The news about Apparanda Thanish Muthappa and Thanav Poovanna, representing Karnataka and bringing laurels to the state by clinching three gold medals at the 13th Students Olympic National Games 2026, held at Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, from July 31 to August 2, has been actively posted on social media platfroms.
The championship witnessed participation from 19 states across the country.
In the Under-19 Singles final, Thanish Muthappa defeated his opponent from Haryana to secure the gold medal. Thanav Poovanna emerged victorious in the Under-17 Singles final, defeating the Punjab player to claim the title. The duo then teamed up in the Under-19 Doubles final, where they defeated the Rajasthan pair to win their third gold medal of the tournament.
Both players were groomed at Sacca Academy in Bittangala, Kodagu, before moving to Mysuru a year ago, where they are pursuing their education and training. They are currently students of Vidhyashram, Mysuru, and train under Coach Ram at Ram Academy, Mysuru. Prior to joining Ram Academy, they were coached by Arun at Sports Park, Mysuru.
CLN spoke to the parents of these two young badminton stars. What makes the youngsters and parents stand out is their level headed approach to success. They maintain a low profile on the children’s achievements, because they realize very well – that academics should take center stage for the future of the children. Both are very bright students academically and, in a way, represent the ideal combination that Kodava children should emulate. It is not uncommon to read about Kodava youngsters performing very well in the sports arena – however it is more important to focus on their studies for securing a bright and enduring future. A classic example featured in CLN is that of Rachith Aiyappa, who incidently is closely related to Sagar Ganapathy.
Heartiest congratulations to Apparanda Thanish and Thanav for bringing pride to Karnataka and Vidhyaashram by winning 3 gold medals! This is the result of your hard work and dedication. Wishing you many more achievements ahead 🥇🇮🇳
Congratulations Thanish and Thanav. Your outstanding success has brought great pride and honor to our college.We wish you continued success and many more achievements in the years ahead.
Success Is Never an Accident – Congratulations, Thanish and Thanav!
Winning even the smallest achievement demands determination, discipline, motivation, inspiration, and unwavering support. Behind every successful child stands a family that believes in them, mentors who guide them, and a community that encourages them to keep going.
Today, I would like to congratulate two extraordinary young boys—my nephews, Thanish and Thanav, for winning at the Students Olympic Badminton Championship. Your achievement is not just a victory on the badminton court; it is the result of years of sacrifice, perseverance, and relentless hard work.
My heartfelt congratulations also go to your parents, Sagar and Suman. Without your vision, encouragement, and countless sacrifices, this milestone would not have been possible. You believed in your children, stood beside them through every challenge, and gave them the confidence to dream big.
A special word of appreciation to the coaches and training academies that nurtured these young champions. Building athletes is not an overnight process,it takes years of patience, discipline, and inspiration. Your dedication has played a vital role in shaping their journey.
To the grandparents, teachers, family members, friends, and everyone who supported these boys along the way, this achievement belongs to you too. Every word of encouragement, every prayer, and every act of support has contributed to this remarkable success.
As their aunt, I have watched Thanish and Thanav grow over the past decade. Coming from a small village like Kakkabbe, their journey has been nothing short of inspiring. Early morning practice sessions, travelling long distances to school and coaching, sacrificing holidays, balancing academics with rigorous training, and missing out on many childhood comforts—these are the unseen chapters behind today’s success.
I have never heard them complain. They accepted every challenge with a smile and remained focused on their dream. Even during difficult family moments, they stayed committed to their training with remarkable discipline. That is the true spirit of a champion. Winning requires far more than talent; it demands passion, consistency, and the courage to keep going when the journey becomes difficult. Thanish and Thanav have demonstrated all these qualities beautifully.
Having been an educationist for over 30 years, I have had the privilege of guiding thousands of students. Unfortunately, I have also seen many young people fail to utilise their time and opportunities wisely. Thanish and Thanav stand as shining examples of how dedication during one’s formative years becomes a lifelong asset. The habits they have built today-discipline, time management, and commitment—will remain with them throughout their lives, far beyond the badminton court.
We often blame today’s younger generation for not being productive or focused. I believe the responsibility does not lie with children alone. As parents and educators, we must identify a child’s interests, nurture their talents, provide the right opportunities, and invest in their growth. When children feel supported, they gain the confidence to excel.
Sagar is a wonderful example of such a parent. He went beyond his comfort zone to provide the very best opportunities for his sons. Once he realised that badminton was their passion, he ensured they received quality training while never compromising on their education, cultural values, or social responsibilities. Today, seeing Thanish and Thanav climb the ladder of success is a proud moment not only for the family but also for everyone who believes in the power of dedicated parenting.
Dear Thanish and Thanav, may this victory be just the beginning of many more achievements. Stay humble, continue to work hard, and always remember that true champions are defined not only by the medals they win but also by the values they uphold.
Congratulations once again to Thanish and Thanav, proud parents Sagar and Suman, the coaches, and every person who has been a part of this inspiring journey.
May your success inspire many more young athletes and encourage parents to believe in the dreams of their children.
With immense pride and blessings,
A Kushy Muthappa
Congratulations Thanish and Thanav on winning three Gold Medals in the Student’s Olympic Sports. This is truly a remarkable achievement, especially while excelling in your academics.
May you continue to reach greater heights and achieve many more milestones.
Congratulations to your proud parents as well.
You have made Vidhyashram College Mysore proud. Wishing you continued success in the years ahead!
Hearty congratulations to Thanish and Thanav. Such a proud moment for Vidyaashram, Mysuru.
Hearty congratulations to Thanish and Thanav. Such a proud moment for Vidyaashram, Mysuru.
Congratulations on your achievement Thanish and Thanav keep up your good work and all the best for your future and endeavour
Congratulations to Thanish and Thanav for the great achievement. Its the overall dedication and efforts which is now received as a Gold Medal.
Thanish and Thanav are superstars! They thrive on the biggest stages.
Kodagu has an incredible wealth of talent. I hope we continue building bigger stages and more opportunities here at home, where people like Thanish and Thanav can keep pushing themselves while never losing the joy of their craft.
It is such a joy to have them as my brothers. This achievement is only a small glimpse of the dedication behind the scenes.
A huge shoutout to their parents (Sagar and Suman), who have given them so much, and to their college, Vidyaashram, for valuing and supporting student-athletes just as much as academic achievement. That kind of balanced encouragement and belief makes all the difference and is much needed for us as a community to grow.
Thanish, Thanav…bravo! Thai would have been proud!
Heartiest congratulations to Apparanda Thanish Muthappa and Thanav Poovanna on this phenomenal achievement of winning three gold medals at the Students Olympic National Games! 🥇🥇🥇 Your dedication, discipline, and hard work have made Karnataka and Vidhyaashram proud. Wishing you both many more milestones and international success in the years ahead. Keep inspiring! 👏🇮🇳
-Dr.Koushik K S
There are so many young talented youngsters excelling in various sporting events. More recently Golf, Motorbike Racing, Shooting, Athletics appear to be making the news. Of course the Bheemaiah duo of Diya and Vishal have grabbed the headlines in badminton. Now it is the turn of Thanish and Thanav.
I would like to make a very important point – unless we create world class infrastructure how can the youth be expected to perform at the highest level? Look at Hockey, Badminton, Boxing, Shooting – outstanding talent, woefully inadequate infrastructure. About time that people demanded the creation of good facilities – you don’t ask, you won’t get. CLN carried a very good feature on Badminton. Heightened exposure and relentless follow up always delivers results.
Delighted to see this achievement by these young brothers who seem to enjoy each other’s company and winning on the court – congratulations!
Kodavas are natural sportspersons and the large numbers that I have interacted with in the Armed Forces have shown exceptional intelligence, leadership qualities, integrity and camaraderie. This is indeed a very privileged community. Would like to see more Kodavas playing for the country in all fields of sports. Sadly, I don’t see many playing Hockey for the national team anymore.
Heartiest congratulations to the talented brothers Apparanda Thanish muthappa and Thanav poovanna on their phenomenal achievement. Their dedication,.discipline and unwavering determination have brought immense pride to the family, karnataka and the entire kodagu community.
They both have proved that hard work and preserverance always shine on the biggest stage. May this remarkable success be the beginning of an even National and international laurels awaiting you. Congratulations to their proud parents, coaches and everyone who stood behind their dreams. Kodagu celebrates their victory with immense pride .