Mukkattira, Kandanda, Ajjamada Teams Emerge Victorious
In the final matches of the 5th annual Kodava Family Kere Bali Namme (Hagga Jaggata) Tug of War tournament organised by the Cheekapuvanda family at the KPS School grounds, the Mukkattira (Harihar), Kandanda, and Ajjamada family teams emerged victorious and lifted the Cheekapuvanda Cup.
In the final match between Cheekapuvanda and Mukkattira (Harihar), the Mukkattira team defeated the host team to claim victory. In another final between Kandanda and Pudiokkada teams, the Kandanda team emerged victorious, achieving a hat-trick win in the Kodava Care Bali Namme tournament.
In the under-16 boys and girls category, the Ajjamada team secured first place.  Speaking on the occasion, MLA A.S. Ponnanna said that sports are an integral part of Kodava culture and that Kodagu has contributed significantly to the nation in terms of sporting talent. He expressed hope for further progress in the future.
He appreciated the Cheekapuvanda family for organising the event systematically and mentioned that his maternal roots are linked to the Cheekapuvanda family. He fondly recalled Cheekapuvanda Bhimaiah, who fought for Kodagu’s right to bear arms from 1963 to 2019, stating that he was his grandfather and that he takes pride in his legacy.
DCC Bank President Kodandera Bond Ganapathy said that while many sports require skill, tug of war is particularly known for testing physical strength.
National Women’s Council President Sharath Parakoth remarked that tug of war symbolises unity and teamwork, demonstrating that collective effort leads to success.
Kodagu Raitha Sangha President Kadyamada Manu Somaiah, Napoklu Kodava Samaj President Mundanda Nanaiah, and Cheekapuvanda Care Bali Samiti President C.K. Bopanna also spoke.
Tug of War Academy President Ponnolathanda Kiran Ponnappa, in his introductory address, said that the Care Bali event, featuring 295 teams including 189 men’s teams, 84 women’s teams, and 22 children’s teams, has been recorded in the Indian Book of Records.
The programme was presided over by Cheekapuvanda family president Appachchu.
Among those present on the dais were Chief Engineer of the State Electricity Department Teetira Roshan Appachchu, DCC Bank Vice-President Ketolira Harish Poovaiah, Indian Book of Records representative Sameem Razak, Cheekapoovanda family representative C.A. Chittiappa, Committee Vice-President Cheekapoovanda Katti Manjunath, Secretary Naveen Nachappa, C.A. Nachappa, Satish Devaiah, Sunil Machiah, Sachin Muthappa, Prakash Mandanna, Sachin Poovaiah, Shambhu Nanjappa, and other members of the family.
Maletira Srinivas, Baleada Divya Mandappa, and Kottangada Raja Subbaiah served as commentators. Cheekapoovanda Yashaswini delivered the prayer.
MLA A.S. Ponnanna felicitated Mukkattira Mouni Nanaiah, Uluvangada Rohit Bheemayya, and singer Shanteyanda Yana Macchaiah, who composed the lyrics for Cheekapuvanda Care Bali Namme.
Indian Book of Records representative Sameem Razak presented the official certificate recognising the inclusion of Cheekapuvanda Kere Bali Namme in the Indian Book of Records.
