Satwik-Chirag pair signs off with bronze at World Championships
Paris (PTI): Top Indian pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty signed off with a bronze medal after going down fighting to China's 11th seeds Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi in the men's doubles semifinals of the World Championships here.
A day after assuring India of a medal, the former world No. 1 duo's bid to become the first Indian men's doubles pair to reach the final of a world championships fell short as they lost 19-21, 21-18, 12-21 in a 67-minute battle on Saturday evening.
This is the pair's second medal at the Worlds, having won a bronze in 2022.
On Friday, Asian Games champions Satwik and Chirag had stunned their nemesis, Malaysia's two-time Olympic medallists Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, in the quarterfinals to extend India's medal streak in the tournament, which began in 2011.
The Indians, however, could not break through the resolute defence of the Chinese pair, which retrieved relentlessly and countered with precision.
Satwik and Chirag had first clinched a world championships bronze in Tokyo in 2022, a year after narrowly missing out on a medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Their second medal in the prestigious tournament also comes a year after an Olympic heartbreak at the Paris Games.
It also brought an end to India's campaign in the tournament.
"We didn't get really any rhythm. We didn't start off that well. We gave away easy points (in the third game). We should have been a bit smarter. But, credit to them. They served quite well, right from the start of the third game," Chirag said after the defeat.
"I think we could have made a few changes here and there, not really rush into the service, because they were also serving quite deep. But credit to them that they could put us out of place," he added.
On his part, Satwik said, "They played with much more confidence, like we did in the first matches. Their body language... they were enjoying a little more than us. In the first game, even though we were leading, they were just giving what they have. I think that's what we did in the previous matches.
"Today, I think we played really well in patches, it's all about confidence, how strong you are mentally."
Satwik and Chirag had the Chinese on the ropes in the opening game, racing to a 9-3 lead with relentless attack and sharp interceptions. But Chen and Liu, defending flat and retrieving everything thrown at them, clawed back.
Chirag went wide on game point and although the Indians saved two, a blistering smash from the Chinese sealed it 21-19.
Switching sides brought a fresh burst as the Indians surged ahead 5-1 with clever judgements aided by drift. Satwik's smashes and Chirag's quick net play forced high lifts that they dispatched ruthlessly.
But then nerves crept in. Chirag erred repeatedly at the net, and Satwik was faulted on serve, allowing the Chinese to level at 16 all. Satwik's venomous smash and a fortunate net chord helped them eke out a 21-18 win to force a decider.
The third game, however, was one-way traffic. Liu's flick serve unsettled Chirag time and again as the Chinese stormed to a 9-0 lead. At the change of ends, India trailed 3-11 and never recovered.
Satwik tried to inject some fire with booming smashes, but misjudgement and errors mounted. Chen and Liu converted their third match point when Satwik's drive went long, wrapping up the contest 21-12.
Summing up their campaign in the French capital, Chirag said, "This has been really good outing, played some good matches, beat players against whom we have not had good record in the previous matches.
"But, having said that, we couldn't play that final, but yeah, overall a good tournament."
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Karnataka readies for deficit monsoon; CM Siddaramaiah orders water supply measures
Bengaluru (PTI): Warning of a likely deficit monsoon across the state, barring five districts, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday instructed deputy commissioners to take precautionary measures to prevent disruption to the drinking water supply.
The CM chaired a meeting with district-in-charge ministers, deputy commissioners, and Zilla Panchayat chief executive officers to review drinking water supply in rural and urban areas during the peak of summer.
"The meteorological department has predicted below-normal monsoon rainfall this year. There is a possibility of normal rainfall in August, while less rainfall is expected in September," Siddaramaiah was quoted as saying in a statement issued by his office.
"If there is any disruption in the drinking water supply, the respective Deputy Commissioners will be held responsible," he said, directing the Revenue, Panchayat Raj and Urban Development departments to coordinate closely.
Stating that most districts in the north interior region are likely to experience more hot days than usual between April and June, the CM asked deputy commissioners to take appropriate precautionary measures.
He said forecasts by the meteorological department should be taken seriously.
Public shade and drinking water facilities should be provided, he said, adding that there is no shortage of funds to ensure water supply.
He also said the Finance Department has been instructed to release funds based on reports from deputy commissioners.
A total of 213 taluks and 2,410 gram panchayats have been identified as potentially facing drinking water shortages during summer. At present, 598 gram panchayats across 114 taluks are facing shortages.
Drinking water is being supplied to 137 villages through 129 tankers. As many as 585 private borewells have been rented to supply water to 515 villages.
The CM said shortages are likely in several districts, including Kalaburagi (147 gram panchayats), Bagalkot (114), Belagavi (127), Chikkamagaluru (115), Haveri (138), Mandya (130), Tumakuru (141) and Uttara Kannada (125).
At present, 27 urban local bodies are facing water shortages, while 95 have been identified as vulnerable. A total of 145 wards are being supplied water through 57 tankers, and 22 borewells have been taken on rent.
Tankers should be used only in emergencies, with priority given to renting private borewells, he said, adding that borewells can be drilled if necessary.
Highlighting that 321.93 TMC of water is currently available in the state’s 14 major reservoirs—36 per cent of total capacity—Siddaramaiah said this compares with 330.35 TMC during the same period last year. "Sufficient water is available in reservoirs for drinking purposes at present," he said.
With the monsoon likely to be delayed, he directed officials to ensure adequate drinking water availability in reservoirs till mid-July.
Drinking water supply should be prioritised over irrigation, he said, directing officials to identify and repair leakages in reservoirs.
Public grievances related to drinking water should be addressed promptly, with control rooms set up at the taluk and ward levels. District-level task forces should function actively, he added.
Cautioning about possible disruption in fertiliser supply due to the situation in the Middle East, the CM directed officials to prevent hoarding and ensure timely availability to farmers.
"Ensure proper distribution of urea and DAP and prevent their diversion to other states," he said, adding that inspections at check posts should be intensified.
He noted that due to good rainfall over the past two years, there is no immediate shortage of fodder, but availability should continue to be monitored. The CM directed that task force meetings on drinking water be held in all taluks and reports be submitted.
He also stressed the need to prevent the supply of contaminated water, saying deputy commissioners are responsible for ensuring safe drinking water and preventing related health issues.
Officials were asked to continuously monitor fertiliser sales to ensure an adequate supply for eligible farmers.
"Some districts, including Haveri, have recorded higher fertiliser sales than last year. What is the reason?" he asked, calling for close monitoring to prevent shortages.
