Pune: Karnataka put up an impressive performance at the 16th Hockey India Junior Women’s National Hockey Championship 2026, which began in Pune, Maharashtra, on August 12, and successfully qualified for Pool A.
The Karnataka State Junior Women’s Hockey team includes nine players from Kodagu, including the team captain. The team achieved a remarkable feat by winning all four matches played at the Major Dhyan Chand Polygrass Hockey Stadium in Pune.
Karnataka defeated Bihar 2-1, Tamil Nadu 5-1, Uttarakhand 6-1 and Goa 9-0. The Kodagu players, who had delivered an outstanding performance at the All India Hockey Tournament held in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, in February and won the bronze medal, have continued their impressive form at the National Championship, earning widespread appreciation.
Kodagu’s Manish Ponnamma is leading the team as captain, while Pratheeksha is the vice-captain. Other players from Kodagu include Disha Nidyamale, Chandana Thadiyappa, Perlin Ponnamma, Monica Nanaiah, Akshitha, Gagana and Punya. The Karnataka team achieved this feat under the guidance of coach Ganapathi from Ponnampet and manager Mary.
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A proud moment for karnataka and kodagu! Congratulations to every player for their grit, discipline and teamwork. More importantly, let this success inspire us to invest in our kodava players through the Hockey Academy and give them the coaching facilities and opportunities they deserve our girls have the talent, now they need our unwavering support.
This girls team, especially the Kodavathis need all the encouragement for their hard work and potential. The Family Hockey tournaments under the aegis of the Kodava Hockey Academy should earmark a meaningful amount for really good talent (like Manisha Ponnamma and many more) and track their progress to higher performance. At the end of the day, we have a “force” of legendary players who pack a punch where it matters.