KARNATAKA: SPORTS / CRICKET: Bengaluru teen 19-yr-old Prakhar Chaturvedi smashes Record with 404* in Cooch Behar Trophy final

Having recently come to the fore, Prakhar Chaturvedi, the 19-yr-old B’luru cricketer who broke Yuvraj Singh’s 25-year-old record for the highest individual score in a Cooch Behar Final, on the historic knock, and his next course of action.

 Earlier last month, the finale of the Cooch Behar Trophy saw Karnataka lift a historic maiden title after defeating Mumbai with a mammoth first-innings lead. And equally historic was the unbeaten innings by a teenager from Bengaluru – 404 runs off 638 balls – which not only helped Karnataka sail through to the title but also broke Yuvraj Singh’s 25-year-old record for the highest individual score in a Cooch Behar Final.

“Honestly, it’s still sinking in! Throughout the innings, I was just trying to stay focused on each ball, build partnerships, and contribute to the team’s victory. During lunchtime when I was playing at 299, my friends told me that the old record was 358. So it was in the back of my mind after I crossed 300, but my main goal was to play my best and help us win,” says Prakhar Chaturvedi, who, a few years earlier, was not picked for the Karnataka U19 zonal tournament.

“I was determined to play for Karnataka, so the only way was to score as many runs as possible in the U19 league and zonal.

So, I worked hard for the next eight to nine months, and last year, I was the highest run scorer in the U19 league. When I got the opportunity to play zonal, I was the second highest run scorer of the tournament and it helped me in state selection,” adds the 19-year-old who is currently pursuing a degree in BA economics online, studying when his schedule permits.

Having started his cricketing journey at the age of 11, Chaturvedi grew up watching some of the biggest players of this generation, yet considers Sir Vivian Richards, the legendary West Indies cricketer, his role model. “I have been growing up watching Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and MS Dhoni. Though I have only watched them play on TV, I have picked up some of the tricks of the modern game from them.

However, I consider Sir Viv Richards to be my role model. I have learnt from him the pure joy of playing the game, the freedom to swing hard and trust your skills, and the feeling of owning the field like it is your backyard. Cricket, especially long innings, demands mental strength,” he adds.

Meanwhile, despite his historic knock, Chaturvedi remains grounded about his prospects. “I know this is the beginning and there is a long way to go. I have a lot to learn and improve, but it motivates me to work even harder and achieve even greater things in the future. The next five years are very crucial. I would say that the next two-three years are very crucial for my preparation.

I am yet to get exposed to the highest level of competitive cricket. So, my focus is to learn and adapt as quickly as possible and perform wherever I get the opportunity. I am currently representing Karnataka U23 at the CK Nayudu Trophy and I want to perform well in this tournament. I am a firm believer in process and taking one step at a time,” he says.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

WORLD RECORD: NATIONAL: KARNATAKA: World No.1 Ranking will Inspire ‘Gen-Next’ of Indian Tennis, says Rohan Bopanna after Achieving the Feat

Bopanna is set to become the oldest tennis player to achieve the world No. 1 ranking in men’s doubles after reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open along with his partner Matthew Ebden of Australia.

Rohan Bopanna feels that his ascent to world No. 1 in doubles rankings at the twilight of his career is perfect boost that Indian tennis needed just when it was falling off the radar.

Bopanna is set to become the oldest tennis player to achieve the world No. 1 ranking in men’s doubles after reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open along with his partner Matthew Ebden of Australia here on Wednesday.

The 43-year-old, who had entered the tournament with a career-high ranking of world No. 3, and Ebden recorded a comfortable 6-4 7-6(5) win over sixth seeded Argentinian duo of Máximo González and Andrés Molteni in the quarterfinals that lasted an hour and 46 minutes here.

Bopanna will be crowned the new numero uno spot on Monday after the end of the tournament.

“It (the feat) means a lot not to just me but for Indian tennis also. You need something to inspire the next generation. Sumit (Nagal) also had a great Australian Open. He won a round,” Bopanna told PTI in an exclusive interview from Melbourne.

And the star player said the feat came with a lot of sacrifices.

“Extremely proud of this (world no.1 ranking in men’s doubles). It’s a special moment. Lot of sacrifices have gone into this. My coaches, family everyone. My family is travelling with me, so different feeling,” he said.

In fact, he is more happy that for the past week, Indian tennis has been in the news.

“Nothing at all was happening in Indian tennis. You (journalists) also did not have much to write about, so this has happened at the right time.” Earlier, Rajeev Ram of the USA was the oldest player to be ranked world no. 1 when he had achieve the top ranking in October 2022 at the age of 38 for the first time in his career.

Ebden, on the other hand, is set to reach the world no 2 spot.

Bopanna twice reached the US Open final but never won a men’s doubles major.

He, however, has a mixed doubles trophy at the French Open when he and his partner Gabriela Dabrowski of Canada won the crown at the 2017 French Open, defeating Anna-Lena Grönefeld and Robert Farah in the final 2–6 6–2 12–10.

But Bopanna’s desire to win a men’s doubles title at the Slam still remains unfulfilled, something which we wants to achieve before hanging up his racquet.

“That’s a personal goal (winning men’s doubles title at a Grand Slam). It’s no one else’s goal,” he said.

For the veteran, it is always one step at a time.

“When you reach second round, next you want is third round then fourth, quarters, semi-final. So, yes I have been in two Slam final and now want to win but it’s a natural. You always try to go one better,” Bopanna said about his future goal.

Bopanna, who had achieved the highest of world No. 3 for the first time in 2013, is the fourth Indian after Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi and Sania Mirza to take the world number one rank in doubles.

He also didn’t forget to acknowledge the contribution of his long-time coach Scott David of the USA in his breathtaking journey in the game.

“I am probably fifty world number one of coach Scott David. It’s a proud moment for him also. I switched to doubles in 2010 and since then I have been with him only,” Bopanna said.

Bopanna and Ebden have been one of the most consistent pairs on the tour over the last 12 months. The duo reached the final of US Open 2023, their best result so far in Grand Slams.

En route the semifinals here, the second seeded Bopanna and Ebden, had to over come two close contests in the first and third rounds to book their place in the semifinals.

Their first hurdle came in the opening round against wildcards James Duckworth and Marc Polmans of Australia, whom Bopanna and Ebden defeated 6-7(5) 6-4 6-7(2).

Their next steep challenge came in the third round where they overcame 14th seeds Wesley Koolhof of the Netherlands and Croatian Nikola Mektić 7-6(8) 7-6(4).

And Bopanna attributed the ability to finish close matches to his experience on the circuit.

“Experience is a great factor in getting those wins. Ever since, I started focussing only on doubles in 2010, it has taken me 13-14 years to reach this. I have been a journeyman,” said Bopanna, who will take over the top position from USA’s Austin Krajicek, who and his Croatian partner Ivan Dodig lost in the second round.

The Indo-Australian pair will play unseeded Tomas Machac of Czech Republic and Chinese Zhizhen Zhang in the semi-finals.

His former Davis Cup teammates Mahesh Bhupathi and Somdev Devvarman termed it as one of the greatest stories in Indian sport.

“Rohan Bopanna getting to World Number 1 today after 20 years on tour in my opinion is one of the greatest stories in Indian Sport!!!,” Bhupathi wrote on ‘X’.

“Bops first told me he was contemplating retirement 5 years ago, then 4 years ago, then 3 years ago…Moral of the story is…. Who cares… He’s number 1! Couldn’t be happier for the Bopanna family! rohanbopanna is the best story in indian sport,” Devvarman wrote.

Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Telegraph Online staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.

source/content: telegraphindia.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: SPORTS / EQUESTRIAN: Karnataka State Police Team’s V. Shylendra, Commandant KARP Wins Gold in 42nd All India Police National Equestrian Championship

V. Shylendra, Commandant, KARP Mounted Company, Mysuru, has won the gold medal in the National-level Equestrian Competition ‘Hacks’ event in the 42nd All India Police Equestrian Championship and Mounted Police Duty Meet – 2023 held at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad, Telangana State, from Dec. 26, 2023 to Jan. 5, 2024.

A native of Chitradurga, Shylendra represented Karnataka State Police team with the horse named “King’s Power” and has won the individual gold medal after 12 years for Karnataka.

The last individual gold medal in this event was won in the year 2012.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: KARNATAKA: SPORTS: Khelo India Women’s Kickboxing League Held For First Time In Mysuru and in Karnataka

Khelo India Women’s Kickboxing League was held for the first time in  Karnataka on Dec. 23 and 24  at the Sports Pavilion of University of Mysore here.

Over 10 districts and 300-plus players, coaches, referees, officials and parents took  part in this two-day mega event organised by K. Santhosh,  President of Karnataka Kickboxing Sports Association, sanctioned by WAKO India Kickboxing Federation and Sports Authority of India.

The championship was jointly inaugurated by  Manjula Manasa, former Chairperson of Karnataka State Women’s Commission; Pushpalatha Chikkanna, former Mayor; K. Santhosh, President of WAKO India Karnataka; Pooja Harsha, General Secretary and Chairman of WAKO India Women Committee and Harsha Shankar, Treasurer and Asian Kickboxing  Bronze Medallist.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

Mangaluru lad Yuvaraj D Kunder bags 2 gold medals in CBSE National Roller Skating Championship

Yuvaraj D Kunder who is studying in 6th Standard at St Aloysius Gonzaga School has bagged 2 gold medals in CBSE National Roller Skating Championship 2023-24 held at Gurugram Haryana from November 24-26. He is the one of the few to attain national championship in rollers skating from Dakshina Kannada with 2 gold medals out of the 2 allotted events per athlete.

He had also bagged 1 gold medal in 60th National Roller Skating Championships – Speed Skating – 2022-23 held at Bengaluru during the year 2022/23.

He is trained under Mahesh Kumar and Shravan Mahesh from Mangalore Rollers Skating Club.

Besides, he had bagged a gold medal in national level championships held by RSFI India in 2021-22 and has become an inspiration of achievement for the modern youth.

Yuvaraj is the son of Dheeraj Kotian and Veena Dheeraj.

Speaking to daijiworld.com, Dheeraj said, “It is a proud feeling that my son Yuvaraj has bagged two gold medals in the CBSE national level skating. Meanwhile, he has broken his own record in 300 meters completing the same in 31.71 sec. Last year, Yuvaraj had bagged a gold medal at RSFI India national level skating championship. Yuvaraj started training when he was 4.5 years under Mahesh Kumar. Since the last four years, he has entered the state level. Last year, he made it to the national level. In the last six years, Yuvaraj has bagged 22 gold, 7 silver and five bronze medals.”

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

WORLD / NATIONAL/ KARNATAKA: WORLD RECORD SPORTS : Sibling Sisters, 10-year old Ovee Malve and Ruchi Malve from Bengaluru become World’s Youngest Certified Scuba Diver Sisters

Their interest in scuba diving stemmed from those videos and they started swimming and later training for scuba diving.

A day after turning 10, Bengaluru-based Ovee Malve set a world record of becoming the youngest certified scuba diver.

With this, both Ovee and her sister Ruchi, daughters of Bangalore Mountaineering Club founder Neeraj Malve, have become the youngest certified scuba diver siblings in the world. Neeraj himself has been a scuba diver for 16 years now. Ovee achieved the feat in Puducherry at 7.18 am on October 11, becoming the youngest Professional Association of Diving Instructors-certified open water diver. 

Elated and proud, Neeraj said he understands that adventure sports are not easy, especially at a young age. He never pressured his children and ensured that they underwent proper training. The daughters were water babies since they were little and were fascinated with his scuba diving videos.

Their interest in scuba diving stemmed from those videos and they started swimming and later training for scuba diving, he said. Ovee enrolled for a junior open water diver course at Temple Adventures, Puducherry and trained under coach Shreya Mehta. 

Her sister Ruchi (14) trained under Shaurya Tarni of Dive Goa in Goa. Ruchi enrolled for the Junior Open Water Diver certification course on October 27, 2022 and received the Scuba Schools International certificate on October 30, 2022. At the age of 10 and 13, both Malve sisters have become the world’s youngest scuba diver sisters.

Previously, a Mumbai-based boy, Dwit Nandu, at age 10 set the world record around 8 am on August 25, 2023.

Both the sisters underwent two-day rigorous training which included a 200-metre nonstop swimming and floating for 10 minutes without any support. 

They studied five chapters of theory about performing underwater skills in confined waters, passed a written exam and successfully performed four dives in open water up to 18-metre depth to earn their open water diver certification.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL & KARNATAKA: SPORTS / GOLF: Kavery Muthanna Represents India As A Golf Official At Asian Games

Mukkatira Kavery Muthanna, a resident of Mysuru, is currently serving as a member of the officiating team in the game of golf at the ongoing 19th Asian Games, which are taking place in Hangzhou, China. 

She holds a role in the Technical Rules Official team, which consists of 24 referees from various countries. The official rounds are scheduled to take place from Sept. 28 to Oct. 1 at the West Lake Golf Course in Hangzhou, featuring 121 players.

Kavery Muthanna is well-qualified, having completed the Level 3 Tournament Administrators and Referees Seminar (TARS) under the R&A. (R&A is a leading body within the world of golf and engages and supports activities to ensure it is a thriving sport for all on a global scale.) 

She has actively officiated various amateur and women’s professional golf tournaments in India, showcasing her expertise in the field. Her experience also extends to her role as a Rules Official at the 36th National Games in 2022, held in Ahmedabad.

In addition to her involvement in golf and sports officiating, Kavery Muthanna is part of the Kavery Education Trust in Virajpet and serves as its Chairperson. She is married to Mukkatira Manju Muthanna and is the daughter of Guddanda Kanthy and Nanda Ganapathy.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL & KARNATAKA: SPORTS :Asian Games 2023: Karnataka’s Aditi Ashok Wins Historic Silver In Golf For India

Indian shooters clinch gold and silver

Karnataka’s Golf star Aditi Ashok today bagged a historic Silver medal for India at the Asian Games 2023 after missing the Gold medal in Hangzhou.

Aditi finished the four-round event with a score of 17 under 271 to take the second prize. Thailand’s Arpichaya Yubol leapfrogged the Indian to take the Gold medal home.

Aditi was in the Gold medal contention on the final day of the contest as she had a 22-under score after three rounds. She was seven shots clear of Yubol but had a poor day with 5 over on the final day. However, Aditi Ashok is the first Indian woman to win a medal in golf at the Asiad.

Indian shooters won two medals, clinching gold and silver in men’s and women’s trap events. The Indian men’s team comprising of Kynan Chenai, Zoravar Singh Sandhu and Prithviraj Tondaiman has claimed gold in the Trap event on Sunday, October 1 to continue India’s fantastic run in shooting so far in the Asian Games 2023.

India were able to fend off competition from Kuwait and China to secure the top spot on the podium to take the tally in shooting to 21 medals with 7 gold, 9 silver and 5 bronze. In addition to the gold medal win Chenai and Sandhu have also qualified for the individual final as well.

The Indian trio secured 361 points in total as compared to Kuwait’s 352 and China’s 346.

Earlier in the day, India had won the silver medal in the women’s trap team event in shooting. The trio of Rajeshwari Kumari, Manisha Keer and Preeti Rajak finished second with 337 points, behind China.

So far (till 1.30 pm on Oct. 1), India stands 4th in the medal tally with 41 medals including 11 gold, 16 silver and 14 bronze.

Yesterday (Sept. 30), Rohan Bopanna and Rutuja Bhosale won gold in the Mixed Doubles after winning the third set tie-breaker against Chinese Taipei to secure India’s second medal in tennis after Ramkumar Ramanathan and Saketh Myneni’s silver in Men’s Doubles.

The Indian men’s team beat Pakistan men’s squash team event to give India its 10th gold in this Asian Games.

Sarabjot Singh and Divya Thadigol topped the qualification in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team but settled for a silver in the final, going down 14-16 to China.

In the men’s 10000m, Kartik Kumar and Gulveer Singh won silver and bronze, respectively.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL & NATIONAL & KARNATAKA: SPORTS / CRICKET: Siddaramaiah felicitates Gold Medal-Winning Indian Blind Women’s Cricket Team

 Chief Minister Siddaramaiah felicitated the members of the Indian blind women’s cricket team and the blind men’s cricket team from Karnataka at the Home Office Krishna on Friday.

The Indian blindwomen’s cricket team won the gold medal, and the blind men’s cricket team won silver medal in the IBSA World Cricket Tournament (Cricket for Bind) .

The Chief Minister felicitated the captain of the Indian blind women’s cricket team Varsha.U and team players, Deepika, Gangavva, and Prakash J, Sunil Kumar, Basappa Voddgol of the men’s team from Karnataka.

The visually challenged Indian women’s cricket team in August scripted history by winning a gold medal beatingAustraliaby nine wickets at the IBSA World Games.

The team of medal winning players led by Govinda Raju, the president of the Karnataka State Olympic Organisation and political secretary to the Chief Minister, met the Chief Minister and presented their demands.

The Chief Minister responded positively and assured tohold a separate discussion with Govindaraju and to takeappropriate decisions to fulfill their demands.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah interacted with the players and asked them interesting questions about the training the players get, how they recognize a ball, how many matches have they played, etc..

The Chief Minister’s Political Adviser Naseer Ahmed, Life President of Cricket Association for Blind India Mahantesh, CABI President Boosagowda and representatives of Samarthanam Trust were also present.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Karnataka team wins nine medals in National Sea Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddling event


Team Karnataka, under the leadership of Udupi-based Rohan R. Suvarna and comprising seven members, bagged nine medals in the recently concluded National Sea Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddling Championship-2023 at Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu.

The championship, conducted for the first time, was organised by the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association.

The Karnataka team bagged the medals in various events. Sinchana D. Gowda achieved an impressive feat, clinching four gold medals (one in the individual category and three in doubles), one silver, and four bronze medals. Anne Mathias secured three gold medals in the doubles category. Tharuna Kumar B.R. and M. Manjunatha Naik jointly won the bronze medal in the doubles category.

Karnataka team’s exceptional performance led the team to emerge as the runner-up champion. Dileep Kumar, secretary, Karnataka Canoeing and Kayaking Association, supported the athletes throughout this event.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)