; BAC ‘A’ 1:05.49, 2; BAC ‘B’ 1:06.12, 3.

Girls: Group I: 100M freestyle: Tulasi R Haritsa (BAC) 1:04.10, 1; Ranjitha (BAC) 1:18.89, 2; Shree Raksha L (Ekalvya) 1:56.79, 3. 1500M freestyle: Ranjitha (BAC) 22:23.39, 1.
100M backstroke: Tulasi R Haritsa (BAC) 1:10.82, 1; Ranjitha (BAC) 1:29.15, 2. 100M breaststroke: Divya Guruswamy (Global Swim Centre) 1:23.70, 1; Keerthana R (BAC) 1:30.13, 2. 100M butterfly: Simran D M (BAC) 1:13.32, 1. 400M individual medley: Divya Guruswamy (GSC) 5:40.66, 1; Simran D M (BAC) 5:43.08, 2. Group II: 100M freestyle: Malavika V (Nettakallappa Aquatic Centre) 1:00.92, 1; Siya Manjeshwar (Dolphin Aquatics) 1:03.24, 2; Deeksha Ramesh (GSC) 1:04.26, 3. 200M freestyle: Malavika V (NAC) 2:11.02; New Meet Record (Old: 2:15.27, Tulasi R Haritsa, BAC, 2010) 1; Siya Manjeshwar (Dolphin Aquatics) 2:19.96, 2; Chandana K (VSC) 2:28.72, 3. 800M freestyle: Malavika V (NAC) 9.40.87; NMR (Old: 10:14.35, Malavika V, BAC, 2011) 1; Shraddha Sudhir (NAC) 10:10.62, 2; Ranjana H (BAC) 10:40.50, 3. 100M backstroke: Damini K Gowda (BAC) 1:10.35; NMR (Old: 1:12.08, Kshipra Mahajan, BAC, 2004) 1; Anaha (Glorious) 1:20.28, 2; Vishaka J (BAC) 1:21.39, 3. 200M backstroke: Shraddha Sudhir (NAC) 2:43.41, 1; K Harishree J Rai (Global Swim) 2:46.39, 2; Anaha (Glorius) 2:58.48, 3. 100M butterfly: Damini K Gowda (BAC) 1:08.48, 1; Siya Manjeshwar (Dolphin Aquatics) 1:10.12, 2; Pavithra B (BAC) 1:14.52, 3. 200M individual medley: Shraddha Sudhir (NAC) 2:41.50, 1; Ranjana H (BAC) 2:45.49, 2; K Harishree J Rai (GSC) 2:45.97, 3. 4x50M medley relay: BAC ‘B’ (2:36.04) 1; GSC (2:29.90) 2; BAC ‘A’ (2:25.74) 3. Group III: 100M freestyle: Nikitha S V (BAC) 1:08.72, 1; Kankana R Bhide (PMSC) 1:10.16, 2; Riddi S Bohra (PMSC) 1:11.72, 3. 100M backstroke: Shriya R Bhat (BAC) 1:18.44, 1; Jhanati Rajesh (BAC) 1:19.11, 2; Uthare U S (PMSC) 1:24.28, 3.

50M breaststroke: Shriya R Bhat (BAC) 40.60 seconds, 1; Riddi S Bohra (PMSC) 40.79, 2; Harshitha J (GSC) 41.60, 3.

50M butterfly: Thanuja S (BAC) 33.51 seconds, 1; Uthare U S (PMSC) 34.51, 2; J Arpitha (BAC) 36.41, 3. 4x25M freestyle relay: PMSC ‘A’ (59.28 seconds) 1; BAC ‘A’ (59.57) 2; PMSC ‘B’ (1:01.63) 3.

Group IV: 100M freestyle: Vaania Kapoor Achutan (BAC) 1:11.91, 1; Nandini S S (BAC) 1:15.52, 2; Poojitha G Murthy (PMSC) 1:18.13, 3.  50M backstroke: Vaania Kapoor Achutan (BAC) 35.77 seconds, 1; Mansi Ravi (BAC) 40.54, 2; Suvana C Baskar (Dolphin Aquatics) 40.84, 3.

4x25M freestyle relay: BAC ‘A’ (1:03.03) 1; PMSC (1:07.66) 2; BAC ‘B’ (1:08.88) 3.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> Sports / Bangalore, DHNS / December 04th, 2012

Indian team ready for T20 Blind World Cup

Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Records, All, Sports

The first ever T20 Blind World Cup slated to begin from December 2 to 13 in Bengaluru will have nine teams, including host India. Having defeated Pakistan in March, India is among the favourites to win this Cup.

In India, cricket is passion. Be it Test cricket, one-day internationals or Twenty20, we never miss an opportunity to enjoy a cricket match. However, there is another version of cricket that deserves the same kind of attention.

Blind cricket, which is played through the length and breadth of India, requires more attention than what normal cricket gets. Not because they are played by visually impaired people, but because of their fighting spirit and a challenge to pursue a game which many able people only dream about. With above 200 teams, each state has 15-20 teams, and more than 10,000 players, cricket for the blind is no more an isolated game. It’s another thing that it has not got the deserved attention.

In a novel effort to make these visually impaired cricketers realise that they too are unique and not any way behind normal cricketers, Bengaluru-based NGO Samarthanam and Cricket Association for the Blind in India (Cabi) joined hands to organise the inaugural T20 Blind Cricket World Cup in Bengaluru from December 2 to December 13, with the SBI being the principal sponsor. Established in 1997, Samarthanam has always supported blind people in fulfilling their needs.

Mahantesh, a founder manager of Samarthanam and general secretary of Cabi, says: “Cricket in India is a mania, and visually challenged people are no exceptions. They follow the sport with the same passion and have the same urge as a normal cricketer has to play cricket.”

Deciding to hold this World Cup in May 2011 at the annual general meeting of the World Blind Cricket Council held in Dubai, there was a mammoth task before the organisers to keep everything in place. “It was a mammoth task to organise and coordinate with several individuals and institutions to get every approval ready for the event. Getting good grounds and adequate financial support were the two major challenges that we had to face,” says Kishore Joseph, media associate of Team India.

The rules set for the tournament are unlike the usual T20 cricket tournament. The ball to be played with in the tournament will have jingling bells in it so that the visually impaired can play on their hearing ability. The bowler has to deliver the ball underarm, and the ball must pitch twice before reaching the batsman, with the first pitch before halfway of the pitch. The stumps are made of steel to help the players differentiate between the ball hitting the bat and the batsman getting bowled.

The cricketers in the team are divided into three categories B1 (totally blind), B2 (partially blind) and B3 (partially fainted). The wicketkeeper — a partially sighted player — plays the role of a marshal, whose responsibility is to guide the bowlers and the fielders with his clapping and loud talk. He helps the bowlers locate where the stumps are, fielders to stop the ball and also to throw it back to him.

The players who will represent India have been selected from across the country on the basis of their performance in the selection trials tournaments held at Dharwad, Karnataka and Kochi. The Indian contingent of 17 players will be led by 24-year-old hard hitting opening batsman Shekar Naik from Karnataka. The Indian team, which had defeated Pakistan in March, is among the favourites going into the T20 World Cup.

The Indian blind cricket team has taken part in three World Cups, reaching the finals in the 2006 edition. To keep their prospects high in this inaugural cup and to keep at bay teams like Australia and Pakistan — whom they consider as tough opponents — the players are undergoing vigorous training under the guidance of their coach Patrick Rajkumar at the IIM grounds in Bengaluru. Skipper Naik says, “The condition camp is under progress and we practice from 6 am to 4 pm.” Not quite keen to disclose his strategy, Naik says he will be shuffling the teams according to the strength and weakness of the opponents.

Naik too had his difficulties in the past as he belonged to a very poor and backward family. However, Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled helped him make his dreams come true. “As both of my parents were blind, I did not know what my future would be. But when I got in touch with Samarthanam, it supported me in every form, be it education or sports. Today I have been to many countries representing the Indian blind cricket team. And I am a confident captain aspiring to win the T20 World Cup,” says Naik.

The inaugural ceremony will be held in Shree Kanteerva Stadium, Bengaluru, and a total of 39 matches will be played, with four matches every day. The organisers have booked three grounds viz Central College Grounds, Bengaluru; KSCA, Aloor Ground; Nellamangala & Aditya Global Sports Ground, Nellamanga, Bengaluru Rural, to conduct the matches.

source: http://www.asianage.com / Home> Sports> Cricket / by Abhishek Chakraborty, Age Correspondent / November 24th, 2012

I want to provide Indians an increased opportunity in sports: Steve Waugh

Sports, World Opinion

Bangalore:

Well known cricketer and former Australian captain, Steve Waugh , who is known for his philanthropy work in India recently launched sports trained facility especially designed for Indians. Speaking about it, Steve says, “The sport facility which I am starting here was initially started in Kolkata but it ran in to some developmental problems and hence we decided to start it in Bangalore first, but the project there will revive soon.” Steve’s main aim of coming up with such a sports training facility is to make available the same kind of opportunities to the Indians available in Australia. He says, “We wanted to provide the same facilities here which we take for granted in Australia. It will give an increased opportunity to Indians and will also get the family involved in a sport.”

Moving on to cricket we quizzed Steve about his thoughts on the T20 form of cricket which has gained a lot of momentum. To which he says, “Ask the players today about T20 form of cricket and they will be pretty happy about it, there is a lot of money in it. But having said that, I think this is the way game going forward. It helps develop a lot of new skills, batters and ballers have to try thing differently and field has gone to another level.” Steve is also happy with the current captain of the Australian cricket team, Michael Clarke, he says, “Clarke is enjoying his captaincy better than anyone now.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> Cricket> Sports / by Taniya Talukdar, TNN / November 24th, 2012