This is a very good initiative by Chenanda Family to identify young talent from within the district. We sincerely hope that surplus funds that gets generated by the Kodava Hockey Association and respective families that host the Namme, will be contributed to a Talent Nurturing Fund (TNF). Really good youngsters should be sponsored by the community through the Sports Authority of India.
Similar nurturing of talents needs to be done for badminton (Diya Bheemaiah), Boxing (Likhith Chinnappa) and similar sports, including shooting, golf, basketball, swimming, archery and such sports that will bring laurels to the community and the country.
By getting this established as a Trust, KHA should be able to attract CSR Funds as well as Individual contributions enabling 80G Tax deduction. If this is done, the TATA Trusts and similar organisations can be approached for Grassroots Sports Development Model.
–Â CLN Newsdesk
Chenanda Okka has taken a significant step towards nurturing the future of hockey by establishing a structured platform to identify, encourage, and recognise young talent at the primary and high school levels. The initiative covers both boys and girls and is rooted in the principles of equality and inclusivity, welcoming students without discrimination on the basis of gender, caste, or creed, and ensuring that opportunity is determined solely by passion, skill, and commitment.
By promoting hockey, the nation’s game, at the grassroots level, Chenanda Okka aims not only to foster sporting excellence but also to instil essential values such as discipline, teamwork, and unity among young students. Experts emphasise that early exposure to organised sports at the school level plays a crucial role in shaping confident athletes and responsible citizens, and this initiative reflects a clear and forward-looking vision in that direction.
It is hoped that this inspiring effort will set a strong precedent for similar programmes in the future. Expectations are high that the forthcoming Hockey Festival to be conducted by Okka will build upon this foundation, further strengthening youth development, inclusive participation, and the sustained growth of hockey for generations to come.
A truly commendable initiative that focuses on nurturing talent at the grassroots level. Wishing this effort every success. Initiative like this are very
essential for building strong athletes and stronger communities. This is a meaningful step taken
towards recognising and supporting young talent. Great initiative aimed at empowering the next generation.
Fantastic Initiative! Appreciate the effort and the vision behind this..Kudos to the team!
This is a very good initiative! It’s great to see Chenanda Okka and the team focusing on inclusive grassroots development to promote school-level hockey. Efforts like this not only help identify and nurture young talent early on but also strengthen the sport’s foundation in the community.
Wishing you the best.
Truly commendable initiative by the Chenanda family to identify and nurture young hockey talent at the grassroots level. This structured and inclusive approach, covering both boys and girls, will go a long way in strengthening the hockey ecosystem in the district. With sustained community support and proper nurturing, such efforts can help produce quality players, revive Kodagu’s rich hockey legacy, and create future champions who bring pride to both the community and the nation.
Excellent initiative by Chenanda family! Wishing each one of you the best for the year 2026.
This is an excellent initiative to nurture and promote young talent at the grassroots.
Though am not from the Kodava community, as an Indian have been very impressed by the fantastic achievements of the community in making India proud on so many of the national and international forums.
This is largely due to the natural ability and the passion of the individuals but there must be so many others who could not pursue their dreams. This initiative will help encourage and increase the talent pool who will do the community, our state and nation proud in years to come.
Also this would be encourage companies to also play a part through their CSR/ESG initiatives
Kudos to the Chenanda family and best wishes for the 2026 hockey festival.