What: The inauguration of the intra-club Sports Carnival 2012, organised by Hindusthan Club and Avani Riverside in association with The Telegraph.

When: Till April 29, at Hindusthan Club.

Sporty start: Spanning over two months, the carnival promises a host of activities and competitions involving badminton, billiards, pool and snooker, squash and table tennis, carom and darts.

State minister for sports and transport Madan Mitra inaugurated the tournament on Thursday with a game of badminton at the Sarat Bose Road club. “I’m playing after almost 20-25 years and it feels great! I’m also planning to come back for the Zumba classes, which are starting here,” he smiled.

so present at the inauguration were Vimal Goel of Avani Group, club president Alok Garodia and other committee members.

Businessmen Kamal Ghelani and Sunil Shah were on for the first match of the evening — the first a pro, the second a newbie. “I have been practising for a few weeks now. Though I lost to my friend here, I have fallen for the game completely,” said Sunil.

ubspeak: “We want to leave no stone unturned to make sure that our club members, specially the younger generation, excel in the arena of sports. This is an initiative in that direction,” said Sandeep Patni, the club chairman of the sports sub committee.

Whattey match! That’s what this little girl seemed to say, as she wiped her forehead following some tough competition in the under-11 category that turned up in white tees, Yonex rackets in hand. Picture by Anindya Shankar Ray.

Glam guest: Agnimitra Paul had a surprise visitor at her design den on Palit Street, opposite Maddox Square, on Thursday afternoon — Dil Se.. star Manisha Koirala. Shopping was on the Nepali beauty’s mind as she picked up four saris from Agnimitra. “Manisha liked the handloom saris in matka cotton and cotton tussore… I will be making interesting blouses to go with each one and will also design a churidar-kurta in off-white for her,” said Agnimitra. Muted tones are Manisha’s favourites. “She likes beige, off-white, black and dull grey,” added Agni, who has designed for the Bombay belle for some of her TV appearances in the past.

China calling: Camellia Group opened its first standalone restaurant last week, in City Centre New Town. Yin Yang is a 48-cover Chinese restaurant spanning 1,700sq ft. The group is planning to open 30 such outlets in metros all over the country. The menu packs in familiar favourites like Manchow Soup and Sweet Corn Soup, Konjee Crispy Lamb, Szechwan Chicken and Chilli Pork. A few unusual items include the Chilli Lobster and Stir-fried Broccoli with Braised Mushrooms. A meal for two will cost you Rs 1,200.

Picture by Rashbehari Das