Category: Sports, Karnataka State

India Paddle Festival 2025: Top global athletes to compete at Sasihithlu Beach

The much-anticipated India Paddle Festival, the country’s premier international stand-up paddling event, returns for its second edition from March 7 to 9 at the picturesque Sasihithlu Beach. This year’s event will feature a stellar lineup, headlined by World No. 2 Christian Andersen and former world champion Daniel Hasulyo, promising a thrilling three-day showcase of elite paddling talent.

Alongside Andersen and Hasulyo, the festival will also feature the defending women’s champion Esperanza Barreras, a four-time world champion, and South Africa’s rising star Chiara Vorster. The men’s category will bring fierce competition, with athletes like Spain’s Antonio Morillo and Denmark’s “Polar Bear” Christian Andersen battling for the top spot.

India’s own Sekar Patchai, the reigning national champion and a 25-time title-holder, will lead the home charge, representing the nation’s growing stand-up paddling prowess. He will be joined by Manikandan, one of the country’s most promising paddlers, as they take on international rivals in what promises to be an action-packed contest.

The festival is organized by the Surfing Swami Foundation and Mantra Surf Club, with support from Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism, Government of India) and Karnataka Tourism. Sanctioned by the Association of PaddleSurf Professionals (APP) World Tour, the official World Championship Tour for stand-up paddling, the event will feature intense SUP racing across multiple formats, including sprint, technical, and distance races. In addition to the thrilling competitions, the festival will offer live music and vibrant cultural celebrations, creating an exciting atmosphere for spectators and participants alike.

With over 40 paddlers from across the globe set to compete in four categories—men’s open, women’s open, junior U-16 boys, and girls—the India Paddle Festival 2025 will further strengthen India’s reputation as an emerging hub for non-motorized water sports. This milestone event comes on the heels of India’s recent achievement in securing its first-ever surfing quota for the Asian Games, marking a new chapter in the country’s growing interest and success in water sports.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

HDK felicitates World Cup-winning Kho Kho team players from Karnataka’s Maddur and T. Narsipur

Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy on Tuesday felicitated the victorious Indian men’s and women’s Kho Kho teams who brought glory to the nation by winning the inaugural Kho Kho World Championship.

Gowtham from Maddur in Mandya district, a key player in the men’s team, and Chaithra from Kurubur village in T. Narsipur taluk in Mysuru district, who gave a stellar performance in the women’s team, received the felicitation. The Minister also acknowledged Sumit Bhatia, the chief coach of the women’s team, and Rajkumari, the team manager, for their pivotal roles in the success, a press release noted.

Mr. Kumaraswamy said, “Gowtham and Chaithra have made Karnataka proud. Their contributions are a testament to the talent we nurture in our State and across the country.”

We are determined to create an ecosystem where talents like Gowtham and Chaithra can thrive. Indigenous games like Kho Kho are thriving under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The BJP government is focused on empowering athletes and preserving the legacy of our traditional games, Mr. Kumaraswamy said.

The Minister said the champions are not just players, they are ambassadors of our heritage. “Their achievements inspire countless young athletes to take pride in our traditional sports. The victories are not just about winning championships, they are about the revival of India’s cultural heritage. These champions have proven that traditional sports have a rightful place on the global stage,” he added.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Bengaluru teen Abishek Sekhar bags six medals at national shooting event

Abishek won three gold medals in the Team Events, alongside a silver in the Junior Men’s 10-metre Air Rifle Finals, with a stunning score of 251.4.

In a remarkable feat, 18-year-old Abishek Sekhar from Bengaluru created history by becoming the first shooter from Karnataka to win six medals at the 67th National Shooting Championship Competitions (NSCC) in Bhopal.

The competition, held at the Madhya Pradesh State Shooting Academy, brought together India’s elite shooters, including Olympians and World Cup champions, where Abishek’s exceptional performance placed him at the forefront of Indian shooting.

Abishek won three gold medals in the Team Events, alongside a silver in the Junior Men’s 10-metre Air Rifle Finals, with a stunning score of 251.4.

His silver came in a high-stakes final where Rudrankksh Patil, a contender for the Paris 2024 Olympics, broke the World Record to win the gold medal. Additionally, Abishek claimed a silver in the Junior Mixed Team Event with Tilottama Sen and a bronze in the Civilian Category.

Starting his journey in 2019, Abishek quickly made a name for himself by winning gold in all categories of the 10-metre Open Sight Shooting event and breaking the Karnataka record within just two months of training. After a two-year break during the pandemic and to focus on academics, he returned to shooting in 2022 and has since accumulated numerous accolades, including at the State Shooting Championships and Dussehra Cup.

Trained by renowned coach Ramachandran Purushothaman at the Art of Shooting Academy in Bengaluru, Abishek continues to receive strong support from the Karnataka State Rifle Association.

“This year, I went into the nationals with great confidence. My ultimate dream is to stand on the podium at the next Olympics and make my country proud,” Abishek said, reflecting on his future ambitions.

His coach, Ramachandran Purushothaman, highlighted, “Abishek’s attention to detail, discipline, and ability to analyse each shot will carry him far in the sport.”

The 67th NSCC attracted a record 13,522 shooters from across India, including Olympians and national-level competitors.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

An Atlantic Odyssey…. Ananya Prasad will be rowing solo 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean for a noble cause

Imagine travelling 3,000 miles rowing across the Atlantic Ocean for over 60 days to raise funds for a noble cause. Not many would come forward. But, Ananya Prasad, an Economics graduate from Sheffield University, is just about to embark on a voyage next month to raise funds for the London-based Mental Health Foundation and Deenabhandu Trust in Chamarajanagar. She has named her campaign as ‘Atlantic Odyssey.’

The Atlantic Row, considered to be the World’s Toughest Row, is held every year in the month of December, where rowers from across the globe participate in teams or alone to row across the Atlantic Ocean from San Sebastian village in La Gomera located in Canary Islands (Spain) till Nelson Dockyard in Antigua (Caribbean Islands). Ananya will be rowing solo in her journey.

Speaking to Star of Mysore, Ananya said, “I have been associated with adventure sports since my childhood but rowing is something that I have picked for the past three years. I enjoy challenging myself which is why I chose rowing. It is important to understand the navigation system, using radio, fixing the boats while on water and most importantly to be mentally tough to overcome fear.”

Ananya will be using ‘Odysseus’, her 25ft ocean rowing boat built to withstand tough marine environments. The boat is completely neutral and self-sufficient, fixed with solar panels for all electronic needs.

It also has a water desalinator which helps convert ocean water into drinking water.

Ananya will have to face 30ft waves, sleep deprivation, isolation and the forces of the ocean for approximately 60 days.

This endeavour of Ananya  to row across the Atlantic is being supported by Mysuru’s Cycle Pure Agarbathi.

Ananya’s Mysuru Connection

Ananya, daughter of Dr. Poornima Prasad and Dr. G.S. Shiva Prasad couple, is a graduate of Economics from Sheffield University in the United Kingdom. While her mother Dr. Poornima Prasad is a retired General Physician, her father Dr. Shiva Prasad is a retired Paediatrician.

Ananya’s maternal grandfather is Guggari Shanthaveerappa Shivarudrappa (G.S. Shivarudrappa), who was awarded the prestigious ‘Rashtrakavi’ title by the Government of Karnataka in 2006 and her paternal grandfather Prof. Parashivamurthy was a Professor in the Department of Psychology, University of Mysore.

Ananya’s paternal uncle is the Founder of the popular Deenabhandu Trust in Chamarajanagar.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

K P Rinchan Wins gold medal at ‘All India Yachting Regatta-2024’

 K.P. Rinchan from Mysuru has achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the Gold Medal at the National-level NCC camp, the All India Yachting Regatta-2024.

The All India NCC Yachting Regatta-2024 was held at INS Chilka in Odisha from Oct. 14 to 21, 2024. There were over 100 Cadets from 16 NCC Directorates and the challenges included varying wind conditions that tested the Cadets’ skills, strength and endurance levels. The INS Chilka is a premier basic training establishment for the Indian Navy.

Rinchan’s journey began with a selection to the Pre-Yachting Camp at the Royal Mysore Sailing Club (RMSC), at the backwaters of the Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) Dam, where she clinched the gold in a unit-wise sailing competition.

Following this victory, she advanced to the second and third phases at INS Kadamba, Karwar, ultimately earning a spot at the national competition held at INS Chilka, Odisha, where she secured the top honour.

A student of Vidyavardhaka College of Engineering (VVCE), Mysuru, pursuing her third-year engineering course, Rinchan is the daughter of Kandanda Harish Poovaiah and Thanachira Reena, residents of Vijayanagar Second Stage, Mysuru.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: ARTS & CULTURE / FESTIVALS : DASARA 2024: Tableaux showcase vibrant Karnataka

This year’s grand Dasara concluded with a spectacular procession featuring 52 tableaux that celebrated the rich culture and traditions of our State.

For the first time, the number of tableaux exceeded 50, a significant increase compared to previous years, where it ranged from 28 to 35. This year, not only districts but also various Boards and Corporations participated with their tableaux.

Among the highlights of the procession was the tableau from Yadgir, showcasing the Thinthani Mouneshwara Temple, while Kodagu district highlighted the Harangi Reservoir, land conservation, coffee, pepper, and elephant camps.

Raichur district presented the Mudgal Fort, and the Chamarajanagar tableau captured attention by showcasing Soliga tribal culture. The Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) raised awareness for its ‘Ksheera Bhagya’ and ‘Ksheera Sanjeevini’ schemes, and Karnataka Soaps and Detergents displayed products highlighting Mysore Sandal Soap.

The newly formed Vijayanagara district transported spectators back to the glorious days of the Vijayanagara Empire.

The audience also enjoyed the Bengaluru Urban district’s portrayal of the iconic Vidhana Soudha as the ‘Power House,’ while Bidar highlighted Kannada Pattadevaru. Koppal showcased traditional Kinnala art, and the Tourism department’s tableau presented the State’s tourism spots under the title ‘Ondu Rajya Halavu Jagattu.’

https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?gdpr=0&client=ca-pub-9153123967607992&output=html&h=200&slotname=9113976845&adk=3342833367&adf=1297078289&pi=t.ma~as.9113976845&w=880&abgtt=3&fwrn=4&lmt=1728832065&rafmt=11&format=880×200&url=https%3A%2F%2Fstarofmysore.com%2Ftableaux-showcase-vibrant-karnataka%2F&wgl=1&uach=WyJXaW5kb3dzIiwiMTAuMC4wIiwieDg2IiwiIiwiMTI5LjAuNjY2OC45MCIsbnVsbCwwLG51bGwsIjY0IixbWyJHb29nbGUgQ2hyb21lIiwiMTI5LjAuNjY2OC45MCJdLFsiTm90PUE_QnJhbmQiLCI4LjAuMC4wIl0sWyJDaHJvbWl1bSIsIjEyOS4wLjY2NjguOTAiXV0sMF0.&dt=1728832046314&bpp=5&bdt=1633&idt=512&shv=r20241009&mjsv=m202410080101&ptt=9&saldr=aa&abxe=1&cookie=ID%3Dc9fd2cd54ac4130f%3AT%3D1725540608%3ART%3D1728831887%3AS%3DALNI_MaIztrwj3GczMUkuUb4HzNjQCEpQg&gpic=UID%3D00000eeee568a0b5%3AT%3D1725540608%3ART%3D1728831887%3AS%3DALNI_MY9Hp5MPA1dwlSvoTTUvig4yqDeQw&eo_id_str=ID%3D5f498c89de3e55bb%3AT%3D1726930630%3ART%3D1728831887%3AS%3DAA-AfjbXjmZP-Irab4PMsTjImJ8d&prev_fmts=1200×280%2C0x0%2C880x280%2C280x600%2C280x600&nras=2&correlator=6646172534495&frm=20&pv=1&rplot=4&u_tz=330&u_his=3&u_h=768&u_w=1366&u_ah=728&u_aw=1366&u_cd=24&u_sd=1&dmc=4&adx=85&ady=3182&biw=1349&bih=555&scr_x=0&scr_y=971&eid=44759875%2C44759926%2C44759842%2C31087802%2C31087804%2C31087986%2C95331688%2C95341936%2C95343454%2C95344522%2C95344778&oid=2&psts=AOrYGslYOVnPgPreMFJN3lMcaGLoBkuOeLFPms1XrkB4h8q22VViXGLczmfRm0FrK-BibINxAtSyUGQni2BZxUraqaot&pvsid=3793043514065417&tmod=860846505&uas=3&nvt=1&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fstarofmysore.com%2F&fc=896&brdim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C1366%2C0%2C1366%2C728%2C1366%2C555&vis=1&rsz=%7Co%7CoeEbr%7C&abl=NS&pfx=0&fu=128&bc=31&bz=1&td=1&tdf=2&psd=W251bGwsbnVsbCxudWxsLDNd&nt=1&ifi=4&uci=a!4&btvi=4&fsb=1&dtd=19070

Dr. Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation Ltd. featured Lidkar products, Uttara Kannada district displayed the Murudeshwara Temple, and Bengaluru Rural showcased Ramadevara Betta and Heggunda.

Karnataka Silk Industries Limited (KSIL) presented various silk products under the theme ‘Karnataka Reshme Namma Hemme,’ while Davanagere district spread a message of humanity with its tableau themed ‘Naavu Manujaru.’

Udupi showcased its rich culture and coastal heritage, Shivamogga district highlighted the ‘Kaitabheshwara Temple’ located in Kotipura, Soraba taluk, and Ballari district presented the   Kurugodu Temple.

The Mysuru district administration’s tableau, themed ‘Manavakulada Samanathe,’ emphasised the significance of unity among humanity. Other noteworthy tableaux included Bagalkote district’s ‘Rannana Kavya Gadayudha,’   Haveri district’s ‘Elakki Kampinadu’ and ‘Santara-Sahitigala Nelebidu’, and Ramanagara district’s portrayal of diversity.

Kalaburagi district showcased its commitment to development, while Vijayapura district featured Basavana Bagevadi. Belagavi district highlighted the 200 years of the Kittur War, and Chitradurga district presented its famous Fort and windmills.

Additionally, Chikkaballapura district showcased the Nandi Ropeway, Hassan district highlighted Belur and Halebidu and Tumakuru district featured Siddarabetta. Beyond the districts, various departments also participated, including Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation, Health and Family Welfare, Information and Publicity, Police, Minority Welfare, and Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood, all highlighting different Government schemes. Notably, the Health Department’s tableau raised awareness about female foeticide.

Institutions such as the Central Food Technological and Research Institute (CFTRI), All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH), and Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) also presented their contributions through tableaux. The Indian Railways tableau showcased the Vande Bharat Express, which has been popular since its launch.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL : NATIONAL: KARNATAKA: SPORTS : International equestrian event returns to India after 14 years with ‘The Asian Equestrian Federation Cup Youth (AEF Cup-CSIY-B) in Bengaluru, October 11-13

International-level equestrian events will return to India after a gap of 14 years on Friday with the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) hosting an FEI-approved Asian-level Showjumping event for youth riders. The Asian Equestrian Federation Cup-Youth (AEF Cup-CSIY-B), will be held in Bengaluru from October 11-13.

To create more competitive opportunities for young Indian riders, the AEF Youth Cup will ensure world-class competition at home. The competition will see a total of 11 countries, including hosts India competing at Bengaluru’s Surge Stable, which has state-of-the-art facilities.

The format of the competition is of borrowed horses with an age limit of 16-21 years for the riders having a 115 cm maximum jump level.

India will have two participants – E. Suryaa Aaditya and Avik Bhatia, as they topped the selection trials held at Surge Stable in Bengaluru on Thursday, which was attended by 11 riders.

“The EFI is proud to have successfully brought this FEI-approved international tournament to India after a 14-year hiatus. Hosting such a prestigious and competitive event is not just a point of pride for us at EFI; it’s a tremendous opportunity for Indian riders to experience top-tier competition right at home,” said EFI Secretary General Col. Jaiveer Singh.

“This tournament allows us to showcase India as a promising destination for international equestrian events, enhancing our status in the emerging global equestrian market. Moreover, it provides local riders with the chance to excel in familiar conditions, further elevating the sport in our country,” he added.

The other 10 participating countries — Kuwait, Malaysia, Pakistan, Iran, Hong Kong, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Chinese Taipei, and Uzbekistan — will put up one rider each, the EFI informed in a release on Thursday.

Both Surya and Avik have risen through the EFI junior rank competitions. Surya was a silver medallist at the Junior National Equestrian Championship (JNEC) in both Dressage and Jumping events in 2022. He has also won a silver medal at the Grade III NEC event last year.

Avik was adjudged the best junior rider (2023) and the best young rider this year at the Delhi Horse Show. He is also a medal winner at the junior and senior Nationals.

source/content: ianlive.in (headline edited)

NATIONAL: KARNATAKA: SPORTS / LIFTING: Pradeep Kumar, Shalan Pinto win Gold & Shalan Pinto Awarded ‘Best Lifter Title’ at 2024 Commonwealth Bench Press Championship,South Africa

 Pradeep Kumar and Shalan Pinto made India proud by winning gold medals at the 2024 Commonwealth Bench Press Championship, held in Sun City, South Africa, on October 4.

Pradeep Kumar clinched gold in the 83 kg category, lifting an impressive 237.5 kg. His victory came after a tough contest with Tom Morgan from New South Wales, with Pradeep successfully clearing all his lifts to secure the top spot.

In the 47 kg category, Shalan Pinto also took home the gold, lifting 65 kg. In addition to her gold medal, she was awarded the ‘Best Lifter’ title. Shalan has been training under Pradeep Kumar at Kasharp Fitness.

Expressing his gratitude, Pradeep Kumar thanked the Karnataka Powerlifting Association for the opportunity, Kasharp Fitness for its world-class facilities, Balanjneya Gymnasium for their guidance from the start, and Team India for their unwavering support.

Shalan Pinto, daughter of the late Alexander Pinto and Lydia Irene Lobo from Yeyyadi, Mangaluru, has had a stellar year. Her selection for the 2024 Commonwealth Bench Press Championship followed a series of strong performances in key competitions. She secured first place in the 47 kg junior category at the National Bench Press Championship in Maharashtra in January 2023 and earned second place in the same category at the National Bench Press Championship in Bengaluru in November 2023. Shalan also finished second in the 47 kg junior individual bench press at the National Powerlifting Championship in Punjab in June 2024.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

REGIONAL: KARNATAKA: SPORTS: Samuel Simson wins gold at zonal Shotgun Trap Shooting competition in Hyderabad

 Samuel Simson, a 4th year BA LLB student of SDM College, Mangaluru, and son of Royprakash Simson and Cheryl Simson from Bajpe, has once again claimed the gold medal in the Zonal-level Shotgun Trap Shooting Competition held in Hyderabad.

The competition, organized by the Telangana Rifles Association, took place from September 27 to October 1 and saw participation from seven states.

Samuel’s achievement makes him the first person from Dakshina Kannada district to consistently win both silver and gold medals in the Zonal-level Shotgun Trap and Double Trap categories.

With this victory, Samuel has qualified for the upcoming National Trap Shooting Championship to be held in Delhi, further solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the sport.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: SPORTS / CHESS: Atharv Venkatesh and Leah R Joseph are the champions of Karnataka State Under-11 Open and Girls 2024

Atharv Venkatesh (Bengaluru Urban) and Eshwar Veerappan Aiyappan (Mysore) scored 7.5/9 each at Karnataka State Under-11 Open Rating Championship 2024.

Atharv won the tournament on tie-breaks, Eshwar secured second place. Eight players scored 7/9. Out of them, top seed, Samaksh Ashok was adjudged third. In the Girls event, Leah R Joseph scored sole 7.5/9 to become the champion. Five players scored 7/9. Indusheetala N (Bengaluru Urban) and Anvita Sathi (Uttara Kannada) secured second and third place according to tie-breaks. The total combined prize fund of the tournament was ₹100000. The top three prizes were ₹12000, ₹8000 and ₹6000 along with a trophy each respectively. The three-day nine-round rating tournament was organized by Giristuti Checkmate School of Chess Foundation from 30th August to 1st September Gujarat Bhavan in Belgaum, Karnataka. Photo: Praveena N

Bengaluru Urban players clinch the championships

Atharv Venkatesh, a student of Legacy School, Bangalore, scored 7.5/9 to win Karnataka State Under-11 Open. He was fourth seeded and suffered only one loss against Vyan Banchor in Round 3. Atharv won the tournament with better tiebreaks.

Leah R Joseph, a student of St. Pauls English School, Bangalore scored 7.5/9 and finished a half point ahead. She was fifth seeded and lost only one game against Aarna Jain in Round 5. This is Leah’s second State title. Last year she won Karnataka State Under-9 Girls Championship 2023.

Open Top 3 (L to R): 3rd Samaksh Ashok 7/9, 1st Atharv Venkatesh 7.5/9 and 2nd Eshwar Veerappan Aiyappan 7.5/9 | Photo: Praveena N

Eshwar Aiyappan from Amrita Vidyalayam, Mysore scored 7.5/9 and secured second place. He was seeded eleventh and suffered only one loss against Indrajit Majumdar. Eshwar drew with the eventual champion, Atharv in the final round. Indusheetala Natarajan from National Hill View Public School, Unit 2 Bangalore scored 7/9 and finished second. She was seeded sixth and her only loss was against Aadya Gowda. Indusheetala drew with the eventual champion in the Girls, Leah in the final round.

Girls Top 3 (L to R): 3rd Anvita Sathi 7/9, 1st Leah R Joseph 7.5/9 and 2nd Indusheetala 7/9 | Photo: Praveena N

A total of 153 players in the Open and 91 in the Girls took part from various districts of Karnataka. The nine-round Swiss league Rating tournament took place from 30th August to 1st September 2024 at Gujarat Bhavan in Belgaum, Karnataka. 

It was organized by Giristuti Checkmate School of Chess Foundation, Belgaum.

The time control was 60 minutes + 30 seconds increment.

source/content: chessbase.in / Praveena N (headline edited)