The 20th annual Kodava hockey festival began at the Field Marshall K.M. Cariappa Grounds in Madikeri on Sunday.
Union Law Minister Sadananda Gowda inaugurated the 28-day-long festival by hailing the concept of community sport that serves to strengthen human relationships, which had taken a back seat the world over.
Pointing out that community hockey does not merely serve to promote ties between different Kodava families, Mr. Gowda said the sport also helps protect the community’s culture and traditions.
The Kodavas, who had contributed to the defence of the country, had also made immense contribution to hockey.
A large number of people, from different parts of Kodagu district, had arrived in Madikeri to watch the inaugural hockey match that was preceded by a cultural programme that included a procession showcasing Kodava traditions prominent being its agricultural practices.
The Kodava Hockey Academy president Pandanda Kuttappa, who is also the founder of the Kodava hockey festival, signalled the start of the festival by pushing a silver ball with the silver stick.
The annual Kodava hockey festival is being held in Madikeri after a gap of 11 years with the last one being held in 2005.
During the 2015 edition of the hockey festival organised by Kuppanda family in Virajpet, a total of 255 teams had participated.
The ongoing festival organised by the Shanteyanda family will continue till the finals scheduled for May 8.
299 teams
The festival will feature not only a record 299 teams, but also close to 5,000 players.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Karnataka / Laiqh A. Khan / Mysuru, April 11th, 2016