Category Archives: World Opinion

A tryst with history at Safardjung’s Tomb

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Travel & Tourism, World Opinion

SUMMARY

The Quest took students of Ramjas School, Pusa Road,on a visit to Safdurjung’s Tomb in New Delhi.
_________________________________________________________________________

Words are not enough to describe the feeling of utter amazement one feels as one steps into Safdurjung‘s Tomb. My first visit to this tomb – aptly described as the last flicker in the lamp of Mughal architecture — was an unforgettable and enriching experience.

The mausoleum is surrounded by lush gardens in Mughal style. The interior of the tomb with Safdurjung‘s cenotaph has a mysterious,yet serene air about it. My friend and I stood there awed by the amazing architecture,utterly captivated by its peaceful charm.

Amidst the city’s noises,there is this one place where you can be at peace. So when it was time to go,I didn’t feel like leaving. One just cannot have enough of its beauty. I look forward to going there again. I’d say it’s a must-visit place for its serenity and architectural value.

n Muskaan Sharma,XII-B

On April 9,our school organised a trip to Safdurjung’s Tomb for the students of Class XII. I was very excited about the trip as I’ve never been there. I did not know anything about Safdurjung so I thought he would be just another historic personality who would have fought many wars. When I arrived at the tomb,I was enthralled by the majestic monument with a white marble dome. It was surrounded by beautiful gardens and fountains. We were told the fountains don’t work due to water shortage in the city. While walking up the steep steps of the monument,one could see the tomb in the centre of a vast hall. One just can’t ignore the beautiful carving on the walls of the monument. We were told that Safdurjung was prime minister of Mughal Emperor Mohammad Shah. Safdurjung’s Tomb was inspired by the Taj Mahal and Humayun’s Tomb. Although the tomb was undergoing renovation, it remained open for general public. It was truly an unforgettable trip. The hard work of the architects is evident in the intricate carvings inside the tomb. This place is definitely worth a visit.

n Chetan Jajodia,XII – BCom. A

Described as ‘the last flicker in the lamp of Mughal architecture’,Safdarjung’s Tomb epitomises beauty and serenity. It was built by Shuja-ud-Daulah in memory of his father,Safdarjung,who served the Mughal Emperor Mohammed Shah as his prime minister. The garden tomb is characteristic of the Indo-Islamic architectural style. The central tomb is the main attraction of the complex. It has a huge dome which gives it an appearance of a ‘maqbara’. The walls of the tomb have fine and elaborate plaster carvings influenced by the pietra dura style. There are four water canals cutting across the garden to form a typical ‘charbagh’. Octagonal towers in the corners add more beauty to the central tomb. The garden is built in the Persian style and one can enter it through a gate with intricate Rajputana carvings on it. The whole tomb is made of red sandstone.

The way the Archaeological Survey of India has tried to preserve this monument is appreciable. But being responsible citizens of this country,we must also help protect and maintain our monuments. I am grateful to my school and The Indian Express for organising this heritage walk. It was truly an enlightening visit. This brush with history was an enriching one.

n Ananya Das,XII Sc A

Safdarjung’s Tomb — once you visit it,the mystique charm of the monument will remain with you for long. This tomb is considered the “the last flicker in the lamp of Mughal architecture in India”. It was built for Safdarjung,the powerful prime minister of Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah. Safdarjung’s son Shuja-ud-Daulah constructed it in 1754.The fact that the monument is an amalgam of different architectural styles ignited my interest. The tomb has influences of the Humayun’s Tomb and the Red Fort in its design. As soon as I entered the monument,my eyes instinctively went up to the dome and I was mesmerised by the beautiful symmetrical designs. The dome seemed too high for someone to carry out such elaborate and perfect carvings. But the fact that it was done points to the mastery of the craftsmen in those days. The huge gardens,spacious balconies,corridors and the water canals fascinated me. The serene grave of Safdarjung reminded me of the spirit behind the construction of the monument — a son’s reverence,love and gratitude towards his father. The tomb also houses Shuja-ud-Daulah’s wife’s grave. The complex also included the three-domed mosque and three beautiful pavilions.

As we were got ready to leave,I turned again towards the tomb,wanting to get one last look of this magnificent structure. If only I could stand and stare a little longer.

n Apoorva singh,XII

“You employ stone,wood and concrete,and with these materials you build houses and places,that is construction. But when you suddenly touch my heart,you do me good and make me say ‘This is beautiful’,that is architecture.”

Life gets a fresh breath when history rises from its grave. It happened with me April 9,while we were counting our steps to Safdarjung’s Tomb. The tomb built for Safdurjung,the prime minister of Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah. It was built in 1754 in the Mughal style and is described as “the last flicker in the lamp of Mughal architecture”. Today,it’s in a dilapidated condition,with cracks in the walls and the tomb’s walls turning yellowish grey from white. But though the tomb has lost its pristine beauty,it still gives a mystique feeling. The central tomb has a huge dome. There are four water canals leading to the four corners of the building — one has an ornately decorated gateway while the other three corners have octagonal towers. The canals are four oblong tanks,one on each side of the tomb. On the whole,the tomb has been decorated with cheap material,pointing to the economic conditions of that time. But in spite of this,I realised that the people in those times were full of life.

n Gayatri Chetal,XII Com-B

After tolerating the chaos of Delhi roads on a daily basis,one longs for some quiet time in a serene place. Safdarjung’s Tomb on Lodhi Road is one such place. It was built by Shuja-ud-Daulah after his father’s death in 1754. Safdarjung’s Tomb is a garden tomb with a marble mausoleum. It was built in 1754 in the Mughal style. Its façade is decorated with elaborate plaster carvings. There are four water canals inside the tomb leading towards one ornately decorated gateway and three pavilions with octagonal towers. I would like to thank The Indian Express for giving us the opportunity to learn about our past.

n Harshita Kakar,XII Com-B

My visit to this incredible heritage site was fascinating experience. The Safdarjung’s Tomb was constructed by Shuja-ud-Daulah for his father Safdarjung who was the prime minister of Mughal Emperor Mohammad Shah. The main entrance is a huge decorated gate with arrow silts. The tomb stands majestically surrounded by verdant lawns. The amalgamation of the Indo-Islamic and Hindu styles for the construction of the tomb is highly appreciable. It consists of chattris,minarets and cosmic signs. The way the Archeological Survey of India has tried to preserve the Safdarjung’s Tomb is commendable. I express my heartiest thanks to The Indian Express for giving me a chance to visit this historical place.

n Kashish Chaurasia,XII Com B

Safdarjung’s Tomb was built in 1754 by Nawab Siraj-Ud-Daulah,the son of Safdarjung Mirza Muqim Abul Mausum Khan,the prime minister of Mughal Emperor Mohammad Shah. Safdarjung’s Tomb is a beautiful mausoleum and is counted as a major heritage site in India. It is described as “the last flicker in the lamp of Mughal architecture “ because it reflects the last phase of Mughal architecture. The tomb is enclosed by a tall wall and can be entered through an imposing gateway. There are large pleasant gardens with elegant palm tree-lined paths surrounding it. We could see the remains of the water courses and fountains which had divided the garden up into four squares. The pavilions on the wall are run down and are now used for storage. The tomb stands on a high terrace in the centre of the enclosure. It is a solid square structure built of highly decorated red sandstone with a central marble dome. Apart from Safdarjung’s grave,there is another grave here,that of the wife of Shuja-ud-Daulah. The chambers in the room are surrounded by eight rooms. All the apartments are rectangular in shape except the corner ones that are octagonal in shape.The central chamber is beautifully carved and surrounded by rhombic compartments. The mosque,built in red sandstone on the second storey,was added later.

Safdarjung’s Tomb is a quiet haven in the middle of the city’s din. The tomb is similar to Humayun’s Tomb in its architecture. The environment around the tomb is extremely calming and to visit such a beautiful place is a refreshing experience.

n Namrata Das,XII Sc A

source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> Cities> Delhi / by Express News Service / April 22nd, 2013

My Real Life Hero : Masarat Daud (DO NOT JUDGE A BOOK BY THIS COVER)

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, World Opinion

I have been pretty good about posting one of these every two weeks. I wanted to do Masarat this week because she is speaking at TED (March 15 – 28 ) on Thursday, March 20, 2014, 5:00pm-6:45pm PST.

When I first met Masarat, I was told (by Masarat) that I judged by what I saw. In fairness (to me), we did not have any interaction. She joined my place of work just as I was leaving to set up my own company. I think if I had spoken to her, I would have known the person I know (and adore) today. (Masarat, am I being sycophantic enough?)

masarat-daudMPos16mar2014

Masarat is a maverick on so many levels: as a woman/girl, as a muslim woman, as a muslim woman from rural Rajasthan in India, as a muslim woman IN A BURQA from rural Rajasthan growing up in Dubai and NOW living in UK. She breaks all the stereotypes you have in your head about these women. You just have to meet her once to know that. She does not broadcast about the work she does – she just does it. Her feet are firmly grounded, and she has a wicked sense of humour. I love her, in awe of her, and inspired by her. Like all my heroes, I sent her the same questions and here are her responses.

What inspires you?

This is a difficult question to answer. Inspiration comes to me in the most random, fleeting moments. These days, I am moved by a heightened sense of moralobligation. I feel that it does not leave me with much choice than to do what I am doing.

But on a larger level, I am inspired by good people. I have a deep respect for regular humans and their capacity to be good in challenging circumstances. In the middle of a communal riot victims’ camp, while walking around and talking to people about their conditions, almost everyone whose camp I passed, invited me to have tea or dinner—plain, boiled rice. I think these acts inspire me because they give me hope which we all desperately need these days! Plus, they push me to be closer to earth.

Who is your hero? Why?

Another tough question! I have many people who I admire for many different qualities. My hero is everyone who has fought the norm and created a different/better life for themselves. People who could stand up for what they believed was right; people who do not moan and whine that Life gave them a rotten deal. Whether it was my father who fought his society by educating himself and us; whether it is Person X [someone I know] who fought her deep pain to love us untainted, unconditional; whether it is people who I know are struggling personally but don’t lose themselves to bitterness and grudge…just so many.

If you had a choice of becoming one of your (all time – dead or alive; real or fiction) favourite character, who would it be and why?

I wouldn’t want to BE one of the people I know personally, simply because if I were them…then I would not experience them in my life the way I have. So I will have to choose outside: I think Sir Syed! A man who was way ahead of his time—in terms of thought process, passion and action. You can read more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syed_Ahmad_Khan

When are you happiest?

I am particularly happy when:

– When I am in my village

– When I am surrounded by my family (anywhere in the world)

– When I am doing something meaningful

What pisses you off most?

Hypocrisy (religious and other), Ego, Lies, Anchovies and capers in my food

What is your most embarrassing moment?

I think I got over this long time back. I can hardly remember any but maybe ages ago, when I turned up to school in two different shoes: one with heel and the other one flat

What would you describe as your most sublime experience?

In Berlin, at a random small Italian restaurant, eating the juiciest, more incredible tomato I had ever eaten. AND.

In Muzaffarnagar, hearing Urdu being spoken among regular people. You can then really understand why language is so important in shaping us as sensitive, respectful humans.

If you had a million dollars, what would you do with it?

Money is useless if it cannot allow me to make others happy. I know myself—I will give it to whoever has a more life-changing need than I. If something remains, I am booking travel tickets immediately!

Enjoy getting to know this amazing woman if you haven’t already and connect with her in the links below.

Twitter: @Masarat

Blog link http://ruralspirit.wordpress.com

source: http://www.mita56.wordpress.com / Home> MIta’s Views / by  Mita Srinivasan / March 16th, 2014

Mughal Emperors eyes medical tourists from Iraq

Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, Science & Technology, Travel & Tourism, World Opinion, , ,

The company is promoted by Yakub Habeebudin Tucy, the great grandson of last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar.

Hyderabad-based Mughal Emperors Logistics Private Ltd is reaching out to Iraqi nationals interested in medical tourism in India.

The company, which is promoted by Yakub Habeebudin Tucy, the great grandson of last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar, said it was also looking at Jordan and Palestine.

According to Tucy, the potential medical tourists from Iraq to India is 800-900 every year. While a less severe medical therapy costs around Rs 60,000 in Iraq, in India it costs Rs 15,000-20,000. The cities mostly preferred for therapies are Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad.

On average, a medical tourist from Iraq stays for 20-25 days in India, while in some cases it’s around 60 days.

On the total Indians visiting Iraq annually, Tucy said more than 16,000 visit places of religious interest including the shrines of Abdul Qadir Gilani in Baghdad, Imam Hussain in Karbala and Imam Ali in Najaf. Some Indians also throng the ruins of Babylonia on the River Tigris.

Mughal Logistics is ferrying a batch comprising 100-120 individuals every two months to these holyplaces for the Muslim community.

It runs a seven and eight-day package for Indians travelling to Iraq, priced at Rs 65,000 and Rs 75,000 respectively.

source: http://www.business-standard.com / Business Standard / Home> Companies> News / by BS Reporter / Hyderabad – March 05th, 2014

Nizam’s Erstwhile Relic, Telangana’s Pride ?

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Travel & Tourism, World Opinion, , , , ,

Nizam’s Lost Glory ?

Railway Board Chairman Arunendra Kumar is on the test drive of John MorrisFire Engine, one of the priceless possessions of Indian Railways maintained at the National Rail Museum, before its participation in the 38th Statesman Vintage and Classic Car Rally to be held in New Delhi on 2nd March, 2014.

NizamsVintageHF13mar2014

This vintage FireEngine which was built by the famous Fire engineers M/S John Morris and Sons Ltd., Salfor, Manchester in 1914, completed 100 years of its existence this year (2014), coinciding the formation of Telangana, erstwhile Nizam’s state.

Will  Telangana also fight for its vintage and priceless proud possession, now that the new state is born?

(PIB)

source: http://www.microfinancemonitor.com / MF Monitor / Home / Thursday – March 13th, 2014

Bangalore to biennale

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, World Opinion, , , ,

ShibuArakkalMPos13mar2014

Photography took Shibu Arakkal to Florence. He returned with the Lorenzo il Magnifico gold for digital art, finds NIRMALA GOVINDARAJAN

AwardLorenzioBF13mar2014

The time when Shibu Arakkal first looked at the world through his camera was also the time when he got hooked to it. “I never dreamed of being a photographer,” he confesses. Still, Shibu continued to fool around with his father Yusuf Arakkal’s very serious German single lens reflex camera. “He had paid quite a bit for it those days and it was always loaded with film. I would sneak into his studio, take one or two photographs and quietly put it back. When my dad got the role processed, he would always wonder how there were a couple of pictures he didn’t remember having taken.”

The first time Shibu put his camera to use – constructing a friend’s fashion portfolio, it went on to fetch her several modelling assignments.

After this recognition, Shibu’s momentous tryst with the camera began. “That first shoot got me deeply curious about photography and helped me decide what to do with my life.”

So Shibu’s world came alive through people and stories until recently in end 2013, when he went on to bag the prestigious Lorenzo il Magnifico gold prize for digital art at the Florence Biennale. “Dad always worried about what I would end up doing with my life given my long list of ambitions. When I got hooked to photography, I knew that this wasn’t just a fling. Two decades since, my camera and I have looked at the world, analysed and interpreted life around us, as my method of learning about this world and the things in it. Also to grow as a person and gain that bit of wisdom, which is somehow more important than just intelligence. What I photographed over the years has become my life’s journal and I have been conscious that it is by what I will be known, long after I am gone.”

Going for goldWith lifetime achievement awardee Anish Kapoor, the award and the work that got it
Going for goldWith lifetime achievement awardee Anish Kapoor, the award and the work that got it

“Selection into the Florence Biennale 2013 came with certain confidence that I had the work worthshowing on such a stage. I had been working on the series Constructing Life for nearly four years when I had decided to can it half way through, realising that I needed to come back to it when I was a bit more mature. This body of work seemed to have a destiny of its own. The emotion, which the works from this series carried, was hence extremely powerful.”

ShibuItalyMPos13mar2014

Then came the moment in Florence when Shibu’s heart was heavy and light at once.

“Although the Lorenzo il Magnifico Gold Prize was being talked about in regard to my work from day one at the Biennale and knowing how strong my work was, I was also very aware of how these things are decided by people who also have subjective views and opinions. So when the award was announced without prior notice, it was entirely surreal, a moment, which I wasn’t fully conscious of, being thrown by the fact that I got awarded in a category above what I had entered. It however made the extremely trying times in my career and the very difficult actual process of executing the work, truly worthwhile.”

Back from the Biennale to life in Bangalore, Shibu explores India, reaching out to the world through what he does best – photography in an era of click on the go.

“It is a very real and satisfying life. Besides, Bangalore is home. It is where I was born and raised. I have resisted settling down abroad purely because of my love for it. It is ground zero and Bangalore has been extremely good to me in terms of recognition, patronage and support for my work in general. It is a place where I can be fearless in any sort of experimental work that I put out and be quite assured that it will be received for what it is,” he says as he readies for a day in his life – between his work, riding and the joy of being a dutiful father to his four-and-half-year old daughter.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus / by Nirmala Govindarajan / March 13th, 2014

With sheer grit, Haseena moves on

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, World Opinion,
Haseena Hussain./ File photo: K.Gopinathan / The Hindu
Haseena Hussain./ File photo: K.Gopinathan / The Hindu

We want society to be humane to us: acid attack victim

Earlier this week, Laxmi, a victim of acid attack, was awarded the International Women of Courage Award by U.S.’s First Lady Michelle Obama for successfully leading the campaign against acid attacks on women in India.

The story of Haseena Hussain of Bangalore, who fought a long battle after an acid attack in 1999, is as inspiring as Laxmi’s.

Ms. Haseena was attacked with acid in 1999 by Joseph Rodriguez, her former employer, as she had not responded to the marriage proposal and had refused to stay back in his firm. Today, almost 15 years later, Ms. Haseena is the sole breadwinner of her family of four comprising her father, mother and grandmother.

Choosing not to be bogged down by 35 surgeriesand loss of vision in both eyes, besides constant “stares” and comments from relatives and acquaintances, she now works in a government office. When asked if she was offered the job by the government, an irked Ms. Haseena says: “I got this job on my own. I cleared several rounds of tests after undergoing computer training.”

Ms. Haseena hates re-living what she calls “sob story” and says that she hopes every acid attack victim is able to fight the odds and become independent. “As I was educated, I was able to secure a job. But acid victims, particularly in rural areas, may find it difficult to be independent. Most acid attack victims lose their vision. If the government provides jobs, they can remain independent.”

She adds categorically that she needs no sympathy. “We only want society to behumane to us.”

Besides the discrimination she faced in society, her family had a tough time mobilising resources for her surgeries and other medical aid. “My father had to sell our house and his entire bank balance was empty as we had to spend Rs. 15 lakh on my medical expenses.” Though the Supreme Court had directed all States to pay acid attack victims Rs. 3 lakh towards medical treatment and for after care rehabilitation, Ms. Haseena says it is inadequate.

It was nine years after the attack of Ms. Haseena that the accused was finally convicted, even as she struggled every minute of those years. “There is a need to have a fast track court for trying cases related to acid attack victims,” she says.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bangalore / by Tanu Kulkarni / Bangalore – March 07th, 2014

A R Rahman foresees an industry in motion capture technology

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders, World Opinion,
A R Rahman (Photo-DC)
A R Rahman (Photo-DC)

Chennai:

Oscar winning composer A R Rahman, who has scored the music for Rajnikanth’s ‘Kochadaiiyaan’, India’s first film on motion capture technology, today said he foresees a separate industry in this field.

“Like there is Hollywood and Bollywood and the industry for south Indian films, there can be an entire industry on films made with this technology,” he said at the audio launch of ‘Kochadaiiyaan’, directed by Rajinikanth’s daughter Soundarya R Ashwin.

He recalled how the film’s director Soundarya had put in efforts into making it and said he was sure it would succeed.

“When I came to Chennai from US, Soundarya told me about ‘Kochadaiiyaan’ which she said would get over in a year. I was wondering how and I took a week. By then, Rajini Sir had called up and I realised the kind of efforts going into this film. Then I decided to go ahead,” Rahman said.

Motion or performance capture technology helps filmmakers record the movements of the actor — in specially made suits, which capture the emotions, gestures and body language of the actor and translates it into animation.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Entertainment> TV-Music / by PTI / March 09th, 2014

Ex-diplomat Mahmood passes away

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, World Opinion, , ,

Mahmood bin MuhammadMPos06mar2014

Hyderabad: 

Former Indian Ambassador Mahmood bin Muhammad, 89, a leading Indian police theoretician, passed away on Friday. An IPS officer, who served in various important positions including Ambassador of India to Saudi Arabia, was also a Indian Police theoretician. He served the country for nearly seven decades.

Muhammad, a 1953 cadre in Indian Police Service, served as additional home secretary, inspector general of prisons & director of correctional services, government of Andhra Pradesh, director-incharge, S.V.P. National Police Academy, Hyderabad; and deputy director (research), bureau of police research & development, ministry of home affairs, till his retirement.

After his retirement from police service, Muhammad continued to serve the country as Ambassador of India to Saudi Arabia from 1985 to 1987. He served on India’s Planning Commission on social defense and as India’s correspondent with the UN Secretariat in the field of prevention of crime and treatment of offenders.

He was invited to attend an international seminar at the Arab Security Studies and Training Centre, Riyadh, and deliver a lecture to trainees of the Institute of Diplomatic Training and Studies, ministry of foreign affairs, Saudi Arabia.

Muhammad, who has to his credit eight books, including one of his poems and his autobiography, was awarded the Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Award for his contributions towards the promotion of communal harmony and peace in India in 2006.

Muhammad is survived by his wife Anees Syed Husain, a daughter, two sons, 10 grandchildren and a great grandson.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Current Affairs / DC / October 20th, 2013

Rashid prevails in play-off, wins maiden Asian Tour title

Sports, World Opinion, ,
Rashid Khan. —Photo: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar / The Hindu
Rashid Khan. —Photo: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar / The Hindu

Displaying nerves of steel, Rashid Khan fired three successive birdies, including one in the play-off against Bangladesh’s Siddikur Rahman, to win the $300,000 SAIL-SBI golf title at the Delhi Golf Club course here on Saturday.

Trailing by a stroke with just two holes remaining, Rashid played aggressively for a birdie-birdie finish to tie with Siddikur. On the first playoff hole, Rashid tapped in for birdie after Siddikur missed his birdie-putt.

The triumph, worth $54,000, was Rashid’s first on the Asian Tour.

Last year, this local pro lost the playoff to Anirban Lahiri but went on to top the domestic tour’s Order of Merit.

Rashid carded a one-under 71, his worst of the week, for an aggregate of 18-under 270, a tally that Siddikur managed following a 69 that came after three successive scores of 67.

On a day when Rashid played 29 holes, including 11 of the third round, Siddikur did not take long to stake his claim to the title. Starting the fourth round two strokes behind, Siddikur bridged the gap with an eagle on the opening hole. Though Rashid twice surged ahead, Siddikur soon caught up.

Rashid eventually trailed following a bogey on the 13th and a steady Siddikur stayed ahead until a dramatic birdie from the local pro set up a thrilling finish.

In Rashid’s words, “on the 17th, I actually hit a bad shot, but I don’t know how my ball pitched over the bunker and rolled to one-and-a-half feet to the flag… It was really lucky.”

Both players birdied the 18th to force the playoff. Rashid’s three-wood approach shot from 269 yards set up the birdie before Siddikur missed his birdie from 15 feet.

This breakthrough victory on the Asian Tour earned Rashid an exemption from playing qualifiers in the continent until the end of 2015.

Siddikur, winner of the prestigious Indian Open here in November last year, did not sound too disappointed.

“It was a good play-off. I played my game but, maybe, I should have played the driver. I had used the three-wood in the first four rounds and made birdie every day. But it wasn’t the case in the play-off.”

The scores:

Rashid Khan (61, 69, 69, 71), Siddikur Rahman (Ban) (67, 67, 67, 69) 270 (Rashid won on the first playoff hole); Rikard Karlberg (Swe) (71, 70, 67, 68) 276; Carlos Pigem (Esp) (69, 71, 69, 68), S.S.P. Chowrasia (68, 69, 72, 68), Martin Rominger (Sui) (72, 63, 70, 72) 277; Steve Lewton (Eng) (68, 70, 68, 72) 278; Abhijit Chadha (68, 73, 69, 69), Jyoti Randhawa (71, 69, 70, 69), Anirban Lahiri (70, 66, 69, 74) and Mithun Perera (Sri) (66, 68, 73, 72) 279.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sports / by Special Correspondent / New Delhi – March 02nd, 2014

Rashid reigns supreme

Sports, World Opinion, , , ,

Indian kickstarts season with thrilling play-off victory.

RashidKhanMP05mar2014

Rashid Khan launched his first full Asian Tour career with a thrilling victory in the season-opening SAIL-SBI Open as he edged out Bangladesh’s Siddikur in a play-off at the Delhi Golf Club here on Saturday.

Both players finished the regulation 72 holes 18-under par 270, six strokes ahead of Sweden’s Rikard Karlberg. Carlos Pigem of Spain, Swiss Martin Rominger and India’s SSP Chowrasia finished tied fourth.

In the first extra hole, Rashid went for an aggressive all-or-nothing approach shot from the fairway after to place the ball just 20-feet from the pin. He missed the eagle putt but still made a birdie.

Siddikur, on the other hand, took three shots to reach the green and could only make par after missing out on a 10-feet birdie putt. He carded three-under 69 in the final round.

“This is a special win for me because it came at my home course. I had lost last year. So it was really important,” said he 23-year-old Rashid, who managed a final round of 71.

“The way I played on the first day, I was confident but Siddikur played very well in last two days and at the end the title came in a play-off. I am happy,” Rashid, who became richer by $54,000, added.

He had lost to Anirban Lahiri in a play-off at the same event last year here playing on the PGTI card.

Two-time defending champion Lahiri, Asian tour winner Jyoti Randhawa, Abhijit Singh and Sri Lanka’s Mithun Perera signed off tied eighth at nine-under 279.
Starting the day under a laden sky on a chilly Saturday morning, Rashid finished the third round at three- under 69 to hang on to a two-stroke lead over Siddikur, who turned in a five-under 67 for the third successive time.

However, Rashid’s fortunes tumbled early in the fourth round as Siddikur caught up with the Indian at 17-under after firing an eagle on the first hole.

But Siddikur then stumbled on a bogey-birdie patch at the third and fourth holes as Rashid once again gained a one-stroke lead when he scored a birdie on the seventh hole. But a bogey on the ninth, meant the duo were once again on an even keel.

A 13th hole bogey by Rashid took Siddikur atop the leaderboard once again. But a lucky birdie at the 17th hole helped him to claw back as the duo birdied the 18th to take the match into the play-off.

“I want to thank my family and friends but special thanks to Ashok Kumar, who helped me change a few things in my swing and I really hit the ball well,” Rashid said.

The Delhi golfer lost a few play-offs in the past and he said he was happy he could pull off this time. “I played seven play offs in last 14 months and won only three.

Even the last event I lost in a play-off at BILT Open. So I was scared. It was 50-50 for me. With this victory, Rashid will receive a three-year exemption from Asian Tour and the Indian said it means a lot to him.

Leading scores (after 72 holes, Indians unless mentioned): 270: Rashid Khan (61, 69, 69, 71), Siddikur Rahman (Ban, 67, 67, 67, 69. Rashid wins via play-off. 276: Rikard Karlberg (Swe, 71, 70, 67, 68); 277: Carlos Pigem (Eng, 69, 71, 69, 68), SSP Chowrasia (68, 69, 72, 68), Martin Rominger (Sui, 72, 63, 70, 72); 278: Steve Lewton (Eng, 68, 70, 68, 72); 279: Abhijit Chadha (68, 73, 69, 69), Jyoti Randhawa (71, 69, 70, 69), Anirban Lahiri (70, 66, 69, 74), Mithun Perera (SL, 66, 68, 73, 72).

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Sports / by PTI / New Delhi – March 01st, 2014