The 2026 edition of the Kodava Family Hockey Festival will be hosted by the Chenanda family at General K.S. Thimmaiah Ground, Napoklu, from April 5th to May 2nd.
In a press conference, Festival Secretary Chenanda Madhu Madaiah said the event, which began in 1997 at Karada village, has grown into a record-breaking tournament, securing recognition in the Guinness Book of World Records and World Wide Book of Records.
This year’s highlight is the “One Sapling for Every Goal” initiative, aiming to plant 2,500 saplings in 15 days. The plantation drive will be inaugurated in phases by:
A.S. Ponnanna, Virajpet MLA, at Kokeri (Aug. 31).
MLC M.P. Suja Kushalappa at Karada (Sept. 8).
MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wodeyar at T. Shettigeri (Sept. 13).
The Forest Department, NSS students from Cauvery College, Virajpet and Ponnampet Forestry College, and local institutions will participate.
Chenanda family president Chenanda Kambani Karumbaiah, joint secretary Chenanda Thammi Thamiah, spokesperson Chenanda Suresh Nanaiah and member Chenanda Sachin Ayyappa were present.
“Our hope is that the saplings will flourish, preserving the green heritage of Kodagu. The 2026 Chenanda Cup will blend sportsmanship with environmental responsibility,” said Madaiah.
