Major General Paruvanda M. Cariappa speaking at the 20-day-long Aramanamada Kodava families tennis ball cricket tournament at Vijayalakshmi PU College ground in Balele recently said that now Kodava family sports festivals have also become one of the important cultural events. It is a matter of pride that the athletes of Kodavas are achieving at the international level. Today, cricket is a prestigious sport in the world and now for the first time in the Kodava Cricket Festival, a record 49 women’s teams have participated, which is a good development, he added.
Speaking further he said that, like hockey, the cricketers also should work hard to get a place in the Indian cricket team. Kodava sports festival is a platform for those who are employed in different parts of the country to come and interact together. He advised to younger generation of the community to preserve the Kodava cultural heritage to the future generation, to give respect to elders and to follow their ancient customs which are practicing from decades.
Speaking on the occasion Iychetteria Sunitha of Chettalli Ladies Club who successfully conducted married women’s cricket tournament for two years and also promoting women’s cricket in Kodagu, felt that it is a good development that the Aramanada family has organized cricket among 49 women’s teams. In Kodagu, sports have come in blood in all and women are now making their debut from the kitchen to the cricket pitch. For women empowerment, equality, leadership development, more women should develop interest in sports, she added.
Anjaparavanda B. Subbaiah former Hockey Olympian, Arjuna Award Winner, Hockey Karnataka General Secretary said that to make use of the summer sports camp and opined that in the Indian National squad the Kodagu players are not seen much now and advised them to develop interest in all types of sports. He also said that the youth from Kodagu have the opportunity to excel in many sports including hockey, cricket, judo, boxing and tennis.
Speaking on the occasion A K Suresh said that about 40 family members of women have collected Rs. 5 lakhs for the sports event and due to the cooperation of family and committee members they are organizing a good cricket tournament. He also said many Aramanamada family members are also in defense force and are serving the country, and requested everyone’s cooperation for the cricket festival on the same occasion.
