Harsha Bharathkoti has become the second Grandmaster from Telangana having attained the mandatory ELO rating of 2500 during the on-going Gujarat International Grandmasters open chess tournament on Monday, according to his coach N.V.S. Rama Raju.
Raju, who also trained GM D. Harika, told The Hindu on Monday that the 17-year-old Harsha got all the three GM norms including the third one in Abu Dhabi Masters.
Now, Harsha will be now be officially conferred with the GM title having earned the eight points required after an impressive start to his campaign in the Gujarat Open. Arjun Erigaisi was the first player from Telangana to get the GM title.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sports> Other Sports / by V.V. Subrahmanyam / Hyderabad – October 08th, 2018
Secunderabad sailor wins Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award.
The INSV Tarini team with (inset)Lieutenant Commander Aishwarya Boddapati during their 254-day voyage circumventing the globe | Express
Hyderabad :
Secunderabad-based Navy sailor Lt Commander Aishwarya Boddapati who, along with five other Navy women, became the first to circumnavigate the world on a shipping vessel, was surprised when she learnt that she had won the Tenzing Norgay Award for Adventure.
“I couldn’t believe it. This is the highest award for adventure in the country,” a jubilant Boddapati told Express on Tuesday. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports informed the Lieutenant and the five other Naval officers via email late on Monday night. She is set to receive the award from President Ram Nath Kovind on September 25 at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.
She said, “The expedition was a gruelling challenge for all of us. It was never done before by women and we were given extensive physical, psychological and emotional training for six months before embarking upon the mission.”
She considers the Pacific Ocean to be the most gruelling part of her journey that spanned 254 days. “Even though we chose to circumnavigate around the world during the summer season, the average temperature in the Pacific Region was -six degree Celsius,” Bodapatti said.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New IndianExpress / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by Aihik Sur, Express News Service / September 19th, 2018
Two-time world champion S. Appoorwa being felicitated at Anand Nagar Welfare Association Sports Academy in the city.
Carrom player Appoorwa continues to evoke admiration with her consistent performance
The young as well as the champions, who have already made a mark in carrom, continue playing the game with the same passion shown by yesteryear stars in the last four decades.
Also, carrom is one sport that has helped players in the State get more jobs in government and public sector undertakings than some of the Olympic disciplines.
And two of the finest women stars – P. Nirmala and S. Appoorwa – continue to evoke awe and admiration with their consistent performances at all levels.
When Appoorwa, a two-time world champion, was felicitated at Anand Nagar Welfare Association Sports Academy during the on-going State championship, it was an acknowledgement of not just her achievements, but her efforts to keep the sport alive.
For the record, the Hyderabad Carrom Association, founded 42 years ago, has been a pioneer in sustaining the interest of many in the sport, thanks to the efforts its founder-president B.K. Haranath and general secretary S. Madan Raj.
Dreaming big
“It’s always nice to be felicitated by your fraternity. It keeps you going and dream big,” said Apporwa in a chat with The Hindu.
“My journey began way back in 1991 and I am glad that I keep playing the sport, thanks to the Association officials, my parents and my husband Kishore Kumar. It’s never easy to be an Administrative Officer (LIC), take care of your family and a growing kid (son Kanishk),” she said.
“I am not even thinking of life beyond carrom. I will keep playing as long as I can. It’s an integral part of my life,” said Appoorwa.
Decent job
Former SAARC champion D. Ravinder Goud says the best part is that many achievers are still assured of a decent job. “This is a biggest motivating factor for many to continue playing,” he said.
Former U.S. Open carrom champion, R.D. Dinesh Babu, said the increasing number of players was a tribute to the way the State association has been organising the events with such regularity over the decades.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Telangana / by V.V. Subrahmanyam / Hyderabad – October 02nd, 2018
Cricketer Arundhati Reddy is hopeful of winning T-20 Women’s World Cup to be held in West Indies this November.
On being selected to represent India in T-20 Women’s World Cup
M.S. Dhoni’s team winning the T-20 World Cup in 2007 was the inspiration for Arundhati Reddy to take up the sport and dream big.
Eleven years later, the 20-year-old cricketer is beaming with pride on being selected to represent India in the T-20 Women’s World Cup to be held in West Indies this November.
Huge opportunity
“I was expecting this to happen after my decent performances in the five T-20Is in Sri Lanka. I am thrilled at getting this huge opportunity,” said Arundhati, a junior clerk in South Central Railway.
Looking back at her debut series in Sri Lanka, Arundhati said getting the India cap from Mithali was the best part of her debut.
Interestingly, India captain in Tests Mithali Raj, who is also from SCR, and Arundhati are under the mentorship of coach R.V.S.S.R. Murthy.
“I feel it’s a great honour to play alongside such a great player and I hope to live upto the expectations,” said the all-rounder, who bowls medium-pace.
Learning experience
“In the days to come, I will be a more confident bowler having had the experience of playing for the country against Sri Lanka. In domestic cricket, you don’t really plan to sort out a batter, but at the international level, it was a different learning experience for me,” said the cricketer, who trains at St. John’s Sports Coaching Foundation.
And Arundhati watches the videos of India bowler Jaspreet Bumrah and hopes to master some of the tricks of the trade as she feels he is the best T-20 bowler, especially in death overs.
“The atmosphere in the dressing room was terrific as everyone in the team ensured that I was in a comfort zone. They just told me to go out and enjoy every moment,” she recalled.
What’s the next big dream? To win the World Cup, comes the instant reply from Arundhati, who credits her success to her mother Bhagya Reddy and brother Rohti Reddy, besides her coach.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport> Cricket / by V.V. Subrahmanyam / Hyderabad – September 29th, 2018
Sportspersons from the city being honoured at an event on Saturday.
Football legends and athletes felicitated by Ethic Sports Foundation
It was an evening when some of the football legends from the city went down memory lane while reflecting on the state of the sport.
On Saturday, Ethic Sports Foundation felicitated some of the finest sportspersons from the city, under the banner of ‘City of Heroes’, which also saw a sprinkling of outstanding women athletes like 2004 Athens Olympian J.J. Shobha, Arjuna Awardee and volleyballer Mulini Reddy and quite a few kabaddi players.
The objective of the event was to honour these stars of yesteryears and also remember the contribution of legendary football coach S.A. Rahim, who scripted India’s golden era in football.
Some of the speakers included sports historian and commentator Novy Kapadia, former sports scribe N. Ganesan, Olympians T. Balaram, M.S.S. Hameed, D.M.K. Afzal, S.S. Hakeem, son of late S.A. Rahim, renowned badminton coach and Dronacharya S.M. Arif, former SAI boxing coach Emani Chiranjeevi, hockey Olympians N. Mukesh Kumar and Edwards Alloysius, former India football captain Victor Amalraj, Mohd Habib, Shabbir Ali, rowing coach and Dronacharya Ismail Baig, Arjuna Awardee Mir Khasim Ali.
Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary to Telangana Government, was the chief guest.
To inspire youth
Kailash Nath Yadav, MD of Ethic Sports Foundation, said they hosted the event to inspire youth by showcasing the diverse nature of sports in Hyderabad along with highlighting the efforts of the greats like S.A. Rahim.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Special Correspondent / Hyderabad – September 15th, 2018
Jaahnavi Sriperambaduru holding the tricolour after conquering the virgin peak in Stok Ranges in Ladakh region.
Scales a virgin peak in Stok Ranges and names it after her family
For teenager Jaahnavi Sriperambaduru, it has been a unique experience of naming a summit ‘Mt. Sriperambuduru’, which is in the Stok Ranges of the Himalayas in Ladakh region on Monday.
Receiving technical support from Ladakh Mitra and guide Narbu Sherpa with Jimmy as partner, 16-year-old Jaahnavi, who was recently invited by Ladakh Mitra, achieved what is said to be another first in the adventure sport. Ladakh Mitra is one of the authorised trek operators who manage the whole of Stok Ranges.
Mission7Summit
Jaahnavi was invited to guide their clients and also be a part of her training for her Mission7Summit to Mt. Aconcagua in South America coming December and Mt. Everest in Asia in April 2019. Scaling the virgin peak in the Stok Ranges has been on the wish list of this young mountaineer.
Local tradition
And, Jaahnavi did not disappoint any as she and her team reached the summit at 11.00 a.m. on Monday and hoisted the Indian national flag. They also followed a local tradition of worshipping the mountain with incense sticks and special prayer flags blessed by the monks.
With this feat, Jaahnavi has become the youngest Indian girl ever to climb a virgin peak and name it after her family too!
“I would like to thank all the supporters and motivators who have been supporting, directly or indirectly, my mission. I would especially like to thank T-Sports Hub for encouraging me as I embark on my future trips to make the country and Telangana proud,” she signs off.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Telangana / by V.V. Subrahmanyam / Hyderabad – September 06th, 2018
To play league matches exclusively for Hyderabad Football Academy
The coming week, Hyderabad Football Academy (HFA) would become the only sports school in the city to have an under-15 football team that would exclusively play for it. Besides, the team would play for the academy in league matches at the national level approved by the All India Football Federation (AIFF). The U-15 tournaments hosted by the AIFF include Indian-league (I-league).
The team would be selected from a group of children who are already being trained at the academy. The HFA holds three regular training sessions for children in a week. The U-15 team would, however, be trained throughout the year.
According to HFA director Tejo Ananth Dasari, the team would start playing at the national level in 2019, after completing over six months of training in Hyderabad. “When they play in national tournaments, they get more exposure and their game improves. It also helps them improve their discipline and performance. Each of the States in the country, including Telangana, has about 40 U-15 teams, though a very few play at the national level. Each professional football club in India too has U-15 teams as they work as talent pool for the club,” said Mr. Dasari.
The HFA that feeds talent to Kerala Blasters also hopes to make its U-15 team rise to professional standards. “In Europe, U-15 players get to play a lot of matches at the national level. Our aim is to develop the same culture here,” Mr. Dasari explained.
The academy organised an U-14 and U-16 tournament in 2017 in which 22 teams participated. “Children who have talent should be encouraged to play league matches nationally as it makes them feel like a professional in some way. We want our U-15 team to play 11-a-side matches (11 players on each side),” Mr. Dasari said.
Most children’s football matches are held with five or seven players on each side. “The U-15 team will also play against children from different backgrounds. Students from government, private and public schools should play together so that we get to see the talent from rural districts too,” Mr. Dasari said.
The academy that was founded in 2014 also hopes to run residential facility for its team. “We hope to set up residential facility and develop our own ground in two years,” the HFA director said.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Nikhila Henry / Hyderabad – July 15th, 2018
Mountaineer Neelima Pudota at book release function.
Mithali Raj’s book Unguarded soon
Neelima Pudota, the first woman from Hyderabad to climb Mount Everest launched her book ‘From Everest with Love’ in an event at Dr.Y.S.R. National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Gachibowli recently.
Neelima, who penned her experience of scaling the peak in her book said it consisted of letters she wrote to her mother from the Everest. The objective behind compiling the letters into a book and publishing it is to share her experience with everyone, she said. The book would give the readers a virtual climb of the mountain, she said.
Mithali Raj, Captain of Indian Women’s Cricket team, released the book along with former MD and Vice Chairman of SAAP G. Rekha Rani. The SAAP had supported Neelima’s expedition to the Mount Everest.
Neelima’s mountaineering equipment on display got a lot of curious audience followed by a book signing session by the author.
The book is available for purchase on Amazon.in and Flipkart. Mithali Raj whose book ‘Unguarded’ due for release in October, shared her own journey.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Special Correspondent / Hyderabad – July 11th, 2018
This couple’s road trip across 19 countries proves that age is just a number.
Dr Rajesh Kadakia and Dr Darshana Kadakia
63-year-old Dr Rajesh Kadakia and his 60-year-old wife Dr Darshana Kadakia are poised to enter the Guinness Book of World Records for being the first couple to travel across the world in a modified Toyota SUV.
After having travelled 3,400 km, through 19 countries, in 62 days, they have finally arrived in Hyderabad on June 13 in their Land Cruiser.
“This has been an epic journey. People have travelled from Bangalore to London, and from London to Mumbai. But there is no record of anyone having travelled from California to India,” Dr Rajesh says.
The physician from California who has roots in Secunderabad calls his journey a “home run”. “For me to leave my home in the US and come to my mother’s home in Secunderabad is like hitting a home run,” he says.
An avid traveller from a young age, Dr Rajesh was deeply influenced by his uncle Kiran Modi, a regular participant in the Himalayan car rally. “Initially, I was his navigator until I managed to get involved with the Himalayan car rally myself,” he says. The couple left the comfort of their home in California to take on this “epic” adventure two months ago. Their unconventional travels took them to Russia, China, and Tibet, before bringing them to India. “We had to get visas, permits, and a host of other documentation, as well as prepare the vehicle to handle the journey,” they say.
Yet, the regulatory requirements of the countries that they passed through imposed a significant burden on them. “Crossing every border checkpoint was a challenge. In Russia, every single item in our car was taken out and thrown on the road. We underwent the same grilling at the entry and exit points of Mongolia,” Dr Rajesh says.
They chose not to publicise their trip due to security reasons. “Because of the geopolitical areas that we were passing through as American citizens, we avoided publicity,” he adds.
One of the biggest challenges they faced was travelling through high-altitude areas. “We had significant difficulty crossing high-altitude regions. We crossed the Mt Everest base camp, Kailash, Mansarovar, and Tung La Pass in Tibet. We had to travel through difficult conditions created by snow, mud, and dirt. The risk of engine failure and freezing to death were very real,” he says.
Being vegetarians didn’t make matters easier for them. But they still managed, somehow. “We had a tough time getting vegetarian food in Mongolia and China. Our pressure cooker and electric heater weren’t working in the high altitude — food just wasn’t getting cooked, so we had to survive on raw foods alone.”
Thankfully, being doctors, they were able to understand and treat their own altitude sickness. They remained in touch with their son throughout. “I have a government GPS system and cameras. We were communicating with our son in the US. He always had an idea of where we were, based on government satellites, which worked well even when we were without an internet connection,” he says.
Be it despite or because of the hardships that they had to face, the road trip seems to have made a lasting impact on the couple. “As far as we know, this is the first car to have left California and arrived in India with the flags of both countries on its bonnet,” Dr Rajesh says.
source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Lifestyle> Viral and Trending / by Swati Sharma / June 14th, 2018
Eyes medal in Commonwealth Championship this month-end
R. Raja Rithvik inched one step closer to realising his dream of becoming an International Master (IM) when he achieved his second IM norm in the just-concluded Mumbai Mayors Cup chess championship.
The 10th standard student of Orchids International School (Jubilee Hills) scored 6.5 points in 10 rounds, winning four, drawing five and losing only one in a championship which featured seven Grandmasters. Significantly, the city’s young talent outwitted one of them — Ukraine’s Neverov Valeriy — and his only loss was against an Indian Grandmaster, Diptyan Ghosh.
Rithvik, 14, also improved his ELO rating, moving to 2,340 from 2,296 picking 46 points. “It was an immensely satisfying event for me as it featured 200 players and some of the strongest ones too,” he says with a big smile.
In April this year, Rithvik clinched his first IM norm in the Bangkok Open championship with 6.5 points from nine rounds and now needs only more norm to become the International Master. “I am confident of becoming one very soon. I know what are the challenges ahead and I will prepare accordingly. The Mumbai Cup was a huge experience, given the quality of players I faced,” says Rithvik.
His progress was not surprising given the fact that he won five gold in the recently-concluded Asian Youth championship in the under-14 category — winning two in individual events of classical and blitz formats, three gold in team events of all three formats including Rapid.
“My next big goal is to win a medal in the Commonwealth Championship this month-end and then prepare for the World Youth championship in Greece this October,” he says.
He credits his coach ‘Raju sir’ (N.V.S. Rama Raju, who also trained GM Dronavalli Harika among other big names). “There is a constant endeavour on my part to keep improving and I am confident of being a much better player with improved variety in openings, middle and end-games,” says Rithvik.
Sports Authority of Telangana State chairman A. Venkateshwar Reddy felicitated the young chess talent on Tuesday.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Telangana / by V.V. Subrahmanyam / Hyderabad – June 12th, 2018
