Tunisian tennis star who knitted a new passion into her life
The Hindu
Tennis player Fadoua Dimassi showcases traditional Tunisian garments at Sargaalaya International Art & Craft Festival in Vadakara, Kozhikode. International exhibitors from Sri Lanka, Russia, Egypt, Uganda, Syria & Nepal also featured.
It was a childhood dream that led tennis player Fadoua Dimassi to pick up the racket at the age of 10. Now at 50, she is pursuing another dream, with a needle though.
Fadoua is the star among the international exhibitors at the Sargaalaya International Art and Craft Festival that began at Iringal on Friday. A tennis player who represented Tunisia in many international platforms, Fadoua is in Sargaalaya to showcase the traditional garments of her country.
“I studied garment designing and wanted to pursue it as an alternative career. Tennis is in my blood and I am still passionate about it,” she told The Hindu on Sunday.
Fadoua was ranked third among African players during her peak year. Now she is part of the International Tennis Federation for senior players. She is also an accomplished coach. “I have an Indian student, Shreyas Mishra,” she said.
Fadoua focuses on using sustainable fabric in her designs. Most of them are lightweight and made of linen and cotton. Chechia, the traditional Tunisian cap, and a key chain that resembles it are her most popular exhibits at Sargaalaya.
Fadoua has been to India many times as a tourist, but never before as an artisan. Knit-work products and different types of bags are the other products featured in the Tunisian stall.
Sri Lanka is the partner country for the craft festival this season. The Sri Lankan stall features a variety of wood products such as masks, jigsaw puzzles, keychains and unique sculptures. There are also resin, polymer clay and crochet jewellery besides the famous cotton lace fabrics of the country.
After more-than-two-year wait, the flyover at Goripalayam junction will be commissioned on Saturday. As of now, the main arm of the new flyover, named after freedom fighter Netaji Subash Chandra Bose, will help to decongest vehicular movement from Tamukkam junction till Nelpettai junction on East Veli Street.
PAC criticizes the government for poor execution and financial delays in the ₹4,455 crore SANKALP skill development scheme.
Coimbatore is emerging as a leading hub for Global Capability Centres in Tamil Nadu, driven by strong educational infrastructure and investment.
Peace talks between fishermen from Rameswaram and Karaikal aim to resolve fishing territory disputes and ensure maritime harmony.
Telangana's Food Safety Department inspects 122 establishments in a statewide drive, enforcing compliance on cereal products and safety standards.
The Greater Bengaluru Authority expands to 86 members, enhancing representation with key political figures included.
Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Friday e-inaugurated (virtually) the Udan Yatri Cafe at Mangaluru International Airport and digitally launched DigiYatra at the facility.
Tension in Bagalkot as stones are thrown during Shivaji Jayanti procession; police ensure safety and investigate the incident.
Uday Bala Krishnan emphasises the vital role of compassionate teachers in nurturing young minds amidst the rise of Artificial Intelligence.
A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar appointed executive chairman of Kerala State Legal Services Authority by the Governor and Chief Justice.
Shorts News:Watch: Youth Congress workers hold ‘shirtless protest’ at AI Summit
Hakki Pikki people from Karnataka detained in Ghana raise concerns among families about their safety and the legality of their herbal sales.
Anakapalli police arrest habitual offender, recovering gold worth ₹30 lakh after a swift investigation into a house break-in.