Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao has complimented ace shuttler Saina Nehwal on her winning the China Open Series women’s singles badminton title on Sunday.
In a statement, Mr. Rao said it was third title of the season for Ms. Saina, who is settled in Hyderabad, and second super series title. The sportspersons of Hyderabad are an inspiration to Telangana State which is trying to overcome all adversities to be in the forefront of progress, he said.
The success of women players in particular would inspire and infuse confidence among girls of Telangana in different walks of life, he hoped.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / Hyderabad – November 17th, 2014
The 15-year-old will represent India at the prestigious Wisdom 2014 World Junior Championship in Shanghai later this month.
Gifted table tennis player Akula Sreeja, a product of the Global Table Tennis Academy here, has been named to represent India in the prestigious Wisdom 2014 World Junior Championship, which will be held in Shanghai from November 30 to December 7.
The 15-year-old champion youngster happens to be the sole representative from Telangana to be selected for the event, which is said to be the third-biggest after Olympics and the World Championship. Sreeja’s parents A. Praveenand A. Sai Sudha were delighted at the news and hoped their daughter would continue to surprise many.
Coached by Somnath Gosh, Sreeja’s selection got a boost when she recently won the National Ranking (East Zone) Table Tennis Championships in Durgapur. Other girls in the Indian team include Ayhika Mukharjee (West Bengal), Shruti Vijay Amrute (Maharashtra) and Riti Shankar (New Delhi).
“Playing on any big stage gives players like me a very good exposure,” said Sreeja.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Special Correspondent / Hyderabad – November 12th, 2014
Ambati Rayudu after completing his century during the 2nd ODI cricket match against Sri Lanka in Ahmedabad on Thursday. – Photo: PTI
Ambati Rayudu has had a bumpy ride in cricket, but 12 years after his heroics in the under-19 made him the next big thing in Indian cricket, he is here to stay. For someone who often gave the impression that he lacked the discipline required for the big league, Rayudu has come a long way.
When he walks on to the field for the third one-dayer against Sri Lanka here on Sunday, Ambati Rayudu will have a hearty laugh at how much life has changed over the past 12 years.
From being almost a forgotten batting talent till a few years ago, to being the toast of the nation on Thursday – the right-handed batsman notched up his maiden ODI century against Sri Lanka in his 21st match, for which he was adjudged ‘player of the match’ – the 29-year-old has seen it all.
Arguably the most gifted batsman from the ‘City of Pearls’ after the elegant V.V.S. Laxman, Rayudu has had a chequered career and is now making a late impression on critics.
For someone who often gave the impression that he lacked the discipline required for the big league, Rayudu has come a long way.
Shifting base to Baroda to play Ranji Trophy in 2010 may have been one foot forward, but joining the Sachin Tendulkar-led Mumbai Indians in the IPL, he says, was the defining phase.
The change in attitude and the hunger for success were two striking features that set apart this phase from the past. And he is clearly basking in all glory for all the hard work put in with the Mumbai outfit.
It was in 2002 when Rayudu had that amazing run in England with the India under-19 team. Many predicted that he would don the India colours almost immediately.
But that it took almost a decade for him to break into the Indian team was perhaps a reflection of how an indifferent State Association can mar an original genius.
A combination of Rayudu’s inability to stay away from avoidable aspects in a cricketer’s career and the way many ‘enjoyed’ watching his career almost drift away during his early years, was a forgetful chapter in his career.
Now, at the peak of a dream run, and almost assured of a berth in the Indian World Cup team – he is a brilliant fielder too – Rayudu can only look one way.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by V.V. Subrahmanyam / Hyderabad – November 08th, 2014
Sports Coaching Foundation is reaching out to promote sporting activity in Government schools
Sports Coaching Foundation (at Masab Tank, Hyderabad ) has embarked on an innovative project ‘Build India Through Sports’ whichaims at not only spreading awareness about sports in select Government Schools but also ensure that a sports-friendly ambience is created on the premises with the hope of a continuity for sports activity.
“We initially hold discussions with the School management involving the Physical Education Teacher which is almost like a seminar and try to explain the importance of having sporting activity on their premises which should also result in better academic results. Recreation should be part of any curriculum,” feels K. Sai Baba, general secretary of the SCF which has already reached out to 50 such schools where some of the students who have never seen any sports equipment of quality are already getting a feel of what it is.
The second step, depending on the response of the schools, involves a visit by the coaching faculty armed with the basic sports equipment to give some sort of demo out on the sports arenas to lure students into sporting activity. “Mind you, this is not a commercial venture but purely funded by the NGO which is a non-profit organisation supported by crucial wings of the State government including the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation since 1991,” reminds Sai, a former Andhra Ranji cricketer and also Executive Committee member of the Hyderabad Cricket Association.
The project involves educating the children about the stupendous sporting achievements like five-time World women’s boxing champion Mary Kom, especially among the exclusive girls schools to provide the right dose of inspiration. “Yes, it is a fact that some of them don’t even have a level playing field, leave alone play facilities. That is exactly why we are trying to reach out by installing make-shift basketball rings, levelling whatever play area is available. We have provided dozens of footballs and basketballs to many schools already to see that there is some activity,” explains the SCF general secretary.
What is the reason for this project to take off? “From my own experience, it is the Government schools which lack the desired impetus and support. So, I thought let us start from there to cater to the lower strata of the society,” he replies.
The whole project is being pursued with sheer passion within the SCF’s limited financial resources and without any corpus fund for the same, he insists, adding, “We will be more than happy if there is sporting activity throughout the year; the SCF is always there to help any school in this regard.”.
In a way it is a concept which uses sports as a tool to facilitate personality development and develop human values, with the help of the success stories of champions like Sania Mirza, Saina Nehwal are explained to the children. Also, school students have a platform by way of free-entry to events which the SCF conducts to showcase their skills and dream big.
Sai Baba points out that the response was really good in some schools like Sabdaria Girls High School (Mehdipatnam) which has 1200 students and the Errum Manzil Government High School. “It gives us immense pleasure that now many Government Schools are making use of the equipment we donated and also the basic infrastructure like creating volleyball, basketball, kho kho and kabaddi courts too,” he says.
Interestingly, many of the Government School students too get a feel of the bowling machine of the SCF, incidentally the first organization in India to get this way back in early 90s, digital speed gun. “We hope to contribute in our own small way for the promotion of sports. This is an on-going project,” signs off the SCF official.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> Metro Plus> Society / by V.V. Subrahmanhyam / November 05th, 2014
Ayush Rudraraju, the young shooter from Hyderabad who represented India in the ISSF Junior Cup shotgun championship in Buhl (Germany). / by Special Arrangement / The Hindu
The 13-year-old shooter is the youngest to qualify for the Nationals
At 13, Ayush Rudraraju can well afford a smile and dream big. He has managed to set yet another ‘first’ – he is the youngest shooter to qualify for the Nationals by notching up a Zonal record score of 117\125 in the junior men’s skeet category of the sixth South Zone shotgun championship, held at the Central University Sports Authority of Telangana shooting ranges here on Friday.
For the record, Ayush is also the youngest Olympic skeet shooter in India and is coached and mentored by his father, Rajeev Kumar.
An eighth standard student of Oakridge International School, Ayush is widely tipped to be one of the best young talents in shooting, which was amply demonstrated even when he took part in the ISSF Junior World Cup last year.
“Now, I am thinking of the different level after the Zonal performance,” says the articulate Ayush, who is clearly chasing bigger goals on the shooting front.
What is most impressive about this young talent is that he won the gold in the junior men’s skeet category (individual), team event and a silver in the senior men’s skeet category too.
With shooters from six southern States taking part, the fact that Ayush held his own to make another impact on the sport, has made many critics at the range take note of his prodigious talent.
“More importantly, I have qualified for the 58 Nationals to be held in Patiala from November 14 and 27. This gives me a real feel of what it means to be in the big league,” says a delighted Ayush after today’s achievement.
Not surprisingly, this young shooter is already aiming for a slot in the Indian team. He is looking forward to the qualification events for the Junior World Cup, the Asian meets which start next January.
“Yes, I am aware of the huge task ahead. But at the same time, I am pretty pleased with the way things are going. I love this sport and want to make it big,” he says.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by V.V.Subrahmanyam / Hyderabad – November 02nd, 2014
The Uttar Pradesh senior One Day squad that will take part in the Vijay Hazare Trophy today saw former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin’s son Mohammed Asaduddin being included just after appearing for trials at the state team’s nets a week back.
Asaduddin or better known as Abbas is a left-hander, who was a part of the Hyderabad U-22 squad, back in 2010, but could not break into the senior squad in these years.
Mohammed Asaduddin is…)
Asaduddin also gave trials in various IPL franchises including Kolkata Knight Riders back in 2009 without much success.
Today UPCA general manager Rohit Talwar today named the 15-member squad today and a lot of eyebrows were raised after finding Asaduddin’s name in the squad led by India discard Piyush Chawla.
It must be mentioned in this regard that Asaduddin appeared for state team’s trials a week earlier and now has been drafted into a senior state team within a week.
Squad: Piyush Chawla (captain), Akshdeep Nath, Prashant Gupta, Praveen Kumar, R P Singh, Ali Murtaza, Mukul Dagar, Ekalavya Dwivedi (wk), Amit Mishra Jr, Parvinder Singh, Ankit Rajpoot, Tanmay Srivastava, Kuldeep Yadav, Umang Sharma, Mohammed Asaduddin, Imtiyaz Ahmed, Dipendra Pandit, Israr Azim Khan.
source: http://www.articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com / The Economic Times / Home> Sports / PTI / October 31st, 2014
Weightlifter Ragala Venkata Rahul, showing his silver medal he won in the recent Youth Olympics in China to his parents in Hyderabad. Photo: V.V. Subrahmanyam / The Hindu
Weightlifter Ragala Venkata Rahul is set to make his maiden foray into the big league at the World Senior championship in Almaty
For Ragala Venkata Rahul, the journey to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics begins when this gifted weightlifter from the Telangana Sports School competes in his maiden World Senior championship to be held in Almaty (Kazakhstan) from November 4 in the first week of November. The only other weightlifter from this part of India to make it to the meet is Matsa Santoshi in the women’s section.
This is will be his maiden foray into what his coaches S. A. Singh and Pachipala Manikyalu confess should be the most challenging assignment. The 17-year-old weightlifter continues to be the star performer from the Sports School on international platforms.
Some of Rahul’s major accomplishments in the last one year have been gold medals in the Youth Asian, Junior Asian and Junior Commonwealth championships. Yet for someone who picked India’s only medal in the recent Youth Olympics in Nanjing (China) when he clinched the silver in the 77 kg category with an effort of 316 kg (141+175), the Almaty meet should be a huge learning curve. “Yes, it is going to be very, very difficult. But at the same time, it is the kind of challenge I am glad to be facing well ahead of the Rio Olympics,” says Rahul.
With the World Championship also being one of the many qualification events for the Rio Olympics, Rahul feels there will be some pressure. “Yes, the training has bee really intense in the national camp and the coaches are doing a wonderful job in helping us all (the 14 weightlifters selected for the Worlds). But again, it all depends on how well we adapt to the conditions, atmosphere and face the pressure factor too,” the champion weightlifter explains.
Inspired by Karnam Malleswari, India’s first-ever woman medallist in Olympics (weightlifting bronze in 2000 Sydney Games), Rahul has definitely bigger dreams to chase. “Representing India in the Olympics is my ultimate goal. Given the way things have been moving so far in the circuit, I am confident, if not over-confident, of making it big,” says Rahul.
Rahul is aware that whatever he had won so far including the three gold medals in the Asian Youth Championship and two medals in the IWF Youth Boys World Championship in Tashkent a year ago are a thing of the past. “What happened in the past is irrelevant. This is a totally new challenge and I am ready to face it,” reminds the young champion.
AP Weightlifting Association Secretary Badeti Venkatramaiah, who has been a guiding force for Rahul by way of sending him to major events given his potential, too is optimistic of a better future. “The best part he is just 17. He can go places as he never complains of getting tired during training schedule and more importantly always keen to learn and keep improving,” he points out.
As he tries his luck in the 77kg category, the World Championship should give Rahul an experience of what it means to be in the big league, where the best in the world compete.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus / by V V Subrahmanyam / October 29th, 2014
Cara Black of Zimbabwe (R) and Sania Mirza. File photo. / Reuters
Cara Black and Sania Mirza cruised to the doubles title at the WTA Finals with an authoritative 6-1, 6-0 win over defending champions Peng Shuai and Hsieh Su-Wei on Sunday.
For Black, it was the third time she had won the doubles crown at the WTA Finals, while for Mirza it was her first victory at the season-ending championships.
It was a surprisingly one-sided final, given Peng and Hsieh entered the match with a 12—0 record in doubles finals, including this year’s French Open and Wimbledon in 2013.
The winning pair received $500,000 in prize money.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport> Tennis / AP / Singapore – October 26th, 2014
Indian tennis player Sania Mirza walks on the ramp as she displays a creation by designer Ritu Pande during Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week. / AP
Sania Mirza may not be fashion conscious but took time out to be at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week as a showstopper
Tennis sensation Sania Mirza, who did the nation proud by winning gold in the mixed doubles in the recently concluded Asian Games in Korea, was a showstopper at the ongoing Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week in the Capital.
This was Sania’s first ramp-walk in Delhi and fashion pundits and the movers and shakers of the city were in full strength to watch how perfectly she walked with her extravagant attire and stilettos. Last year, Sania had walked as a showstopper for designer duo Shantanu-Nikhil. This time round the designer was Ritu Pande, known for playing on textures, colours, patterns and silhouettes.
“In real life I like wearing garments which are simple and elegant. I am comfortable wearing T-shirts, jeans and jackets. The anarkali I am wearing today has been designed in a manner that I can walk in the city. Normally what you see in fashion events are outfits which you cannot wear for events or otherwise.”
The long flowy anarkali accentuated by tie dyed gold and ivory with embroidered French gold lace heavily appliquéd for the collection titled “Lady in Lace”.
Speaking about the designer, Sania said, “Ritu Pande’s work is different from her contemporaries. It is classy, elegant and has finesse. I especially loved the outfit she designed for me. It is spectacular.”
Sania did not face pangs of nervousness as showstopper. She walked till the edge of the rostrum where she posed, flashing her million dollar smile before the paparazzi.
“I guess I am used to pressure now. Once I start walking on the ramp my confidence level increases.”
Unlike models who work in the interiors of air-conditioned five star hotels, Sania works for uninterrupted hours under the glare of scorching sun.
“My schedule is such that I am outdoors for eight hours. I am used to it but yes I have to take good care of myself. I drink a lot of coconut water, which is quite beneficial.”
Speaking about her victory at Asian Games, Sania said, “Earlier, some people had expressed apprehension about the team but we proved that we could still win medals.”
The sportsperson hoped to play good tennis for some more years.
Last year, Sania opened the Sania Mirza Tennis Academy in Hyderabad, with which she is trying to harness talent, especially in rural areas, where the youth do not often get professional guidance or training.
“Yes, we have talent in the rural areas.”
Though Sania is a big Salman Khan fan and quite a few Bollywood biggies including Shahid Kapoor, she has no plans to enter the film world.
Would she like a biopic be made on her and does pugilist Mary Kom’s struggle to become a woman boxer match her journey to become India’s number one tennis player?
“I haven’t watched the film, so I cannot comment. But, yes, it is good that biopics are being made on sports personalities. I am not sure that I would like to share my personal life though.”
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus> Fashion / by Madhur Tankha / October 12th, 2014
National tennis champions J. Vishnuvardhan, Suresh Krishna, Saketh Myneni and coach C. V. Nagaraj at a training session in Hyderabad. Photo: V.V. Subrahmanyam / The Hindu
He keeps churning out success stories in Indian men’s tennis with ease. Far from the madding crowd, the 53-year-old Canjeevaran Venkatrao Nagaraj has been training and grooming tennis talent with such diligence that he is now the rare record-holder of producing four Davis Cuppers (Susheel Narla, Punna Vishal, J. Vishnuvardhan and Saketh Myneni), Asian Games mixed doubles gold medallist (Saketh) and five senior national champions besides others.
Yet, like all those who stay away from the media glare and are more focussed on the job at hand, Nagaraj too is a victim of a typical syndrome in the State capital where the powers-that-be are immediately hooked on to the coaches of high-profile stars but fail to take a conservative look at gentlemen such as this untiring tennis coach.
The latest triumph of Vishnuvardhan as national tennis champion in Delhi last Friday is another reminder that the assembly line of champions has not dried up.
And this remarkable story of triumph over adversity has been unfolding daily at the School of Power Tennis Academy at RRC (Secunderabad).
Nagaraj insists that there is no bigger joy for him than seeing his student win a national title. “That is the biggest motivating factor. It is a different issue that I am not getting the kind of recognition that may be due to me. But again, I am too small to run around to garner support in the corridors of power,” says the coach, who quit his HAL job 23 years ago to take up tennis coaching.
All that Nagaraj got in terms of recognition was the relatively obscure Farkunda Ali Khan Award, given by the AP Lawn Tennis Association, for the best coach. The big question remains – doesn’t he deserve more especially when some coaches were given huge cash incentives by the Telangana State government?
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by V.V. Subrahmanyam / Hyderabad – October 12th, 2014
