Every year, in a remote village in Kodagu, right in the middle of coffee plantations, the world’s largest hockey tournament takes place after the coffee picking season is over. An event that binds the community’s athletes and family clans. After the successful run for about 24 years, Kodagu’s biggest hockey tournament is back with it’s 25th edition even more vigour. A biggest platform, a perfect blend of young and old hockey stalwarts and budding talents and also the sports lovers who are expected to participate. Nestled in the lofty green mountains of western ghats in Karnataka, the mesmerizingly beautiful and quaint district of Kodagu is a paradise of nature lovers. The landscape bustling with coffee plantations is an ideal retreat from the cacophony of city life. The Kodavas belonging from a martial race, are the true representatives of Kodagu. While many associate Kodagu as a tourist spot, most of us are unaware that this small hill station is also the cradle for hockey in India.
Kodagu or Coorg in south Karnataka is one of the India’s biggest coffee producing district. Besides being the birth place of river Cauvery, Kodagu is also known for producing India’s finest soldiers and officers in the district and also known for producing best known talents in the game of hockey.
At the heart of this sporting culture is the Kodava family hockey tournament. It is one of the largest sporting events in the country and possibly in the world.
Started in the year 1997 by Pandanda Kuttappa known as the father of the hockey festival came up with an intention in bringing in the harmony within the community and within the family. This provides an opportunity to give the players to play at the international levels. It’s completely a family affair and survives and thrive because it is passed from one generation to the other. No doubt, Kodagu is one of the India’s hockey nurseries, which has produced more than 50 players from Kodagu who has represented India in international hockey tournaments. The tournament has emerged as a platform for the community members to discuss trade and business interests, besides scouting for martial alliances. In the scorching heat under the soaring sun, thousands of Kodavas gather, not out of religious pull but to witness a clash of hockey sticks. Kodavas who are scattered across the globe, it is time to return to their roots for an event that is deeply ingrained in their cultural fabric.
As the stage set for Muddanda cup Hockey festival this year, as a part of festival’s Silver Jubilee, a special ” Kreeda Jyoti ” (Sports Torch) marathon will be held by visiting the Ain manes of Kodava families starting from Pandanda family in Karada, the pioneers of the Kodava Family Hockey Festival.
The excitement is roaring as the Muddanda family takes the reins in which people show up in large numbers to witness a spectacle that has become a part of their annual calendar and a part of festivities that has grown into a cultural phenomenon over the decades. As they say hockey runs in Kodava blood, Kodava Hockey Namme is the best tournament in the world Because matches are not fought, they are celebrated. Best crowd, food, dance along with best matches. No doubt Kodavas are the most disciplined brave tribe in the world. Cheer hockey and be a part of this hockey tradition in Kodagu.
LET THE STICKS CLASH AND THE CHEER ROAR!
KODANDERA MAMATHA SUBBAIAH.
