Category Archives: Sports

The Palakkad lad who will take on Team India for UAE

Nri's / Pio's, Sports

Krishna Chandran at the hotel lobby in Perth. Manorama.
Krishna Chandran at the hotel lobby in Perth. Manorama.

Perth:

In 2011, when India hosted the ICC World Cup, Krishna Chandran was in Dubai and like any ardent Indian fan he was glued to TV rooting for his favourite team. Not even in his wildest dreams did he think of watching a World Cup match in the stadium, let alone play in one. By quirk of fate, Krishna Chandran, who hails from Kollengode in Palakkad, will pad up against the country of his birth when UAE plays India in Perth on Saturday.

Krishna Chandran, who has already become a part of cricket history by becoming the first cricketer from Kerala to score runs and take wickets in the World Cup, spoke to Manorama. Excerpts:

You have become a big star back home in Kerala and your life is full of ironies. How do you react to the this?

Yes my life is full of ironies. I was born into a family of farmers. My parents sent me to St.John’s international school in Chennai for my studies. Initially, I was thrilled but when my father put me in hostel and left, I began to feel terribly homesick. I even wrote a letter to my parents threatening suicide if they don’t bring me back home. I started playing cricket to overcome my homesickness. I started off as a bowler but within one year I progressed to become a top-order batsman. I continued to play cricket even after I finished my school studies. I got selected for the district under-19 team and from there I made my way up to the state under-19, under-22 and under-25 teams.

I had played three one-day and two T20 matches for the senior Kerala team. Though I was among probables for the Ranji Trophy squad I wasn’t selected. At that time getting a permanent job was a priority. I tried to get employment in Railways and SBT but nothing worked out. I had a friend in Dubai who worked in a shipping company and in desperation I wrote to him and he arranged a job for me in that company. In Dubai, I continued to play club cricket and in 2012-13 playing for Umma al-Quwain Emirates I was chosen as the best cricketer for that season. But I had to wait for four years to get permanent residency which I got last year. It enabled me to play for UAE. But playing in the World Cup was still beyond my dreams.

What were the thoughts in you mind when you first played against Zimbabwe?

I was tense, but I became confident after I scored my first run. I was middling the ball well and was thinking about scoring a fifty when I was dismissed for 34. I was able to take a wicket with the ball. I think I didn’t do that badly in my first match and it gives me great satisfaction.

How about playing in the pitches in Australia? 

Krishna Chandran. Facebook page
Krishna Chandran. Facebook page

Look, I was part of the Kerala Cricket Association’s development squad of 25 players and had spent 45 days training in Brisbane. At the same time India A was touring Australia and and were playing against Australia A in Brisbane. I was among the five players who were selected to be the net bowlers for the Australian A team.

Everyday a short man would pick us up from out hotel and he would drive us to the stadium. We just called him the driver. One day we found this man padding up to play in the nets. Next year he went on to play for Australia. I was stunned when I saw him live on TV. He was David Warner.

Who do you expect to win in tomorrow’s match between India and UAE?

We don’t have big dreams. But we want to beat at least one big team in the tournament. I want India to retain the World Cup and will pray for that. But I want UAE to win tomorrow. I want to score a fifty and take three wickets and it is my dream.

source: http://www.english.manoramaonline.com / On Manorama / Home> News> Kerala / by Anish Nair / Friday – February 27th, 2015

Now, she-gyms to shape up entrepreneurial dreams

Business & Economy, Sports

Kozhikode :

Women entrepreneurs under Kudumbashree in the city are all set to extend their successful entrepreneurship forays to a new level by venturing into the fast-growing fitness industry.

A group of five Kudumbashree members in Kozhikode corporation have decided to try their luck in the fitness segment by starting a health club at Eranhipalam exclusively for women, which they planning to develop as a one-stop fitness solution for women of all ages, in the long run.

Community development society (CDS) of the Kudumbashree, attached to the corporation, has decided to explore the potential in the fitness market after observing the interest of women in the ‘feel and look good’ factor.

The centre was set up with an estimated cost of Rs 9 lakh. Of the 9 lakh, Rs 3 lakh is the subsidy of the corporation provided to the beneficiaries.

The centre, which commenced its operation here on Tuesday, has a ladies gym and day care centre. The day care centre will function from 8.30am to 6pm while the gym will be operational from 7am to 7pm. Also, classes in cooking and tailoring will be offered. M Divya, a resident of Karaparamba, said that nowadays women are very keen in maintaining their fitness. “The day care centre attached to the gym will be a blessing for many women especially those who are worried about becoming overweight after pregnancy,” she said.

S Salina, one among the five member group of the Meta Lady Health Club, said that the centre has already started receiving registrations for the day care and gym.

“The gym has a trainer -cum-dietician and steam bath facility.Children above the age of six months will be enrolled at the day care centre,” she said. “We have started with a small venture in the initial phase which will be expanded to include a ladies’ beauty parlour and spa in the long run on the basis of acceptance from the public,” she said.

Meanwhile, Shija Vinod, chairperson of south CDS said that Kudumbashree will set up similar ventures in other parts of the corporation area on the basis of public response. “We are planning to set up similar establishments in other location and identification of suitable locations has already commenced,” she said.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Kozhikode / TNN / February 04th, 2015

Ayurveda sports clinic at district hospital in Kottayam

Science & Technology, Sports

Kottayam :

In a unique project launched with financial aid from district panchayath, a sports Ayurveda clinic will be launched at the district hospital here. The programme will be officially inaugurated on Thursday at 2.30pm by sports Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan.

The office of the deputy director of education will be providing a list of students who are eligible to avail the facility from the clinic. The list would include students who have already participated in athletic meets and tournaments as well as trainees. “The list will be screened and finalised,” said Rathi B Unnithan, Ayurveda DMO. The clinic will deal with sports injuries and general health improvement of the students, she added.

According to Dr Sreejith SP, coordinator of the project, the clinic will help students manage their injuries and also help enhance performance.

The Panchayath is providing Rs 5 lakhs for the project in its launching year. “This is a positive step towards promoting sports in the district,” said Anita Shaji, welfare committee chairman of the Panchayath and principal of CKMHSS Koruthodu. “I know many talented students who gave up sports due to continuous injuries. Now, this clinic will help such sportspersons manage their injuries better,” she said.

Initially, the clinic will open special OP clinics on Tuesdays and Saturdays. A possibility of starting an outdoor unit to assist sportspersons in athletic meets and tournaments in the district is also under consideration.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of  India / Home> City> Kochi / TNN / February 19th, 2015

His actions speak louder than words

Education, Records, All, Sports

Kochi :

K Bibish, a Class X student of Sree Ramavarma (SRV) Government High School, Pallimukku, Kochi, has made the city proud. The unassuming boy has won the bronze medal at this year’s National Games.

“Many of our students are into sports from football to fencing. We knew Bibish was interested in sports but had no idea that he had so much potential,” said T G Vilasini, headmistress of SRV High School.

Bibish, who hails from Kanyakumari has been living in the city and training at the Regional Sports Centre, Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Kadavanthra for the past three years. “We have eight students all of whom are into fencing. From the day he was selected we have done whatever we can to make sure that the boy achieves his dreams,” said Padman P K, sports teacher at SRV.

“Bibish and I stay together at the sports centre and we have a strict regimen of training and studies. He has always utilized every moment of his spare time either training or practicing. Fencing truly is his first love,” said his friend Nithin Surdhi J D. “He’s a reserved person and rarely speaks. But his actions speak louder than his words, especially when he is fencing.”

The school supported Bibish by utilizing their PTA funds to ensure that he had the best fencing uniform and gear for the Games. Though he missed his classes owing to the Games, his teachers assured that they would help him after school hours to ensure that he does well in his board exams.

“We are extremely proud of him and he deserves to be felicitated. We are awaiting his arrival to do the same.” said Vilasini.

The school has put up a flex of the boy’s achievement outside its main gate.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Kochi / TNN / February 12th, 2015

Weightlifting: Fajru Nasik Grabs Silver

Records, All, Sports

Fajru-NasikMPOs04feb2015

Thrissur :

Kerala weightlifter Fajru Nazik won the silver medal in the men’s 85kg category at the National Games being held here on Tuesday. The gold was clinched by Vikas Thakkur of Services with a total lift of 339 kg.  The 21-year-old Vikas, last Commonwealth Games silver medallist in the same category, lifted a total of 153 kg in snatch and 186 in clean and jerk. He also set new national meet records in both snatch and clean and jerk categories.

Fajru, son of Muhammed and Fathima of Chittakathu Varikkottil, Thirunavayain Malappuram, lifted a total weight of 301 kg.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Kerala / by Express News Service / February 04th, 2015

Supermom Adds Honey to the Rowers’ Victory

Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Sports

Alappuzha :

The long tradition of oarsmanship inherited from her father Antony Joseph, has made 20-year-old Honey Joseph the glittering mom in the Kerala rowing team. A day after she helped the state to a gold in the 2000-metre coxless fours event at the Vembanad Lake for the National Games, Honey, the mother of two-year-old Ayin, has staked claimed for further acclaim after the hosts moved into the semifinals of the 500m coxless pairs and coxless fours events on Tuesday.

Antony, an oarsman with UBC Kainakari the prestigious boat club which won the Nehru Trophy Boat race several times, is the true inspiration behind Honey.

Honey Joseph with her daughter Ayin | Suresh Nampoothiri
Honey Joseph with her daughter Ayin | Suresh Nampoothiri

 For Honey, Vembanad lake is a familiar turf ever since her childhood. “My father had participated in the Nehru Trophy boat race 14 times and the team had lifted the coveted  trophy nine times. That inspired me to join the rowing team at the age of 14,” she said.

A gold medalist in various state and national competitions, Honey had to take a break from her sporting career in 2010 after she entered into wedlock with Vishnu Prasad who runs houseboat business in Alappuzha.

After giving birth of Ayin, she again evinced interest to join the rowing team. In 2014 Incheon Asian Games, she was back with a bang clinching silver in the coxless pair category and three bronze medals for the nation.

The Sports Authority of India Rowing Centre at Punnamada here has helped her to groom again. In the 2,000-metre rowing her team included Nithya Joseph, Chippy Kurian and M T Nimmy won gold in coxless fours category. In coxless pairs category, the team comprising Honey and Nimmy won silver.“The sad part is that though my daughter fetched many gold and silver for the state and nation, she is yet to get a placement in the government service,” Antony said.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Kerala / by Biju E. Paul / February 04th, 2015

Kudumbashree women win hearts with their cuisines

Arts,Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Sports

Thiruvananthapuram  :

It is not the athletes alone who are going for gold in this year’s National Games. Around 200 women working for Kudumbashree are also there to win the hearts, not on the track and field, but from within the kitchen through their culinary skills.

In their greatest achievement so far, Kudumbashree has been vested with the contract of catering food for Games officials, media persons and spectators at 15 venues in Thiruvananthapuram district.

“This work is said to their greatest achievement so far, owing to the budget of the work undertaken,” said district collector Biju Prabhakar, who also heads the district organising committee of the games. The budget of the work undertaken is nearly Rs 1 crore. Out of this, the district administration has already released a fund of Rs 90 lakh, said Biju Prabhakar.

“We will also be opening food courts at all venues so that spectators can avail the Kudumbashree food,” he said, adding that only games officials were catered the food on the first day of the event.

Members of as many as 30 Kudumbashree from all districts in the state are here as part of the work. “We have set up four messes in the district, at Attingal, Pirappancode, Vellayani and Ambalamukku considering the proximity to venues,” said Sheejo Philip, coordinator of Cafe Kudumbashree, a restaurant brand of Kudumbashree. The women start work from as early as 2am onwards as they have to deliver food from 7 am onwards at the venues. They are providing three meals a day besides tea and snacks in the morning and evening. The menu mainly includes various ethnic recipes across the state such as dosa, idli, idiyappam, appam and even Thalassery Dum Biriyani.

According to Biju Prabhakar, many officials in the Games committee were doubtful on giving the contract to the Kudumbashree, but he managed to gain their trust. “The risk that I took has already started paying result as we are getting positive responses from people,” he said. Besides, the food is very cheap. While a day’s entire meals catered at other districts cost around Rs 1,250, our food costs only around Rs 350, he said.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Thiruvananthapuram / by Rejith Balakrishnan, TNN / February 02nd, 2015

Fuel-efficient car heads for global contest

Education, Green Initiatives & Environment, Records, All, Science & Technology, Sports, World Opinion

CarKERALA15jan2015

A prototype of a fuel-efficient car, developed by mechanical engineering students of the Government Engineering College, Barton Hill, has been selected for the International Fuel Efficiency Contest, to be held from February 26 in the Philippines.

College Principal B. Anil said the car could give mileage of 200 km per litre. The technology was developed with the support of Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment under the Technology Development and Adaptation Programme. The innovation was made by Bibin Sagaram, Ronith Stanley and Vishnu Prasad S., all in their sixth semester, with guidance of faculty members Santhosh Kumar and Anver Sadath.

The college was the only one selected from the State for the International Fuel Efficiency Contest, named Shell Eco Marathon. The contest would see participation of 120 teams from 16 countries, a press release said.

Prototype developed by students of Barton Hill engineering college.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Thiruvananthapuram / by Staff Reporter / Thiruvananthapuram – January 15th, 2015

Jyothi, Diby emerge fastest

Sports

Jyotiprasad. TV grab
Jyotiprasad. TV grab

Thiruvananthapuram :

Jyothi Prasad and Diby Sebastian emerged the fastest athletes in the state school athletes meet here on Tuesday.

Jyothi Prasad from Kasargod came first in the senior boys’ 100m.

Diby of St. Mary’s School, Bharananganam, bagged the senior girls’ 100m dash in a photo finish.

Omkar Nath of St. George School, Kothamangalam, won gold in 100m junior boys’ category.

Jisna Mathew of Usha School of Athletics, Kozhikode, clinched gold in 100m in junior girls’ category. She had won gold in 400m also.

C. Abhinav of SAI, Thiruvananthapuram, and P. D. Anjali of G.H.S.S Nattika, Thrissur, won gold in 100m sub-junior boys’ and girls’ sections, respectively.

source: http://www.english.manoramaonline.com / OnManorama /  Home> News> Kerala / by Manorama Correspondent / Tuesday – December 09th, 2014

A Shot Putter’s Golden Touch

Records, All, Sports

Suji-S-RaniKERALA10nov2014

Thiruvananthapuram  :

Nothing short of gold,  goes Suji S Rani’s route to success. The girl-next-door for the city, this shot putter hailing from the coastal village of Pozhiyoor in the capital stands tall by having clinched the first slot for shot put event three times in a row.  She clinched  her latest gold in senior girls shot put event at the ongoing 58th Kerala State Schools Athletics Championship at LNCPE, Kariavattom, on Tuesday.

‘’I want to stay focussed in the sport for long and work hard to better my results in future. When I join college to pursue higher studies, I want to stay next to my school, Government VHSS Mathirappilly, which has been the bedrock of my achievements,’’ she said.

Alongside her winning laurels, this young talent needs more support to scale greater heights and a house tops her wishlist. Her father Santhosh, who was at the venue on Tuesday, showed the black-and-white photographs of his family standing in front of the crumbled thatched-roof dwelling on three cents of land.

‘’The government has promised us a home when Suji took part in the national meet in Ranchi and won a bronze medal. The verification process was over only two weeks ago. Now we are residing at my sister’s home,’’ her father said.

The sole income for the family is the earnings from a provision store run by her Suji’s father. Suji has an elder brother pursuing his doing a degree course in Hotel Management. Her  father admits that he is not earning enough to realise his daughter’s dream.

Suji does not prefer to stay idle and on holidays she uses the free time to practice in a work area at the place near her house as well as the nearest stadium in Pozhiyoor.

‘’My coach P I Babu sir has advised me to keep on practising to hone the talent. His coaching advice increases my self-confidence,’’ she says.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Thiruvananthapuram / by Meera Manu / December 10th, 2014