Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya stated that the Central Government is committed to providing all possible support for the development of sports in Kodagu and will extend full assistance if a hockey academy is established in the district.
He was speaking at the final match of the 26th Kodava Family Hockey Tournament held in Napoklu, Kodagu district.
The Minister emphasized that sports should be used to promote sportspersons and not for political purposes. He called upon everyone to work together to identify and nurture sporting talent from across the country, including rural areas. He stated that talent should be recognized based on sporting ability rather than merely on performance statistics such as goals.
He further stated that the Central Government is formulating plans to host the Olympic Games in the coming years.
He also said that, he had heard about the Kodava family hockey tradition earlier and expressed happiness at witnessing it in person. Referring to the International Olympic Council’s observation that sports should help in the unification of communities, he said that the ancestors of the Kodava community had already demonstrated this principle in the past, which is commendable.
He stated that the land of Kodagu, which has produced 18 Olympians, is worthy of tribute. The Minister said that it is the responsibility of both the Central and State governments to encourage Kodagu, which is rich in sporting talent.
He emphasized that sports is not a political arena and that there should be cooperation between governments. He described the hockey tournament among Kodava families as a model for the country and stated that he would introduce it across India. He also said that he encourages sports like shooting and that if talented individuals are identified and trained, such sports can also become a model for the country. He termed the occasion as one that gives a new direction.
Shooting Academy to be establishedÂ
He suggested that an academy could be established in Kodagu on the lines of the Shooting Academy in Madhya Pradesh, stating that the district has a conducive environment. He said he will provide support for the same under the Khelo India project.
Mysore-Kodagu MP Yaduvir Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wodeyar stated that Kodava family hockey has strengthened unity within the community and has attracted attention across the country.
MP also said that a sports revolution has taken place in India under the leadership of the Union Minister, creating a new wave. He also stated that good work is being carried out under the leadership of the Prime Minister.
He remarked that any Indian sports team would feel incomplete without representation from Kodagu. He expressed pride that Kodava family hockey is being successfully conducted and is inspiring women as well. He said that such a platform has contributed to strengthening unity in the country.
Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor and Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna stated that Kodava family hockey is a model for the district. He said that discipline must be maintained in a district known for discipline and remarked that such an opportunity may not come again.
A.S. Ponnanna also said that Kodagu’s contribution to Indian sports is immense and requested the Central Government to provide adequate funding for the well-equipped sports complex being constructed on 12 acres of land in Badaga village. The State Government is already providing funds, and with the cooperation of the Central Government, a stadium can also be built. He said that a written request will be submitted in this regard.
He emphasized that Kodagu should continue to remain a sports district and noted that despite being a small district, it has produced many achievers.
He said that the next hockey festival will be organized by the Ajjikuttira family and appealed to all families to cooperate.
Hockey Academy President Pandanda K. Bopanna stated that Kodava family hockey, which was started by Pandanda Kuttappa in 1997, is an important part of the sports culture of Kodagu. He appealed to the Central Government to declare Kodagu a s a sports  district.
Retired Supreme Court Judge Ajjikuttira S. Bopanna stated that the tournament is a matter of pride for the Kodava community and expressed hope that it would continue for many years. He said that support should be extended to the Ajjikuttira Cup and to all family hockey events.
Saheed Singh, CEO of SLN, the main sponsor, stated that Kodava culture and coffee are well known across the country and that the hockey tournament is uniting the community.
Dr. Santosh Uthappa of Narayana Hospital said that the youth are losing physical strength and advised them to stay away from bad habits, devote time daily to exercise, undergo regular health check-ups, and obtain health insurance.
Jesu, Manager of Ayatana Resort, said that Kodava culture is unique and that festivals and weddings in the region are distinct. He said that bringing Kodava families together is a significant effort and emphasized the need to maintain cleanliness and develop the district as plastic-free.
At the conclusion of the programme, the responsibility of organizing the 2027 Hockey Festival was handed over to the Ajjikuttira family. The family, along with elders and younger members, received the flag with enthusiasm from the leaders of the Kodava Hockey Academy and the Chenanda family.
The Chenanda family celebrated with dance during the final match between Kulletira and Cheppudira teams. The organizers of the tournament were honoured with mementoes.
A large number of sports enthusiasts and members of the Chenanda family gathered at the Napoklu ground to witness the final match.
