Category Archives: Inspiration / Positive News and Features

Three from Kodagu commissioned as Sub Lieutenants in Indian Navy

June 4, 2025Amazing Feats, Defence Services (Air,Land,Sea),Police (wef. Dec 09th, 2021), Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022)Areyada Chaman Poovana, Areyada Kiran Ganapathy, Arthur Village - Gonikoppal, Asha, Atul Somayya - PES Institute of Technology - Bengaluru, Beena, Chiriapanda Atul Somayya, Kadiyamada Arun Achaiah, Kadiyamada Rea Achaiah, Kadiyamada Rea Achaiah - Gold Medallist - Indian Navy Laser Sailing Championship, Kadiyamada Rea Achaiah - Ice Skater, Kanoor - Kodagu, Kodavas in the Indian Navy, Kodavathi in the Indian Navy, Lt Col Chiriapanda Vivek Muthanna, Priya Achaiah, Rea Achaiah, Rea Achaiah - International Roller Speed Skater, Rea Achaiah - Vidyavardhaka College of Engineering - VVCE Mysuru, Sub Lieutenanat Kadiyamada Rea Achaiah, Sub Lieutenant Areyada Chaman Poovana, Sub Lieutenant Chiriapanda Atul Somayyaadmin

Mysuru:

Kodagu, a region renowned for its extraordinary contribution to the Indian Armed Forces, has added another proud chapter to its legacy as three of its youth have been commissioned as Sub Lieutenants in the Indian Navy.

Kadiyamada Rea Achaiah

Sub Lieutenant Kadiyamada Rea Achaiah, a Mysuru-based native of Kodagu, has been commissioned into the Indian Navy and is currently serving aboard INS Sujata, a frontline patrol vessel.

Rea, an alumna of Vidyavardhaka College of Engineering (VVCE), Mysuru, completed her degree in Information Science. Inspired by a long-standing dream to serve the Armed Forces, she cleared the Services Selection Board (SSB) exams and joined the Indian Naval Academy at Payyannur, Kerala, on July 1, 2024. She was formally commissioned on May 31, 2025.

Rea had the distinction of being selected for both the Indian Army and the Indian Navy, ultimately choosing the latter. A multi-talented achiever, she is a former international Roller Speed Skater and has represented India in three World and Asian Championships.

She made history by becoming the first Indian female skater to win an individual medal in an international competition, claiming two bronze medals at the 18th Asian Championship in South Korea (2018). She has a medal tally of 155 golds, 28 silvers and 11 bronzes across various competitions.

Apart from roller skating, Rea is also a national-level ice skater and sailor. She recently won gold in the Indian Navy Laser Sailing Championship held at Karwar and secured gold and bronze medals in the Biangular Sailing Regatta at the Indian Naval Academy. She is the daughter of Kadiyamada Arun Achaiah and Priya Achaiah of Athur village, Gonikoppal and residents of Vijayanagar 1st Stage, Mysuru.

Chiriapanda Atul Somayya

Sub Lieutenant Chiriapanda Atul Somayya, son of Lt. Col. (Retd.) Chiriapanda Vivek Muthanna and Asha, hails from Kanoor, Kodagu.

An alumnus of PES Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, where he earned a degree in Civil Engineering with distinction, Atul was inspired from an early age to join the Armed Forces. He was commissioned into the Indian Navy on May 31, 2025.

Areyada Chaman Poovana

Sub Lieutenant Areyada Chaman Poovana, son of Areyada Kiran Ganapathy and Beena, has also been commissioned into Indian Navy on May 31, 2025.

His achievement marks a proud milestone for his family and community and highlights the continued tradition of military service in Kodagu. Known for his dedication and discipline, Chaman looks ahead to a promising career in naval service.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / June 03rd, 2025

Q & A with Joshna Chinappa | Still smashing

May 31, 2025Amazing Feats, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Sports, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022)Coorg, Indian Squash Champion, Indian Squash Champions, Joshna Chinappa, Joshna Chinappa - Squash Champion, Joshna Chinappa - Squash Champion of India, Joshna Chinappa Ace squash player, Kodagu, Kodagu Athletes, Kodagu District, Kodagu First, Kodagu Squash Athletes, Kodava Squash Players, Kodava Women in Sports, Kodavathi, Women Athletes of Kodagu, Women Squash Champions of India, Women Squash Players of Indiaadmin

Thirty-eight-year-old squash champion Joshna Chinappa’s win at the National Doubles Championships shows she’s still in fine form.

Q. You recently won the women’s final at the National Doubles Championships alongside Anahat Singh. Do you have a long-term plan with this pairing?

Anahat and I were casually discussing the doubles and decided to play together. We will be playing the Asian Doubles Championships in Malaysia in June. She is a solid player, so it makes it easier and more fun.

Q. How have you modified your game with age?

I have a deep appreciation and respect for my body and what it has done over the past three decades for me to be able to play squash professionally. I definitely have to put in more work in terms of how I prepare for a game with my strength training, fitness, diet, etc.

Q. You’ve been playing squash for three decades now. How has the game evolved over the years?

The game has definitely gotten a lot more intense physically and you have so many different players with amazing skill to add to that physicality. There are so many tournaments happening all around the world and in India.

Q. What do you make of the next generation of Indian players?

There are a good crop of young players doing well at the junior and professional level. It’s so good to see about 6-7 of them playing the big PSA events consistently. I hope more juniors make the switch to go pro because that’s where the real test is.

source: http://www.indiatoday.in / India Today / Home> News> Leisure / by Pratibha Joy / June 10th, 2025

Devika Cariapa conferred with the Times of India Author Award

May 24, 2025Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022)Book - A Children's History of India in 100 Objects, Codanda Devika Cariapa, Codanda Devika Cariapa - Awarded - Best Children's Author - Non Fiction - 2024, Codanda Devika Cariapa - Awarded - Neev Book Award, Coorg, Devika Cariapa - Awarded - The Hindu Young World Award, Devika Cariapa - Awarded - Times of India Author Award, Devika Cariappa, Gp Capt Codanda Chitrajid Cariapa, Kodagu, Kodagu District, Kodagu First, Leela Nanda, Lt Gen Biddanda Chengappa Nandaadmin

Codanda Devika Cariapa was recently conferred the prestigious Times of India About Her Award for the Best Children’s Author (Non-Fiction) 2024 at a grand ceremony in New Delhi.

She won the award for her book, ‘A Children’s History of India in 100 Objects’ published by Penguin Random House India. The award sees over seven thousand entries across five categories with only four books making it to the final shortlist.

The book is a compilation of information and depictions of 100 objects that have significant relevance in Indian history from prehistoric times to modern-day India. The emphasis has been to capture India’s diversity through concise and descriptive texts and beautiful illustrations.

Devika Cariapa has been the recipient of multiple literary awards for Children’s Literature including the Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar, the Neev Book Award and The Hindu-Young World Award.

She is the daughter of Lt Gen Biddanda Chengappa Nanda and Mrs Leela Nanda and wife of Gp Capt Codanda Chitrajit Cariapa.

source: http://www.clnews.in / CoffeeLand News / Home> General / by CLN News Desk / April 12th, 2024

In their farm with five pet dogs, Booker winner Deepa Bhasthi’s husband celebrates in Kodagu

May 24, 2025Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), World OpinionArtists of Kodagu, Chettira Sujan Nanaiah, Chettira Sujan Nanaiah - Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, Coorg, Darshan Devaiah B P, Deepa Bhasthi, Deepa Bhasthi - Field Marshal K M Cariappa College Madikeri, Deepa Bhasthi - Kodagu, Deepa Bhasthi - Kodagu Vidyalaya, Deepa Bhasthi - Winner - International Booker Prize for Translation, Kannada Translators in Kodagu, Kodagu, Kodagu District, Kodagu First, Madikeri, Sujan Nanaiah, Sujan Nanaiah - Kodagu Artistadmin

While the literary world applauded in London, back home in Kodagu, her win was met with joy, disbelief, and a bit of solitude.

Deepa Bhasthi won the International Booker Prize for her translation of Kannada author Banu Mushtaq’s Heart Lamp short story collection, in London on May 20, 2025. | Photo Credit: Deepa Bhasthi/Instagram

While Karnataka’s Kodagu-born writer Deepa Bhasthi celebrates a historic International Booker Prize win in London, her husband Chettira Sujan Nanaiah is celebrating in his own quiet way — on a farm, with five pet dogs, and congratulatory phone calls at their peaceful home in Madikeri.

On Tuesday night, Ms. Bhasthi, along with writer-activist Banu Mushtaq, was awarded the prestigious GBP 50,000 International Booker Prize for her translation of the latter’s short story collection, Heart Lamp. While the literary world applauded her in London, back home in Kodagu, the win was met with joy, disbelief, and a bit of solitude.

Speaking to The Hindu over the phone on Wednesday morning, Sujan Nanaiah — an artist-turned-farmer — shared his happiness. “She’s still in shock and joy. We spoke briefly in the morning. I couldn’t be there with her due to other commitments, but I’m extremely happy and proud,” he said.

Quiet life in Madikeri

The couple, who moved to their native Madikeri during the COVID-19 pandemic, have been living a quiet life on their farm surrounded by lush greenery. “It’s a simple life. We grow our own food, look after our pets, and enjoy being close to nature,” he said.

Mr. Nanaiah, who studied fine arts at Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath in Bengaluru, first met Ms. Bhasthi seven years ago at an art exhibition where he was a participant. What began as a friendship evolved into marriage and a shared life in Kodagu.

As calls poured in from family and friends, Mr. Nanaiah was busy tending to farm duties and looking after their pets. “I didn’t expect her to win, but I’m thrilled for her and the recognition it brings to Kannada literature,” he said, adding that he was the one who shared the good news with Bhasthi’s parents on May 21 morning. “They were emotional and proud. It’s a big moment for our family,” he added.

Born and raised in Madikeri, Ms. Bhasthi studied at Kodagu Vidyalaya before moving to Mangaluru for a degree in Mass Communication. She worked with print publications in Bengaluru before transitioning to freelance writing and literary translation.

Mr. Nanaiah said that Deepa’s return to Kodagu is expected around May 26, though her schedule is still uncertain. For now, as she enjoys her moment on the international stage, her immensely proud husband continues to hold fort at their serene Madikeri farmhouse.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Karnataka / by Darshan Devaiah B P / May 22nd, 2025

Karisma Aiyappa crowned ‘Mrs. Bharat California 2025’

May 13, 2025Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Nri's / Pio's, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), World OpinionAlemanda Aiyappa, Coorg, Karisma Aiyappa, Karisma Aiyappa - Crowned - Mrs Bharat California 2025, Kodagu, Kodagu District, Kodagu First, Kodavas in USA, Mrs Bharat California 2025, Poilengada P Machamma, USA Kodavasadmin

Karisma Aiyappa (centre) was crowned ‘Mrs. Bharat California 2025’ by Mydream TV USA at an event held at California recently.

Karisma, a HR/logistics professional in Silicon Valley, is a former State-level athlete and a passionate dancer.

Picture above shows Karisma walking the ramp in the traditional Kodava attire

A native of South Kodagu and daughter of Poilengada P. Machamma and late Alemanda Aiyappa, residents of Kuvempunagar in Mysuru, Karisma is married to Abhishek, an employee of Microsoft, Bay Area, California, USA.

Karisma’s participation in various Coorg events in the USA showcases her commitment to her heritage.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Photo News / May 13th, 2025

Rain plays spoilsport at Muddanda Cup Hockey Festival 2025: Mandepanda Champions

April 30, 2025Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Samajas, Associations, Clubs (wef. Sept. 03rd, 2022)), Sports, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), World Opinionadmin

Chenanda to host 26th edition of Family Hockey Tournament at Napoklu in 2026

Madikeri:

The Mandepanda family was declared the winner of the Muddanda Hockey Festival 2025 held at Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Grounds, Madikeri, after heavy rain interrupted their final against the Chendanda family yesterday.

Mandepanda was leading 1-0 when a downpour forced the match to be abandoned just over 12 minutes into play. Later, the organisers issued a statement confirming Mandepanda as the champions of the Silver Jubilee edition of the Kodava Family Hockey Festival.

Amidst overcast skies and thunderous cheers from the crowd, the much-anticipated final had begun with high energy. Chendanda earned the first penalty corner early on, but Olympian Nikin Thimmaiah failed to convert the opportunity.

Mandepanda responded with sharp counterattacks, securing their first penalty corner, which Gautam successfully converted to give Mandepanda a crucial 1-0 lead in the first quarter.

Rain began to intensify during the second quarter as Chendanda pushed hard for an equaliser. Despite earning back-to-back penalty corners, they failed to break through Mandepanda’s defence. As lightning flashed and thunder rolled, torrential rain forced a suspension of play.

Relentless downpour left the field waterlogged. After about half an hour of efforts to clear the standing water, the match briefly resumed. Chendanda came close to scoring, but Mandepanda’s young goalkeeper Dhyan Bopanna made a brilliant save to preserve his team’s lead.

Moments later, the rain returned with greater intensity, turning the ground into a virtual stream. With further play impossible, officials from the Kodava Hockey Academy, referees and team managers declared Mandepanda the winners.

Despite being soaked twice over, the spirit of the crowd remained unbroken. Spectators packed into gallery corners, cheering, clapping and even dancing in the rain. However, disappointment lingered among fans and organisers alike, as many had hoped for a full and thrilling conclusion to the Silver Jubilee tournament. Earlier, in the third-place match, Nellamakkada defeated Kuppanda (Kaikeri) 2-1 to claim third spot.

The Kambiranda family that won the Muddanda Cup Women’s Hockey Festival 2025.

VIP speeches delay action

The final was marred by significant delays and drew heavy criticism from spectators. Many expressed frustration over poor planning and coordination, blaming the organisers for nearly four-hour delay in starting the final.

Originally scheduled to begin at 11 am, the final was postponed due to an extended inaugural ceremony where several Ministers and elected representatives delivered prolonged speeches, pushing the start time to around 2 pm.

Home Minister Dr. Parameshwara addressing the gathering.

Mere minutes after play commenced, heavy rain lashed Madikeri, leading to the abandonment of the match. “When a match is scheduled for 11 am, starting it at 2.30 pm is simply unacceptable — especially with rain forecasts and spectators waiting, hungry and eager, to watch the finals,” many said.

“Are we here to watch hockey or to listen to endless speeches?” one frustrated fan remarked. Spectators further noted that in professional tournaments, VIPs attend to witness the sport, not to hold the mic and deliver lengthy lectures, disregarding the value of spectators’ time.

Among the speakers were Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara, Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh, Higher Education Minister Dr. M.C. Sudhakar, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, Virajpet MLA and CM’s Legal Advisor Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna, Madikeri MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda, MLC Mandepanda Suja Kushalappa, Kodava Hockey Academy President Pandanda Bopanna and Muddanda Hockey Festival Committee President Muddanda Rashin Subbaiah.

Just minutes after the final match between the Mandepanda and Chendanda began, heavy rains lashed Madikeri, leading to waterlogged grounds.

World Wide Book of Records recognition

The Silver Jubilee Muddanda Cup set a new record with 396 men’s teams comprising 5,544 players competing in 397 matches, alongside 58 women’s teams with 464 players competing in 57 matches during the five-a-side tournament.

The festival was officially entered into the World Wide Book of Records, with Sindhuja, a representative from the record book, announcing the recognition at the closing ceremony and presenting the certificate to the Muddanda family.

The 26th Kodava Family Hockey Festival will be hosted by Chenanda family at Napoklu in 2026. The family ceremoniously accepted leadership during a flag procession held on the Muddanda Cup Grounds.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> Sports / April 28th, 2025

Rear Admiral IB Uthaiah is DG Warship Design Bureau

April 29, 2025Amazing Feats, Defence Services (Air,Land,Sea),Police (wef. Dec 09th, 2021), Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Science & TechnologyIB Uthaiah, IB Uthaiah - Naval College of Engineering - INS Shivaji - Lonavala, RAdm IB Uthaiah - Director General - Warship Design Bureau - New Delhi, Rear Admiral IB Uthaiah, Rear Admiral Iychettira B Uthaiah, Rear Admiral Uthaiahadmin

New Delhi :

RAdm IB Uthaiah, took over as the Director General, Warship Design Bureau, New Delhi, from RAdm Bimal Kumar.

Commissioned into the Indian Navy in Nov 1987, RAdm IB Uthaiah is an alumnus of the Naval College of Engineering, INS Shivaji, Lonavala, and holds an M. Tech and M. Phil degree in addition. In a career spanning over 35 years, he has served the Indian Navy in various capacities; with appointments at the Warship Design Bureau, Training Academies, Naval Dockyard (Vzg), all Naval Commands and the Naval Headquarters.

On being elevated to Flag Rank, the officer has tenanted appointments as Additional Director General (Technical), Project Seabird; Admiral Superintendent, Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam, and Chief Staff Officer (Technical), at the Headquarters, Eastern Naval Command, prior taking over his current assignment.

source: http://www.aviation-defence-universe.com / Aviation & Defence Universe / Home> Navy / February 01st, 2023

Project for scientific disposal of legacy waste launched in Kodagu

April 17, 2025Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, AllAnitha Poovaiah, Appanna, H R Ramesh, Madikeri City Council, Madikeri City Council Member - Appanna, Madikeri City Municipal Corporation, Madikeri Urban Development Authority - Chairman - Rajesh Yellappa, Madikeri Urban Deveopment Authority, Rajesh Yellappaadmin

A ₹12-crore project for the scientific disposal of legacy waste in Madikeri, Kushalnagar, and Virajpet in Kodagu district was launched on Friday.

An official statement here noted that MLA for Madikeri Mantar Gowda and MP for Mysuru Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar launched the project taken up under the Swachch Bharat Abhiyan scheme at Subramanyanagar on the outskirts of Madikeri.

Mr. Gowda said that approximately 1.52 lakh tonnes of legacy waste, including around 76,636 tonnes from Madikeri, have been taken up for bioremediation under the project at Madikeri, Kushalnagar, and Virajpet.

Meanwhile, Mr. Yaduveer said the Central funding for the disposal of solid waste under the Swachch Bharat Abhiyan scheme amounts to 50% of the project cost.

Madikeri Urban Development Authority chairman Rajesh Yellappa, city municipal council member Appanna, former president of Madikeri city municipal corporation Anitha Poovaiah, commissioner of the city municipal corporation H.R. Ramesh, and others were present.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / April 12th, 2025

Mysurean emerges Champion at Trump International Golf

March 26, 2025Amazing Feats, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, Sports, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), World OpinionCoorg, Dhruv Bopanna, Dr P G Karumbaya, Dr P G Karumbaya - Dentist, Dr P G Karumbaya (Palachanda Chethan), Drishti Karumbaya, Drishti Karumbaya - Golf Coach - Palm Beach Atlantic University, Drishti Karumbaya - Winner - Ladies Golf Champion - Trump International Golf Club - Palm Beach County - Florida, Kandrthanda, Kodagu, Kodagu District, Kodagu First, Kodava Golfers, Kodava Golfers of Mysuru, Palachanda Chethan, Swetha Karumbaya, Swetha Karumbaya - California State University, Swetha Karumbaya - NPS International - Vijayanagar - Mysuru, Swetha Karumbaya - St Josephs Central High School - Mysuru, Swetha Karumbaya - Winner - CGL Indian Gold Union South Zone Event, Swetha Karumbaya - Winner - Prestige Golfshire IGU South Zone Championship 2016, Swetha Karumbaya (Kandrathanda)admin

Mysuru:

The 24-year-old Mysurean, Drishti Karumbaya, who emerged the Ladies’ Golf Champion at Trump International Golf Club in Palm Beach County, Florida, celebrated her victory with the 78-year-old US President Donald Trump, who won the Men’s Golf Championship.

“I just won the Golf Club Championship, probably my last, at Trump International Golf Club, in Palm Beach County, Florida,” Trump wrote on social media on Sunday afternoon.

Drishti, daughter of Dentist Dr. P.G. Karumbaya (Palachanda Chethan) and Swetha Karumbaya (Kandrathanda), residents of Yadavagiri in Mysuru, is working as a Golf Coach at Palm Beach Atlantic University and is a member of Trump International Golf Club.

An alumnus of St. Joseph’s Central School and NPS International in Vijayanagar, Mysuru, she is a double major in Sociology and Human Development from California State University.

Having initiated into golfing when she was 9 years old at JWGC, Mysuru, Drishti had a Career Best Ranking of #5 in the U-13 category in India, was the runner-up in the Wester India Ladies & Junior Girls Championship in 2014, winner of the CGL Indian Gold Union South Zone Event by 11 strokes in 2015 and winner of the Prestige Golfshire IGU South Zone Junior Championship in 2016. She has also won various Championships representing California State University.

At the Trump International Golf Club Championship, Drishti won Stableford on day-1 and Matchplay on day-2 and 3.

Drishti’s younger brother Dhruv Bopanna is also a pro-golfer in Mysuru.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> Sports / March 19th, 2025

Kodava Hockey Festival adds all-women 5s event

March 21, 2025Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All, Sports, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022)admin

The month-long ‘Kodava Hockey Namme’, popularly known as Coorg’s hockey festival, is set to begin on March 28 in Madikeri and the household of the Muddandas – the host family for this year – is eager to make it grander than ever as it is the 25th edition of the tournament.

The Kodava Hockey Festival, a family-based tournament, is celebrating its silver jubilee this year. Credit: Special Arrangement

Bengaluru:

A sense of excitement is brewing in the coffee land of Kodagu as the hilly region prepares for its annual celebration of a sport close to the hearts of Kodavas.

And to mark this milestone, a 5-a-side all-women competition is being introduced in addition to the customary 11-a-side event.

“This year being the silver jubilee, we wanted to add more to the festival and came up with this idea,” Rashin Subbaiah, president of the tournament and member of the host family, told DH.

“We observed that many young girls were interested in taking part. Though there has never been age or gender restriction, many women/ girls were reluctant to get onto the field. So we thought about introducing an exclusive all-women event to put them under the spotlight,” explained Subbaiah.

Undoubtedly, the response so far has been overwhelming as the organisers have already received entries from 37 teams for the 5s event. Those numbers are expected to cross 50 before the entry date closes on April 10.

“The all-women’s 5s will begin in the last week of the festival with its final on April 26 when the main event has its semifinals scheduled. We planned this strategically because spectators come in big numbers to witness the final few days of the hockey extravaganza,” said Vikram Uthappa, another member of the organising committee.

The no age/ gender bar tournament which began in 1997 with 60 teams, swelled to 360 in 2024 and will feature 396 squads on three grounds – two at the Field Marshal KM Cariappa College and one at the Police Grounds – this summer. Last year, 92-year-old Chittiappa, who made news as the oldest participant, will be seen in action for his team – Annadiyanda family – in this edition as well.

Traditionally, the mixed-team tournament has had female participants playing with and against their male counterparts in the 11-a-side event. Former junior India women players – goalkeeper Shivachaliyanda Nilan, Mallamada N Ponnamma, Mallamada Leelavathi among others – from the region have been a part of the festival.

A female participant, this year, can play in the 11s team and also turn out for a 5s squad as well. However, picking a team to play for in the 5s competition could be a bit of a quandary for a few.

While the choice of family to represent will be a no-brainer for the unmarried girls, the married women, however, will have to decide between her ‘Thamane’ (father’s house) and ‘Bakemane’ (husband’s house).

Irrespective of one’s choice, there will be one more reason to celebrate both women and hockey in the Kodava land come April.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Sports> Hockey / by Hita Prakash / March 20th, 2025