The 26th edition of the Chenanda Cup Hockey Festival, featuring Kodava family teams, commenced with great enthusiasm in Napoklu.
A record 383 teams are participating in the 28-day tournament, with the final scheduled for May 2.
The festival was inaugurated at General K.S. Thimmaiah Stadium in Cheriyaparambu. MLA A.S. Ponnanna, along with Kodava Hockey Academy President Pandanda Bopanna and other dignitaries, marked the opening with the traditional silver ball strike.
Addressing the gathering, Ponnanna highlighted the global recognition of Kodava family hockey and expressed confidence that the tournament would continue to nurture sporting talent. He also recalled its inclusion in the Guinness World Records in previous editions.
A colourful procession featuring participants in traditional Kodava attire added vibrancy to the event.
A special tribute was paid to past organisers of the festival, which began in 1997 under the leadership of the late Pandanda Kuttappa. Family heads who had previously hosted the tournament were honoured during the ceremony.
A statue of PandandaKuttappa was unveiled near the stadium in recognition of his contribution to promoting hockey among Kodavas.
Exhibition matches, including fixtures between Team UAE and Tamane XI, and between SAI Bengaluru and MEG teams, added excitement ahead of the main tournament.
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