In a heartwarming move aimed at empowering underprivileged children, India’s leading tennis player, Rohan Bopanna, has selected 25 promising youngsters from remote regions of Majuli Island and Bongaigaon in Assam to receive comprehensive tennis training.
This collaborative effort between the Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy (RBTA) and Kamal India Foundation UK seeks to provide extensive support to children aged between 9 and 11.
Following a rigorous assessment process, which saw around 300 children showcasing their skills and fitness, Bopanna personally handpicked the final 25 players for inclusion in the program.
The selected candidates will be relocated to Bengaluru, where they will benefit from state-of-the-art infrastructure, a world-class tennis curriculum, and guidance from experienced coaching staff.
Additionally, boarding and lodging facilities within the school campus, along with educational support, will be provided.
Notably, Bopanna himself will offer mentorship and guidance at RBTA.
When asked about the specific selection of players from Assam, Bopanna cited a request from a sponsor.
“One of the reasons was that a donor wanted kids to be selected from the North East. We thought why not? It does not matter which part of the country kids come from; it is an incredible opportunity,” he stated.
Expressing enthusiasm about the partnership with Kamal India Foundation UK, Bopanna emphasized the aim to nurture athletic talents while empowering children with education and life skills essential for their future.
At 44 years old, Bopanna, who recently attained the top ranking on the ATP Tour, remains committed to the program’s expansion.
“Out of 300, we got 25. Now these will remain. The plan is to support them till the 10th or 12th standard. We keep adding more kids to the program. Every year we will have players from different regions,” he affirmed.
As, Padma Shri, Rohan Bopanna prepares to compete at the Paris Games, his initiative stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring young athletes, promising a brighter future for underprivileged children through the transformative power of sport and education.
source: http://www.northeasttoday.in / Northeast Today / Home> Assam> Featured> Northeast> Sports / by NET Web Desk / May 03rd, 2024
Earns Guinness World Record for largest field hockey tournament
The annual Kodava family hockey tournament, hosted this year by the Kundyolanda family, has made history by earning itself a Guinness World Record for being the largest field hockey tournament.
Originating in 1996 with just 60 teams, the festival has grown exponentially, boasting 360 teams participating this year with over 4,200 players, including men, women and children of all ages.
The achievement of this Guinness World Record is a testament to the dedication and passion of the Kodava Hockey Academy, which has elevated the Kodava hockey tournament to a global level.
The certificate from the Guinness Records Society was presented by Swapnil Dangarikar, official adjudicator and spokesperson for Guinness World Records based in London to Pandanda K. Bopanna, President of the Kodava Hockey Academy.
This year’s tournament also featured various activities such as a food fair, financial literacy camp, health care camp and marathon, organised by the Kodava families, which garnered widespread attention.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / April 29th, 2024
The 24th Edition of the Kodava Hockey Festival 2024, organised by the Kundyolanda Family under the auspices of the Kodava Hockey Academy, concluded its month-long (Mar. 30 to Apr. 28) Hockey Carnival at the General Thimayya Ground at Napoklu Karnataka Public School in Kodagu district last evening.
The registration of 360 teams marked a historic milestone in the tournament’s history, setting a new record for participation.
This year’s tournament witnessed the Chendanda family emerging as champions. In a thrilling match between Nellamakkada and Chendanda, Chendanda clinched victory in a nail-biting tiebreaker, with a final score of 8-7.
The Chendanda team has now earned the prestigious title of Kodava Family Hockey Champions for the third time.
Team Nellamakkada, which settled for runners-up position, seen displaying the trophy and the cheque for Rs. 3,00,000.
Somaiah from Nellamakkada was bestowed with the Man of the Match award. The goal scorers for Chendanda were Nikkin Thimmaiah in the 30th and 38th minutes, while Rohan scored for Nellamakkada in the 44th minute and Mac in the 54th minute.
The Kulletira family secured third place in the tournament by defeating the Kuppanda (Kaikeri) team with a score of 3-2. This match was also decided through a tiebreaker.
The victorious Chendanda team was awarded the rolling trophy and a cash prize of Rs. 4 lakh, while the runners-up, the Nellamakkada team, received a trophy along with Rs. 3 lakh in cash. The third-place holder, the Kulletira team, was awarded Rs. 2 lakh in cash, and the fourth-place team, Kuppanda, received a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh.
Last evening, a crowd of over 30,000 witnessed the thrilling finale, packing the gallery to its brim. Hockey enthusiasts from across Kodagu as well as from places like Mysuru and Bengaluru stood under the hot sun to witness the matches.
Despite the searing heat, their enthusiasm remained undeterred. Originating in 1997 from the visionary insight of the late Pandanda Kuttappa, affectionately known as Kuttani, a former State league referee, the Kodava Hockey Festival has evolved from its humble beginnings with 60 teams to become a grand event managed under the auspices of the Kodava Hockey Academy.
Following the grand finale and prize distribution ceremony, traditional Kodava music filled the air and the crowd, including men, women and children adorned in traditional attire, danced to the beats, bringing the tournament to an exciting close.
The Kodava Hockey Family Cup has transformed the tradition of families coming together to play hockey into a vibrant celebration akin to a festival.
For the past 24 years, not only the Kodava community but the entire district’s diverse populace, hockey enthusiasts and sports aficionados have eagerly awaited the unfolding of the Kodava Hockey Family Cup.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / April 29th, 2024
Yashoda Prakash, a distinguished filmmaker hailing from Madikeri, has achieved a remarkable feat as her Kannada film ‘Kandeelu’ secures a coveted spot at the 29th Kolkata Film Festival, scheduled to take place from December 5 to 12. Yashoda, the sole woman director from the district, has not only etched her name in the local film industry but has also brought recognition to Madikeri on a national platform.
‘Kandeelu’ stands out as the only Kannada film chosen to compete among films in various Indian languages during this year’s festival. Yashoda Prakash, a resident of Madikeri, has previously directed and produced numerous films, including three in Kodava and five in Kannada. Her active involvement in the industry has yielded several quality productions.
The storyline of ‘Kandeelu’ unfolds in a village, weaving a narrative around the life of a farmer and his family. Inspired by real-life stories, the film delves into the significance of life amidst myriad challenges across different phases. Yashoda expresses confidence that the movie will be well-received at the film festival, anticipating appreciation for its portrayal of life’s complexities and nuances.
As the only female director representing Madikeri, Yashoda Prakash has not only elevated the cinematic landscape of the region but has also become a trailblazer, showcasing the richness of storytelling and filmmaking from this part of Karnataka. The selection of ‘Kandeelu’ for the Kolkata Film Festival adds another feather to Yashoda’s cap, and she hopes to clinch victory in this prestigious competition.
source: http://www.thehansindia.com / The Hans India / Home> Entertainment / by Coovercolly Indresh / November 18th, 2023
The heroic conservation efforts of K.M. Chinnappa helped rescue the Rajiv Gandhi National Park from the brink of destruction. L: Sanctuary Nature Foundation R: Deccan Herald
A couple of days ago, a great man passed away. The streets of Karnataka, or rather its jungles, will never forget K.M. Chinnappa, the illustrious Range Forest Officer of Nagarahole who single-handedly stood against profit-mongering poachers, exploitative smugglers, wealthy hunters, mafia operators, and corrupt politicians and provided decades of unmatched service to make Rajiv Gandhi National Park one of India’s most thriving wildlife sanctuaries. His incredible mental fortitude along with his unrivalled knowledge of nature is now the stuff of legends.
He was born in 1941 in Kumtur village near Nagarhole. His father, a soldier who fought in the First World War, instilled in him a deep love for nature. Chinnappa spent his early years exploring the forests of his ancestral land, immersing himself in the rich ecosystem and developing a profound appreciation for the wildlife. Following in his father’s footsteps, he became a soldier , but with a unique calling – to become a gun-wielding, frontline defender of the forests, committed to safeguarding wildlife. He declared that protecting wildlife was his life’s sole purpose.
In 1967, he became a forester at Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Nagarhole), which was in a state of disrepair. The park had been heavily impacted by hunting. The practice was popular among people from various walks of life, from impoverished forest-dwelling tribes to the extravagant royalty and courtiers in bustling Mysore. As a result, there were very few deer remaining, let alone tigers and other large animals. Villagers had encroached on the swamps to cultivate rice, which were essential habitats for elephants. Tribesmen lived in groups deep within the park to gather forest resources, such as honey and berries. Livestock herders grazed their cattle on the park’s grasslands, while hunters and poachers targeted various animals and birds, including tigers and elephants. Additionally, illegal activities like timber logging and sandalwood smuggling were rampant.
Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Nagarhole)UnsungChinnappa, with the locals at the Rajiv Gandhi National ParkUnsung
The destruction of Nagarhole’s environment was facilitated by a variety of means, including the use of shotguns, snares, and poison. Wildlife protection laws were ineffective, and the Forest Department focused on logging, which led to the removal of diverse natural vegetation in favor of teak monocultures. Chinnappa knew for certain that if this devastation continued, there would be no wildlife left in Nagarhole in 30 years.
He single-handedly worked to reverse this process and he emerged successful. In less than 25 years, Nagarhole was rejuvenated, growing from 250 square kilometers to 640 square kilometres. Chinnappa was responsible for implementing the current patrol system and establishing camps in crucial areas, providing three layers of protection for the tiger reserve. Poachers have withdrawn, encroachers have disappeared, and hunters are almost non-existent, allowing Nagarhole to be reclaimed by its original inhabitants – tigers, panthers, leopards, sloth bears, jackals, wild boars, porcupines, hares, langur, and various deer species. In the past, tigers had to roam 200 square kilometres to find prey, but now they only need 12 square kilometres. The elephants have returned to their natural habitat in the lush swamps and bamboo groves.
A Gaur or Indian Bison in NagaraholeUnsungChinnappa with wildlife biologist Ullhas Karanth in Nagarahole National Park during the mid ’80sUllhas Karanth
“All you have to do is to stop human interference. Just leave the forests alone and they will regenerate themselves.”
K.M. Chinnappa, in an interview with Unsung
However, Chinnappa had ruffled many feathers and upset many powerful people whose profits depended upon the exploitation of the forest. In 1993, in the face of constant harassment and threats, he was compelled to retire prematurely from the Forest Department, but his crusade did not end there. Chinnappa established his own NGO, ‘Wildlife First’, intending to enlighten the local community, particularly children, about the importance of environmental conservation. By organizing forest camps, dialogues, shows, rallies, interactions and presentations, he introduced a captivating world of plant and animal life and inspired children to appreciate rather than destroy nature.
His NGO also used the legal system to battle those harming the environment for profits, no matter how powerful those individuals or organizations were. Most notable was his famous case against the iron ore mine operators in Kudremukh. They wielded their power and slapped Chinnappa with false criminal charges when he protested against their activities. The case dragged on for years but finally ended with the Supreme Court acknowledging the ecological devastation caused by those mining activities and consequently ruling in Chinnappa’s favour.
In his lifetime, Chinnappa has been awarded the prestigious Karnataka Chief Minister’s Gold Medal, WCS Certificate of Appreciation, Tiger Link Bagh Sevak Award, ESSO, and Sanctuary Life Time Achievement Award.
Chinnappa’s achievements are all the more praiseworthy as they were achieved despite great challenges. He faced setbacks, obstacles, threats, assaults, defamation, arrests, and legal battles. However, remarkably, he emerged unharmed, maintaining his innocence, bravery, commitment, and positivity. He harbored no resentment, opting to look past those who caused him trouble and instead cherish the support of both the senior officers and lower-ranking guards who stood by him.
In his death, he is fondly remembered by his family, loved ones and by kindred souls who value justice and integrity, even in the face of insurmountable odds.
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source: http://www.homegrown.co.in / Home Grown / Home / by Vaaswat Sarkar / February 24th, 2024
The 24th Edition of Kodava Hockey Festival 2024, dubbed the ‘Kundyolanda Hockey Carnival’ and organised by the Kundyolanda Family, began with vibrant fervour at the General Thimayya Ground at Napoklu Karnataka Public School yesterday. Matches will be played on three grounds at Napoklu.
Pandanda K. Bopanna, President of the Kodava Hockey Academy, inaugurated the event by striking a silver hockey ball with a hockey stick. Virajpet MLA and CM’s Legal Advisor Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna, Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja — who notably played for Coorg 11 against Navy 11 — graced the occasion.
Other dignitaries included MLC Suja Kushalappa, author of ‘The Vanishing Kodavas’ Kambiranda Kaveri Ponnappa, Olympian Paikera Kalaiah, Lt. Col Baleyada Subramani and Akhila Kodava Samaja President Paradanda Subramani.
Originating in 1997 from the visionary insight of the late Pandanda Kuttappa, affectionately known as Kuttani, a former State league referee, the Kodava Hockey Festival has evolved over the years and is now managed under the auspices of the Kodava Hockey Academy.
Scheduled from Mar. 30 to Apr. 28, this month-long festival promises an exhilarating experience for sports enthusiasts and hockey aficionados alike. This time, over 360 teams from various families have registered for the festival. It serves as an annual spectacle, drawing together families from diverse locales to revel in their shared passion for hockey and their common heritage.
The registration of 360 teams marks a historic milestone in the tournament’s history, setting a new record for participation. In addition to the thrilling hockey matches, attendees can anticipate a multitude of attractions.
A vibrant food festival showcasing authentic Kodava delicacies alongside diverse cuisines promises to tantalise taste buds. Matrimonial initiatives and cultural events celebrating the community’s rich heritage add further excitement to the extravaganza.
Before the formal inauguration, a grand procession commenced from the Napoklu Sri Rama Mandira, leading to the main playground. The procession was joined by hundreds of Kodava men, women, and children adorned in their traditional attire.
Multiple folk dances, musical instruments and art forms, imagery and symbols from the Kodava community added to the vibrant atmosphere of the procession.
In honour of the festival’s 24th edition, 24 balloons were released into the air and 24 rounds of gunfire resounded, with each bullet symbolising a participating family. Before each gunshot, the names of the families were announced aloud, signifying their integral role in the festival’s legacy.
With a staggering total of 5,760 players, 730 coaches and managers and 40 technical staff actively participating, the tournament guarantees an atmosphere filled with intense competition and promises to create lasting memories for all involved.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / March 31st, 2024
With the win, Bopanna surpassed his record created last year when he won the Indian Wells title at the age of 43, and also reclaimed the top spot in the doubles ranking.
Ace Indian tennis player Rohan Bopanna rewrote his own record to continue to be the oldest ATP Masters 1000 champion as he and his Australian partner Matt Ebden clinched the men’s doubles crown at the Miami Open here.
Continuing their fine run this year, the 44-year-old Bopanna and Ebden fought back from a set down to pull off an exhilarating 6-7(3), 6-3, 10-6 win over Crotia’s Ivan Dodig and American Austin Krajicek at the Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday.
With the win, Bopanna surpassed his record created last year when he won the Indian Wells title at the age of 43, and also reclaimed the top spot in the doubles ranking.
“It’s amazing. As long as you are doing well in these big events, it’s what we play for,” Bopanna said after the win.
“I want to do well in the Masters 1000s and the Grand Slams. It’s good to keep that record going and keep giving everyone else a run for their money,” added Bopanna, who won his maiden doubles Grand Slam title at the Australian Open earlier this year.
This was Bopanna’s 14th ATP Masters 1000 final. Overall, it was the veteran Indian player’s 63rd ATP Tour level final and 26th doubles title.
Bopanna also achieved a rare feat as he became the second Indian after Leander Paes to reach the final of all nine ATP Masters events.
Bopanna and Ebden, the top seeds for the tournament, tapped into their deep reservoir of experience to fetch the final six points of the summit clash. They had three set points on serve at 6-5 in the opening set but their second-seeded opponents warded off all three to force a tiebreaker before taking a 1-0 lead.
“It’s tough. These guys, they fight back in tough moments,” said Ebden.
“Last time we played them it was similar, it’s a bit of a see-saw. They return so well, make so many balls and we missed one or two shots when we were up [at the end of] the first set. They played a great tie-break, and then we just reset.” Bopanna and Ebden then staged a comeback as they broke their opponent early in the second set which helped them level the game.
Like the opening two sets, the tiebreaker was also fought on an even keel with the reigning Australian Open champions emerging victorious.
Following the Australian Open triumph, Bopanna climbed to the world No.1 spot in the ATP rankings, becoming the oldest player to do so. But slipped to the second spot in the doubles rankings after a quarterfinal loss at the Dubai Championships and a round-of-32 exit at the Indian Wells Masters.
But with the win here, the pair will be back to the top spot.
source:http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport> Tennis / by PTI / March 31st, 2024
The Indian Air Force(IAF) is gearing up to showcase a breathtaking spectacle with a flypast featuring 51 aircraft during the Republic Day (R-Day) celebrations on Jan. 26 in New Delhi. This impressive lineup includes 29 fighter aircraft, 8 transport planes, 13 helicopters and one heritage aircraft.
Adding to the significance of the event, 15 women pilots of IAF will take command of various aircrafts during the flypast, contributing to the display of prowess and skill. Notably, among these accomplished women pilots is the extraordinary talent from Mysuru, Coluvanda Punya Nanjappa, hailing from Kodagu.
She will pilot the MiG-29 fighter jet, contributing to a captivating formation that will undoubtedly fill the hearts of the people in Mysuru and Kodagu with immense pride. Punya Nanjappa’s achievement represents a remarkable moment, highlighting the strides made by women in IAF and adding to the grandeur of R-Day celebrations.
Punya Nanjappa stands out as a fighter pilot, a remarkable distinction for a woman with roots in Kodagu, a region known for its deep association with defence forces.
Punya is the daughter of Coluvanda Anuradha Nanjappa, who served as a teacher at St. Joseph’s Central School, Vijayanagar and late Coluvanda P. Bala Nanjappa, who held the position of Manager at Prabha Theatre. The family hails from Chambebellur in Virajpet taluk of Kodagu district.
Punya’s educational journey took her through St. Joseph’s Central School in Vijayanagar for her schooling, Vijaya Vittala PU College in Saraswathipuram for her PUC and NIE, Mysuru, where she pursued her engineering degree.
Desire to join NDA
Despite her strong desire to enter the National Defence Academy (NDA), she faced an obstacle as, at that time, the NDA was not open for women. Unfortunately, her dream of joining the NDA remained unfulfilled. However, the circumstances have changed now and women can enrol in NDA.
Nursing the ambition of becoming a pilot in the IAF, Punya Nanjappa’s unwavering ambition to join the elite force was ignited during an Air Show at the renowned Mysuru Dasara festival where she witnessed the captivating displays of prowess in the skies. In pursuit of this dream, Punya enrolled in the National Cadet Corps (NCC), laying the foundation for her journey towards becoming a pilot.
Tough test cleared
Following her academic pursuits, she took on the challenge of the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT), a gateway for officer recruitment in the Flying Branch (Short Service Commission only). It is a nationwide examination with 3.5 lakh participants. Out of the 1,000 shortlisted candidates, Punya Nanjappa secured her place among the 135 selected individuals, marking a triumphant step towards her dream.
Subsequently, she took part in the IAF Service Selection Board Exam in Mysuru where 160 candidates from various States participated. Amidst stiff competition, Punya Nanjappa emerged as the sole candidate selected for piloting responsibilities. Passing the AFCAT in 2018, she later cleared the interview and medical test and was selected as a trainee pilot.
Undergoing rigorous training at the Indian Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Telangana, Punya Nanjappa has now become a proud fighter pilot in the IAF, entrusted with the responsibility of flying the MiG-29 fighter jet during the Republic Day (R-Day)celebrations.
On Jan. 26, Punya Nanjappa will be the sole fighter pilot from Karnataka, soaring through the skies with her skilled piloting of the jet. This accomplishment not only brings pride to the State of Karnataka but also specifically to Mysuru and Kodagu.
The significance of this momentous occasion will be heightened as it will be witnessed by key dignitaries including President Droupadi Murmu, the Supreme Commander of India’s Defence Forces, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India’s 2024 Republic Day guest, French President Emmanuel Macron.
The event is poised to be a remarkable showcase of India’s military prowess, featuring impressive displays by the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy.
Flying MiG-29 an unparalleled experience: Punya Nanjappa
My dream of many years is finally coming true and I couldn’t be happier to fly a MiG-29 fighter jet this Republic Day on Jan. 26. Sitting in the cockpit of a MiG-29 is an unparalleled experience and it brings me immense pride to be part of this extraordinary moment of India’s defence showcase, Punya Nanjappa told Star of Mysore.
Fulfilling my long-standing aspiration to fly an IAF fighter jet on Republic Day is a dream realised and I am overjoyed. My mother, too, shares in the pride of this accomplishment. I have conducted the rehearsals for the flight thrice, ensuring a flawless and awe-inspiring display, she said.
This Republic Day, with a significant focus on women’s empowerment by the Centre, numerous opportunities have opened up for women, myself included. Being part of this historic event underscores the strides made in empowering women and breaking barriers. I am grateful for the chance to contribute to this momentous occasion and showcase the capabilities of women in the Indian Air Force, Punya added.
No greater joy for a mother than this
There is no greater joy for a mother than this. What brings more happiness to a mother? I am absolutely thrilled that my daughter has been presented with this incredible opportunity. India has extended more opportunities to women on this Republic Day, to exhibit their strength and capabilities.
My daughter has faced numerous challenges to reach this point and even in the face of her father’s passing away, she remained resilient and did not succumb to the pain.
The aspiration to join the Indian Air Force had been ingrained in her from the very beginning and she was upset to leave me alone. But her passion to serve the country prevailed. I am filled with immense pride to see her fly the MiG-29.—Anuradha Nanjappa, Punya Nanjappa’s mother
Her journey has been far from easy
Punya Nanjappa is the embodiment of hard work and dedication. Despite the profound sorrow of losing her father, she stayed resolute in pursuing her aspirations and achieving her goals. This accomplishment is not just a source of pride for Mysuru but for Karnataka and Kodagu. Her journey has been far from easy, marked by relentless effort and a strong resolve to attain her objectives. Her unwavering commitment to excellence is rewarded.—Rtn. A.N. Aiyanna, Past President, Rotary Midtown
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> Top Stories / by Bapu Lingaraj Urs / January 04th, 2024
Charishma Kaliyanda has been elected as parliament member for Liverpool.
Madikeri :
At a time when people of Indian origin are making a mark — right from the corporate head honchos to politicians — a young woman with roots in Kodagu has been elected to the Australian parliament. Charishma Kaliyanda has been elected as the Labor member of Parliament for Liverpool.
Charishma was dressed in traditional Kodava attire while taking oath of office, drawing praise. “So excited to officially be sworn in as part of the 58th Parliament with some amazing colleagues. I’m honoured to represent my amazing community of Liverpool, and can’t wait to raise our challenges and celebrate our wins in this Parliament! The colours I wear today represent the official colours of NSW and I wear a Mysore silk sari, made in Karnataka (where I was born). I wear my sari in the Kodava style to honour my family heritage. Can you spot the Waratah brooch?! ????”, she posted on Facebook.
Charishma traces her roots to Napoklu in Madikeri taluk.
On her Linkedin profile, she has has described herself thus: “As a registered occupational therapist and elected representative, I am passionate about working with individuals and communities to fulfil their potential and engage in the activities they want. I have over 10 years of experience working with young people, particularly in the university sector. Currently, I work closely with students and staff to build capacity in mental health and wellbeing at UNSW, in order to help deliver their Mental Health Strategy 2025. I build relationships with various internal and external stakeholders to facilitate access to and awareness of help for students experiencing distress at UNSW”.
source: http://www.english.publictv.in / Public TV (English) / Home> Karnataka> Latest> Main Post> States / by admin / May 11th, 2023
The Kodava community organises the inter-family hockey tournament every year where Kodava players from over 300 families come together to play.
The Kodava Hockey Namme (festival) will be held from March 30 to April 28 in Kodagu (Coorg) district of Karnataka. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
For the Kodava community of the small, hilly district of Kodagu in Karnataka, now scattered across the globe, it’s time to return to their roots for an event that’s deeply ingrained in their cultural fabric — the Kodava Hockey Namme (festival). This annual extravaganza brings together families from far and wide to celebrate their love for hockey and their shared heritage.
Organised in the small town of Napoklu, 21 km away from the district headquarters of Madikeri, this festival is no ordinary affair. Recognised as one of the largest field hockey tournaments globally, it has earned a place in the Limca Book of Records.
This year, the excitement is soaring as the Kundyolanda family takes the reins, transforming it into the ‘Kundyolanda Hockey Carnival’. The year’s event will be held from March 30 to April 28.
Fostering community spirit
The Kodava community organises the inter-family hockey tournament every year where players from over 300 local families come together to play. The sporting event has no bar on age or gender. The only rule of forming a team is that all members must be from the same family.
Dinesh Cariappa, convenor of the Kundyolanda Hockey Carnival (KHC), said, “This year, we aim to set a new milestone by hosting the largest field hockey tournament yet. It’s not just about the sport. It’s about fostering community spirit and giving back to our people.”
The organisers have introduced a range of initiatives this year, encompassing career guidance sessions, motivational speeches by experts across different domains, all geared towards empowering the youth. Additionally, free health check-ups, discussions on wealth management, and talks covering diverse topics such as defense, aviation, and agriculture have been arranged for attendees.
Ramesh Muddaiah, president of Kundyolanda Hockey Carnival, said, “We are hopeful that the Karnataka Government will extend its support to the hockey festival, just as it has done for previous editions of the event. Government backing would bolster our efforts to make this carnival a grand success.”
Food festival to cultural extravaganza
With 360 families slated to participate, the enthusiasm is palpable. The carnival promises much more than just hockey matches. A food festival showcasing Kodava delicacies and also other cuisine, matrimonial initiatives, and cultural events celebrating the rich heritage of the community are all part of the extravaganza.
“There are plans for educational sessions on traditional Kodava folk songs, popularly known as Baloo Paat, ensuring the preservation of cultural traditions. Apart from these, two marathons — 5 km and 10 km — are scheduled, selfie points dotted across the venue to capture memorable moments, creating lasting memories for attendees,” Mr. Cariappa said.
The carnival kicks off with much fanfare on March 30 with an inaugural match between the Indian Navy team and the Coorg 11 team. It sets the stage for a month-long celebration of sport, culture, and camaraderie.
Kodava Hockey Festival has come a long way
The late Pandanda Kuttappa started the concept of the Kodava family hockey tournament, which later evolved into a significant sporting event and festival. “Mr. Kuttappa initiated the Kodava Family Hockey Tournament in 1997, organised by the Pandanda family initially, with the belief that harnessing the inherent affection Kodavas have for hockey could foster unity among families and the community,” Mr. Cariappa explained.
From the last one decade, the tournament has emerged as a platform for the community members to discuss trade and business interests, besides scouting for marital alliances, according to Mr. Muddaiah. “In the first tournament, which was organised in 1997, nearly 60 teams took part. The format of the tournament was such that every year, one of the Kodava families had to host the event. Now, over 300 families participate involving 3,000 hockey players,” he added.
Preparation for the 2024 edition is underway at the Napoklu General Thimayya Ground, one of the town’s three mud grounds. Temporary bleachers surround the ground to accommodate approximately 30,000 spectators. Various amenities, including galleries, lighting, speakers, and display boards, have been installed.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by Darshab Devaiah B / March 22nd, 2024
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