Madikeri MLA Dr. Manthar Gowda said sports events help foster camaraderie among journalists and strengthen organizational unity.
He was speaking after unveiling the trophy for the state-level journalists’ cricket tournament, organized by the Kodagu District Working Journalists’ Association in association with the Karnataka Working Journalists’ Association.
The tournament will be held on November 2 and 3 in Madikeri.
The ceremony took place at Evolve Back Resort in Karadigodu, near Siddapura. Manthar Gowda praised the organizers for bringing journalists together through sports and expressed hope that participants from across Karnataka would experience Kodagu’s hospitality. He also urged journalists to maintain unity, uphold sportsmanship and support one another in times of joy and sorrow. He called on politicians to accept media reports constructively and correct their mistakes, noting that journalism plays a vital role in bringing about systemic change.
Karnataka Working Journalists’ Association president ShivanandaTagaduru described hosting the tournament in Kodagu, the birthplace of the River Cauvery, as a matter of pride. He praised the district’s hospitality and organizational discipline, and called on journalists to participate in the event in a spirit of unity.
Association director B.R. Savitha Rai stressed the responsibility of organizing a state-level tournament and said preparations were underway through various sub-committees. SNDP Union district president V.K. Lokesh highlighted the importance of recreation for journalists working under constant deadlines and emphasized the media’s role in holding the executive and legislature accountable.
Kodagu District Working Journalists’ Association president Bacharaniyanda Anu Cariyappa said the state-level tournament was returning to Kodagu after a gap of 13 years. He noted that the event was intended not only to promote sports but also to strengthen the journalists’ organization.
Twenty-four teams from across Karnataka are expected to participate. Matches will be held at the Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College grounds and General Thimayya District Stadium in Madikeri. An exhibition match between journalists and politicians is also planned for the opening day.
Several office-bearers of the state, district and taluk journalists’ associations attended the ceremony, including general secretary G.C. Lokesh, vice-president Ajjamada Ramesh Kuttappa and Virajpet Taluk Association president Rejith Kumar Guhya.
Sunil Ponneti compered the programme. Vice-president Vasu welcomed the gathering, and Vanitha Chandramohan proposed the vote of thanks.
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