Monthly Archives: October 2017

A prolific batsman’s innings cut short

Leaders, Records, All, Sports
Former India cricketer V.V.S. Laxman with M.V. Sridhar. | Photo Credit: V_V_SUBRAHMANYAM

Contemporaries remember Sridhar’s 366-run Ranji innings

The cricketing fraternity was in for a shock on Monday with the demise of former Hyderabad Ranji captain M.V. Sridhar. He was a role model for any budding cricketer playing in the HCA leagues as he evolved into one of the best batsmen in Ranji Trophy having started playing in the B-Division League.

A prolific run-getter in his playing days and a wonderful communicator because of his fluency in English and Hindi.

One of the high-points of Sridhar’s illustrious Ranji career was his 366 against Andhra when Hyderabad scored then record-breaking score of 944 for six declared at Gymkhana in January, 1994. The same innings also saw Vivek Jaisimha and Noel David score double centuries!.

And, one of the most visibly shaken cricketers was Noel David, who was Sridhar’s partner when history was scripted at Gymkhana.

“I can never forget that match and I am eternally grateful to Doc (as Sridhar is affectionately called in the cricketing circles). The few times I went for the strokes, he shouted at me – teherke khelna, lamba bari khelna (stay there and play a long innings). It was just because of him I could score a double century,” said Noel struggling to control his emotions in a chat with The Hindu. “I miss him more than anyone else,” he said.

Interestingly, former HCA Secretary D.S. Chalapathi, who was a witness to that historic batting display, recalls that Sridhar was actually a selfless cricketer who never cared for records. “If he wanted to bat on, he could have easily been cautious and scored 400 and more on that day. But, he decided to score quick runs and declared the innings to try for an improbable win,” he said.

Ironically, for someone who always believed in playing a long innings out there in the middle, destiny deemed otherwise and cut short what has been a truly brilliant cricketing career – as a first-class player and also dotted with his impeccable behaviour in handling some of the most demanding jobs at the highest level in the BCCI as General Manager (Operations) and with the Indian team too as manager.

By all means, HCA will miss a gentleman cricketer, a sober voice for sure.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by V.V.Subrahmanyam / Hyderabad – October 31st, 2017

Stanford, Harvard universities vie for Hyderabad student Amita Gondi

Education, Records, All, Sports, World Opinion

Amita is squash, swimming champion who aced competitive exams.

Amita Gondi

Hyderabad:

While other students struggle to secure seats at reputed universities, Amita Gondi from Hyderabad is spoilt for choice. This grade XII student of Oakridge International School has received offer letters from Harvard as well as Stanford.

Amita plays squash and racquetball at the international level and is a national-level swimmer. She has many awards to her name and is currently ranked first in India, in squash, in the girls under-17 category. She has finished in the top three at major tournaments including the 2016 US Junior Squash Open, the 2015 Canada Junior Open and the 2016 Canada Junior Open.

Amita received a letter from Harvard University in July 2017, inviting her to visit their campus and finalise the admissions process. She then received an offer from Stanford University, which she accepted earlier this month. Luke Hammond, the assistant coach of the Harvard University Men’s and Women’s Squash Teams, had written to Amita in July, asking her to visit the campus for an official visit and interview, upon which her acceptance would be dependent.

Subsequent to her visit, she received a letter from Stanford which read, “It is a tribute to your outstanding achievements as a student-athlete that our Department of Athletics has requested an early review of your application for admission to Stanford for Fall 2018. I am delighted to share this good news with you ahead of our regular notification period. We offer congratulations on your distinguished accomplishments and welcome you to Stanford.”

Ranked first in India in the girls under-17 category

SAT Score: 1530 (Math: 800, English: 730)

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Current Affairs / by Anusha Puppala, Deccan Chronicle / October 30th, 2017

Kidambi Srikanth wins French Open Super Series

Records, All, Sports, World Opinion
Dominant: K. Srikanth, who is on a winning spree, exults after taking the French Open with ease on Sunday.

Having already completed a hat-trick of Super Series titles, Srikanth won his fourth title of the season.

India’s Kidambi Srikanth’s dream season continued as he brushed aside the challenge of Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto in straight games to win the French Open Super Series men’s singles title, in Paris on Sunday.

Having already completed a hat-trick of Super Series titles, Srikanth won his fourth title of the season.

Srikanth, seeded eight in the tournament, took just 34 minutes to get the better of his Japanese opponent 21-14 21-13 in the summit clash.

The win ensured Srikanth, who played his fifth Super Series final this season, bag his second consecutive title in two weeks after winning the Denmark Open in Odense last week.

Srikanth, thus, became only fourth men’s singles player to win four or more Super Series titles in a calendar year.

Going by Srikanth’s current form, it was expected to be a one-sided summit clash and it turned out to be one, except for the first few points of the opening game which was a neck-and-neck fight between the two shuttlers.

It was Nishimoto, who started brightly to race to a 9-5 lead before Srikanth fought back to draw level at 9-9.

From there on it was no looking back as the Indian used his court coverage and superior technique to take a 14-10 lead.

Nishimoto did manage to take some points to reduce the margin to 15-14 before Srikanth used his experience at the highest level to pocket six straight points and win the first game.

Srikanth continued his good form in the second game and won five straight points to take a commanding 10-2 lead.

Nishimoto tried his best to force a comeback and managed to reduce the margin to 13-8 but the Indian showed his class and superiority in crunch situations to keep his lead intact and win the game 21-13 and claim his second consecutive title in as many weeks.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport> Other Sports / PTI / Paris – October 29th, 2017

TS woman carrom player wins both singles, doubles titles

Sports
U. Sarita Devi receiving prize for winning singles and doubles titles at 22nd All India Postal Carrom Tournament at Victory Playground in the city on Friday.By Arrangement

U. Sarita Devi of Telangana bagged a ‘double’ winning the women’s singles and doubles titles in the 22nd All India Postal Carrom Tournament at Victory Playground here on Friday.

In the final, she defeated A. Ponnarasi (T.N.) 18-14, 18-10. Later, she combined well with A. Ramasri to down Ponnarasi and Asha Padmanabhan of Tamil Nadu (23-5, 20-8) in the doubles final.

Brig. B. Chandrasekhar, Chief PMG (Telangana Circle), and P.V.S. Reddy, PMG, Headquarters Region, Col. Elisha, PMG Hyderabad Region, Y. Upender, Director of Postal Services, Hyderabad Region, and V.V.S.N. Reddy, Director of Postal Services (Hqrs), Telangana Circle, gave away the prizes.

The results

Men: Singles: Final: Bharatidasan (T.N.) beat G.D. Kishore Kumar (T.N.) 20-19, 25-11.

Third place: K. Tamil Selvam (T.N.) beat V. Sivananda Reddy (Telangana) 25-8, 22-25, 25-4.

Doubles: Final: Bharathidasan and G.D. Kishore Kumar (T.N.) beat M. Suman and Silambarasan (T.N.) 22-20, 16-3.

Third place: Tamil Selvan and Dharani Kumar (T.N.) beat J.L. Syamsundar and V. Rajesh (Karnataka) 25-5, 25-0.

Women: Singles: Final: U. Savitha Devi (Telangana) beat A. Ponnarasi (T.N.) 18-14, 18-10.

Third place: Maitreyee Sarkar (West Bengal) beat T. Bhanu (Telangana) 25-9, 17-19, 25-9.

Doubles: Final: U. Savitha Devi and A. Ramasri (Telangana) beat Ponnarasi & Asha Padmanabhan (T.N.) 23-5, 20-8.

Third place: R.M. Bhoir and Bhagyasri Rani (Maha) beat Monica Paul and Mythreyi Sarkar (West Bengal) 25-6, 13-25, 25-12.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Telangana / by V.V. Subrahmanyam / Hyderabad – October 28th, 2017

Certificate man vies for top slot at Delhi record holders’ meet

Records, All
Tushar Pillai holds the record for 111 different certifications

Hyderabad :

Tushar Pillay , 33, is all set to represent Hyderabad at the ‘Indian Record Holders at World Stage’ to be held in New Delhi on November 12, for being in top 100 record holders among eight different Asian countries.

Tushar Pillai holds the record for having 111 different certifications. He applied to the Indian Book of Records in June 2016 with the aim of spreading awareness about different methods of knowledge acquisition in the nation.

“In India, we have restricted ourselves to attaining formal education through universities. My aim is to sensitize people about how there is a world of diplomas and certified courses untapped by the country today which provide you with quality education as well,” said Tushar.

Tushar said his interest in collecting certificates goes way back to his school days where he first received his 100 metres running race merit certificate. “What started off as a hobby has now become a passion of mine through which I want to represent my country ,” added Tushar.

The road to the acquisition of these certificates wasn’t easy . From participating in different training pro grams to being part of events and competitions, Tushar acquired 111 varied certifications by the end of August’16 while having a full-time job at Tata Telecommunications.

With certifications like CCNA, Six Sigma Green and Yellow Belt, Diabetic Educator and Trainer amongst many other varied diplomas Tushar believed in keeping an open mind about knowledge.`I don’t want to compartmentalize my expertise. If there are opportunities out there why not grab them,” he added.

When asked about his future plans, Tushar was very clear,”I want to expand beyond these 8 Asian countries. I am planning on applying for Guinness Book of Records once this event is underway.”

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> City News> Hyderabad News / TNN / October 28th, 2017

Bentley launches showroom in Hyderabad

Business & Economy, Records, All

The company sees South India as a high growth area with tremendous potential for its future business.

Hyderabad:

Adding another feather to Hyderabad’s high-end car showrooms, Bentley India announced the launch of its latest showroom and service centre here on Friday. The showroom located in Jubilee Hills area is the third such centre in India after Delhi and Mumbai.

The company sees South India as a high growth area with tremendous potential for its future business. “Bentley India is optimistic about growth in South India and when we feel the market is large enough, we would open newer showrooms and workshops in other southern cities,” said Satya Bangla, MD, Exclusive Motors – which is the exclusive dealer of Bentley in India.

The company is currently selling and promoting the company’s four model lines- the new Continental GT, Flying Spur, Bentayga and Mulsanne in India.

source: http://www.telanganatoday.com / Telangana Today / Home> Hyderabad / by Telangana Today / October 27th, 2017

Hyderabad IT institute working on components of driverless car

Education, Science & Technology

Hyderabad :

The International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad (IIIT-H) is working on components of driverless car technologies.

“We are actually working on components of driverless car. We are not hoping that the car will be running on Hyderabad roads without a driver,” IIIT-H director P J Narayanan told reporters.

But it is a problem that practically every good group in the world is working. It poses several academic challenges,” he said.

Though the goal is a driverless car, the research into the subject would help understand many other things, he said.

“Driverless car, that’s our goal. It’s not easy to have a driverless car on Indian roads… But, the purpose is you develop technologies for it, you learn a lot for other things.

“Instead of driverless car, how can you make our car safer. How can you help our drivers with automatic help…,” he said.

The institute is working on a project for providing data on the condition of roads in Hyderabad to the government agencies, Narayanan said.

Under the project, a car fitted with cameras is proposed to be sent on the roads and the cameras would capture images on the condition of roads.

“…Just send a car with a video. Not driverless. Somebody driving it. And the car will record the video and at the back end information algorithms will detect where are the problem points. This information will help GHMC (Hyderabad civic body) or government to collect,” he said.

The institute runs a car with the technology within its campus under controlled conditions as part of its research, he said.

source: http://www.economictimes.indiatimes.com / The Economic Times / ET Home> Industry> Auto> News> Industry / PTI / October 24th, 2017

Bullet train logo has Hyderabad youth’s stamp

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Records, All

Hyderabad :

The logo designed by a 27-year-old city youth will adorn India’s first high speed rail network project, namely the bullet train connecting Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Chakradhar Aalla, a resident of Lakdi-ka pul, bagged the first prize in the logo designing contest held by the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL).

At a function organised in New Delhi on Wednesday Chakradhar was presented Rs 1 lakh by renowned architect and painter Satish Gujral, who also headed the judges’ panel in the contest. It took Chakradhar three weeks to design the logo.

Chakradhar, a second year PG graphic designing student at the National Institute of Design (NID) in Ahmedabad, said, “It was a very encouraging experience and a great learning opportunity for me. I found a whole new platform for creative exploration.” He had earlier graduated in architecture from the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Trichy.

The Cheetah-inspired design indicates the high speed of the bullet train. The symbolic portrayal represents the movement of the bullet train as it charges through all the stations aerodynamically. The dots connected with the train at the top of the logo symbolises the services of the NHSRCL, which unlike other high speed rail services, also caters to short distance travellers with several halts. Blue, red and grey colours have been used in the design process to signify safety, speed and comfort respectively.

Chakradhar’s father Aalla Sivakoti Prasad said, “I feel proud that my son was awarded by a legendary person like Gujral. It is a great opportunity to be associated with an organisation like NHSRCL. May he achieve success in fulfilling his dream of making learning enjoyable for schoolkids to help improve education standards.”

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/ The Times of India / News> City News> Hyderabad News / TNN / October 26th, 2017

Five Hyderabad players in Board President’s XI team

Sports

Hyderabad :

Happy days are here again for Hyderabad cricket. After a lull of many years, things are really looking up for the cricketers of the state. On Monday, promising paceman Mohd Siraj found a berth in the Indian T20I team for the series against Sri Lanka next month and five other players too were rewarded by the National Senior Selection Committee as they found a place in the Board President’s XI which will take on the visitors in a two-day warm-up game in Kolkata on November 11 & 12.

Southpaws B Sandeep and Tanmay Agarwal, leggie Akash Bhandari and medium pacers CV Milind and Ravi Kiran have been included in the Naman Ojha led 13-member squad.

After their stupendous show last year when they reached the quarterfinals of the Ranji Trophy, the Hyderabad senior team started the season with a bang by notching up back-to-back titles in the form of the Moin-ud Dowlah Gold Cup at home and then claiming the Buchi Babu Trophy in Chennai.

Though rain played spoilsport as their games against Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh were washed out without a ball being bowled, Monday’s development will bring a lot of cheer in the camp as the team takes on Karnataka in their four-day Group A match in Shimoga from Tuesday.

“It is a great news for Hyderabad cricket. The hard work put in by the players has borne fruit. After a very long time six players have been selected by the Indian selectors. This is a red-letter day for Hyderabad cricket. I am glad about it and wish the players all the very best. We look forward to produce many more players who will don Indian colours,” Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) secretary T Shesh Narayan, who has been camping in Mumbai for the last few days and played a key role in bringing to the notice of the selectors the players’ performances, told TOI over the telephone.

“I am delighted with the call-up. It is a great feeling to be considered for playing against a visiting international team. I just look forward to the game and will take it as it comes. I have no particular goals as such. I just want to do well for the team and gain from the experience,” said Sandeep, who had got 612 runs with a highest of 203 not out last year in the Ranji Trophy. The southpaw had scored on century on debut against Jharkhand in 2010.

“It’s just a learning step for me. The dream is always to play for the country but there is no time frame for it. I just want to keep scoring runs and wait for my opportunity,” said another southpaw Tanmay.

Both the players were happy that five of them have been selected for the Board President XI’s and also for the inclusion of teammate Siraj in the Indian squad. “It has been a long time since so many players from Hyderabad have made it to the big league. I am delighted about Siraj and also about us playing in the Board President XI’s game. I am sure that this will inspire our team to continue to do well this season too,” said Tanmay.

“I am thrilled that almost half of the team will be from Hyderabad. It is nice to have familiar faces in the dressing room. We hope to make an impact in the game,” said Sandeep.

The team: Naman Ojha (Capt/WK), Sanju Samson, Jiwanjot Singh, B Sandeep, Tanmay Agarwal, Abhishek Gupta, Rohan Prem, Akash Bhandari, Jalaj Saxena, CV Milind, Avesh Khan, Sandeep Warrier, Ravi Kiran.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> Sports News> Cricket News / Soloman s Kumar / TNN / October 23rd, 2017

Denmark Open: Kidambi Srikanth wins third Super Series title

Records, All, Sports, World Opinion
Srikanth beat a man 12 years his senior | Photo Credit: Reuters

Beats Korean veteran Lee Hyun II 21-10 21-5 in a match that lasted just 25 minutes

Kidambi Srikanth clinched his third Super Series Premier title with a dominating straight-game victory over Korean veteran Lee Hyun II in a lopsided final of the USD 750,000 Denmark Open here on Sunday.

Playing an opponent 12 years his senior, Srikanth asserted his dominance with a 21-10 21-5 win over 37-year-old Lee in a match that lasted just 25 minutes here.

World No. 8 Srikanth didn’t give any chances to the more experienced Lee, who looked a pale shadow of the man, who had beaten World No. 2 Son Wan Ho in the semi-finals yesterday.

The duo were tied 4-4, before Srikanth changed gears and used his deception and powerful smashes to lead 9-5.

A return going to the net gave a point to Lee but Srikanth produced a brilliant cross court net dribble to bamboozle his opponent and moved into the break with a healthy 11-6 lead when the Korean went wide.

Lee had no answers to Srikanth’s razor-sharp smashes and cross court returns as the Indian led 14-8. Lee also made judgement errors at the baseline and also miscued his strokes as Srikanth extended his advantage to 17-8 with another smash.

The Korean hit two long shots and then sent one at the net to hand over a 20-8 lead to Srikanth.

The Indian made two unforced errors to allow Lee get into doubles figures. But Lee again erred with the length of his return as Srikanth pocketed the first game.

In the second game, Srikanth stepped on the gas and zoomed to a 11-1 lead even as Lee struggled with his strokes, hitting wide and long and often finding the net.

Post mid-game break, Lee produced a steep cross court return, much to the cheer of the sizable crowd who had turned out to watch the finals. The Korean lacked anticipation as Srikanth smashed his way to the title.

Ratchanok Inthanon takes title

Earlier, 2013 World Champion Ratchanok Inthanon produced another gritty display to stave off the challenge from World No. 5 and defending champion Akane Yamaguchi of Japan 14-21 21-15 21-19 to win her first title of the season.

“I didn’t think about winning or losing. I just wanted to give my best for our beloved King, who passed away last year. It has been difficult for us and I am happy I could find the mental strength and power to win today,” a teary-eyed Inthanon said.

Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world’s longest- reigning monarch, had passed away last year after 70 years as head of state.

Among other matches, Hong Kong’s eighth seeded mixed doubles pair of Tang Chun Man and Tse Ying Suet, who had clinched the 2012 Japan Open Super Series, notched up their maiden major title.

They defeated top-seeded Chinese combo of Zheng Siwei and Chen Qingchen 24-22 19-21 23-21 in a thrilling contest that lasted a little less than an hour.

Korea’s women’s doubles pair of Lee So Hee and Shin Seung Chan, who had won the 2014 World championship bronze medal at Denmark, dished out another sensational performance to outwit Japanese sixth seeds Shiho Tanaka and Koharu Yonemoto 21-13 21-16 to clinch the title.

Chinese pair of Liu Cheng and Zhang Nan, seeded fifth, defeated second seeded Indonesian combo of Marcus Fernaldi Gideon and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo 21-16 22-24 21-19 in the men’s doubles final clash.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport> Other Sport / by PTI / Odense – October 22nd, 2017