Karnataka State Home Minister G. Parameshwara speaking after inaugurating the final of the Muddanda Cup Hockey Tournament in Madikeri, said that the contribution of soldiers made by a small district like Kodagu, in the defense services is well known throughout the country.
Kodagu has also provided many sports personalities and sports representatives for the country. The Kodava family Hockey tournament is also one of the reason why Kodagu district has gained fame in the world.
Speaking further he said, that there is no tournament in the world where such a large number of family teams from a single community participates. It is commendable that the number of Kodava family teams participating in hockey is increasing each year.
The minister informed that Hockey has a history of more than four thousand years. It was started in Egypt, became famous in Europe and was introduced in India through the British. Parameshwara also said that Hockey in India has preserved the country’s fame and honor and added that the Kodava people are the main reason why hockey is alive in the country today.
The Kodava hockey tournament has also led to the youth getting interested in hockey. The Karnataka state government has also provided sports quota reservation in jobs to deserving athletes, he informed.
The state government has been providing a grant of Rs 1 Crore for the Kodava family hockey tournament and Home Minister further informed that he will draw the attention of the Chief Minister for increase in the grant.
