Chief minister’s legal advisor and MLA A S Ponnanna inaugurated the 24th edition of the Kodava family hockey tournament Kundyolanda Hockey Festival at Napoklu General Thimmaya Stadium recently by striking a silver hockey ball with a silver hockey stick.
Speaking after inauguration he said that Kodava family hockey is an important part of Kodava tradition. Pandanda Kuttappa’s contribution to hockey will never be forgotten. We should always maintain our love for the sport of hockey. He praised the hockey players and the people of Kodagu for their contribution to the success of Kodava family hockey. He also informed that efforts have already been made to give 5 acres of land to the hockey academy.
MLA A S Ponnanna also requested Kodava family hockey organisers to give an opportunity to Ajjikuttira family to organize the Kodava family hockey festival in the year 2027.Â
Ponnanna further informed that he will try to establish a tennis academy under the leadership of Rohan Bopanna and stated that he would give encouragement to sports activities in Kodagu by giving infrastructure to the stadiums in the taluk and village level.Â
MLC Suja Kushalappa, Hockey Academy President Pandanda Bopanna, Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Venkataraja, Superintendent of Police K. Ramarajan, A.S.P. Sundarraj, Pattedar of the Kundyolanda family A. Nanaiah, President of the hockey festival Kundyolanda Ramesh Muddiah, Dr. Anjaparavanda Subbaiah, Writer Kambiranda Kaveri Ponnappa, Bond Ganapathy and many dignitaries were present on the dais.
Pandanda Bopanna lauded the Kundyolanda family for organizing the hockey festival in a grand manner.
Speaking on the occasion Kodagu Deputy Commissioner said “I am proud that I have participated in the world famous Kodava Hockey Festival in Kodagu and added that Iwasalso a hockey player about 20 years ago during my college days and further stated that I did not come here only as a DC but as hockey lover and I will play in this hockey tournament.
Speaking on the occasion Anjaparavanda Subbaiah said that Kodava family hockey tournament has given opportunity to hundreds of hockey talents of Kodagu and added that he is planning to play on behalf of Anjaparavanda family this time. Subbaiah also informed that Umpire’s Clinic will be organized at Napoklu Hockey Festival this year to train more umpires for the future.
Earlier, dressed in their traditional attire, members of various Kodava families arrived at the ground in a procession. Twenty-three Kodava family heads who had hosted tournaments in the last were also present on the occasion.
