Although there are many athletes in Kodagu district, the expected level of performance has not been achieved due to basic infrastructural shortcomings. Therefore, Virajpet MLA and Legal Advisor to the Chief Minister, Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna, stated that he will make greater efforts towards sports development.
He was speaking after inaugurating the 5th annual Kodava Family Tug of War (Care Bali Namme) tournament organised by the Cheekapuvanda family at the KPS School grounds here.
He noted that, like hockey and cricket, the tug of war tournament has successfully reached its fifth year and expressed hope that it would create new records in the coming years.
Stating that he is making significant efforts for the development of sports in the district, he said that a residential school for boys and girls in Ponnampet will be established, and the turf ground will be renovated at a cost of Rs. 3.50 crore. In addition, Rs. 3.50 crore has been sanctioned by the government for the construction of toilets, water tanks, and other infrastructure there.
He further said that 11.50 acres of land has been identified in Badaga village for a sports complex, and Rs. 30 crore has been allocated by the government, along with Rs. 15 crore from Rajya Sabha Member Ajay Maken. The work will be carried out using this grant.
Vice-President of the State Sports Authority, Cheppudira Arun Machayya, said that Kodavas are known for their bravery and that strength is reflected through sacrifice. He noted that all sports require strength and skill. While Kodagu is regarded as the home of sports, there is a lack of basic facilities for sports development. He emphasised the need for a sports complex and congratulated the MLAs who are focusing on these issues and working towards development.
Tug of War Academy President Ponnolathanda Kiran Ponnappa delivered the introductory address. CheekapuvandaHaggajaggata Samiti member Cheekapuvanda K. Bopanna spoke and presided over the programme.
Those present on the dais included Cheekapuvanda family head Chittiappa, Napoklu Kodava Samaj President Mundanda Nanaiah, KPS School Principal Medura Vishal, Bollachettira Suresh, coffee grower Bottolanda Ganapathy, Chettangada Ravi Subbaiah, Balekuttira Rayappa Mandanna, Ponnolatanda Somanna, Ashok, and others.
The programme began with the national anthem, followed by a prayer by Swara Thangamma, a welcome address by Cheekapuvanda family president Appachchu, and a vote of thanks by Maletira Srinivas.
Earlier, a flag-hoisting ceremony of families associated with the Tug of War Academy and the five-year tournament was held.
In the exhibition match between Ishwara Igguthappa A and Ishwara Igguthappa B teams, the Ishwara Igguthappa A team emerged victorious.
On the occasion of the tournament, members of the Cheekapuvanda family conducted a procession from near Ponnad Supermarket in Napoklu town to the KPS School grounds. Dressed in traditional attire and carrying turbans, they attracted widespread attention.
During the parade, CheekapoovandaMuthappa, Bopanna, Joyappa, and Raja Somaiah performed the Dudikott Pot. Cheekapoovanda Tug of War Committee Vice-President Cheekapoovanda Katti Manjunath, Naveen Nachappa, C.A. Nachappa, Satish Devaiah, Sunil Machiah, Sachin Muthappa, Prakash Mandanna, Sachin Poovaiah, Shambhu Nanjappa, and all elders and juniors of the family participated.
Students of Gonikoppal Kaveri College presented Kathiyat and Kolat dance performances during the programme.
