If the semi-finals were to be treated as a benchmark, there is the exciting prospect of a well fought finals this morning at 11 AM between Mandepanda and Chendanda teams.
Overheard in the stands yesterday where impatient spectators had to listen to long speeches:
- “why can’t the so called chief guest allow the game to be played and not listen to their own voice on our time”
- ”The Annual Family Hockey Tournaments are a real treat and joy for the Kodavas. Pandanda Kuttappa (fondly called as Kuttani) must be so pleased watching it year-after-year from his celestial abode!”
- ”Isn’t it about time to have a more permanent venue with proper facilities, Astro turf (?), comfortable seating arrangements, toilets, refreshment areas and strong sponsorship? Temporary structures and constant change of venues account for the bulk of the expenses. Perhaps an IPL type of bidding can be done to attract the right sponsors for the event? Individual families can host the event but certain parameters or guidelines should be in place.
All valid observations and eventually it should result on a common agenda that dovetails with the overall objective of sustaining Kodava Culture as espoused by the Kodavaame Balo Nadp. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a proper stadium conceptualised by the people and “funded” appropriately. It is really good to keep the Family Hockey Namme apolitical – there are no strings attached. In fact Chief Guests can be chosen based on accomplishments on serving the community.
Poor Kuttani must be taken aback at the turn of events. He conceptualised the tournament to promote Hockey at the grassroots level. Not for political speeches.
Can’t we learn from the enormous impact of the Kodavaame Balo Nadp where it was strictly apolitical. Everything is turned into a political rally. There were many Ministers from the Congress Government, with two MLAs and their coterie. Even the BJP MP of Mysore and Kodagu had his say.
For the sake of preserving the sanity of the community – please PLAY THE GAME!
Speeches and political popularity takes precedence over hockey. It was a frustrating day of agonising waiting for the spectators.
Even though there was rain forecast, time was spent on speeches and the finals got delayed beyond any rational explanation.
Thank you for capturing the spirit and energy surrounding the tournament. It’s heartening to see the passion not only in the field but also among the spectators who care deeply about the future of this event.
Points raised from the need for more concise speeches to the vision for a permanent venue with modern facilities are thoughtful and valid. They reflect a collective aspiration to honour the legacy of pioneers like Pandanda Kuttappa while adapting to evolving expectations.
Sustaining and celebrating Kodava culture through events are like Family Hockey Tournament is indeed a shared responsibility. Moving towards improved infrastructure and thoughtful sponsorship models would be the right direction.
Keeping the spirit of the community driven would ensure the tournament remains inclusive, vibrant, and true to the roots of the Kodava people.
It’s inspiring to imagine a future where a dedicated, world-class venue stands as a tribute to Kodava traditions place built by the community, for the community.
Yes its high time the community thought long term to create a permanent world class stadium. 25 years on we still are plundering crores yearly on temporary facilities without even a thought towards investing in a state of the art stadium in Kodagu. Lets start now and yearly each family contributes atleast 50% of the amount given by the government to KODAVA HOCKEY ACADEMY so that in the next 5 years we have world class ASTRO Turf stadium which every kodava is proud of.
Unless we invest in the game immediately HOCKEY SHALL DIE ITS OWN DEATH WITHOUT BIGTIME REPRESENTATION OF KODAVAS IN INDIAN TEAM. LETS INVEST IN OUR FUTURE.