The Under-17 Junior Football Team of Sainik School Kodagu, which emerged as runners-up in the All India Sainik Schools Inter-Zone Football Tournament 2025, with the dignitaries after a victory parade on the school campus at Kudige recently. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Sainik School Kodagu held a victory parade to celebrate the achievement of its Under-17 Junior Football Team, which emerged as runners-up in the All India Sainik Schools Inter-Zone Football Tournament 2025, also known as the Pre-Subroto Cup, held at Sainik School Bhubaneswar from June 9 to 15.
The cadets marched with their trophy, marking the school’s first-ever podium finish at the national level. Cadet Aryan, who was adjudged the Best Goalkeeper of the tournament, received an individual achiever’s trophy for his performance.
The victory parade commenced from Old Kudige and concluded on the school campus, drawing participation from cadets, teaching and non-teaching staff, NCC units, and local residents.
The Sub-Junior and Girls’ football teams took part in the procession, celebrating the collective spirit of sportsmanship, a press release said.
Principal Col. Amar Jeet Singh, administrative officer Wing Commnander Prakash Rao, vice-principal Squadron Leader Mohammad Shaji, and others attended the event. Girl cadets clad in traditional Kodava attire welcomed the players with flowers, while cultural performances such as ‘Dollu Kunita’ and the school’s ‘Tamate’ ensemble added vibrancy to the event, the release added.
The team was felicitated with citations and certificates. Col. Singh praised the team’s determination, skill, and resilience, and commended the dedicated efforts of coach Shek Ajjed and the entire coaching staff.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu /Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / June 20th, 2025
Auction creates buzz; franchise owners draft 175 players from a talent pool of 270 registered players
Mysuru:
The Kodava Hockey Premier League (KHPL) — Player Auction 2025 was held with much fanfare on June 1. KHPL 2025 is scheduled for June 27, 28 and 29 at Chamundi Vihar Stadium, Mysuru, promising three days of fierce competition and Kodava pride.
Organised by the Kodava Samaja Youth Wing Mysuru, in association with Kodava Samaja Mysuru and under the aegis of Hockey Mysore, the event witnessed a remarkable blend of tradition, sport and strategy.
Ten franchises — Coorg United, Connecting Kodavas, Anjigeri Naad, Pale Taluk, South Side Rangers, Coorg Titans, MTB Royals, Kodava Tribe, Kodavu Warriors and Kakot Strikers — each began by selecting three icon players, and then went on to build 18-member squads with calculated precision from a talent pool of 270 registered players. A total of 175 players were drafted into the KHPL 2025 league.
The auction’s digital footprint was equally impressive, with over 10,000 views on the Kodava Swara YouTube channel, the event’s official broadcast partner. Powered by M9 Sports, the live stream delivered a seamless, front-row experience for online viewers who followed the action from across the globe.
The event was held at Hotel Ibis Styles, Mysuru. The auction was attended by a host of dignitaries, including Ponjanda Ganapathy (President, Kodava Samaja Mysuru), Pandanda Bopanna (President, Kodava Hockey Academy), Konganda Dilip Biddappa (President, Hockey Mysore), Kotera Muddaiah (Vice-President, Hockey Mysore), Muckattira Somaiah (Director, Kodava Hockey Academy), Appanervanda Dr. Sonia Mandappa (Obstetrician & Gynaecologist), Bollepanda Kariappa (Coach, Indian Junior Hockey), Ganesh Iyer (GM, Ibis Styles Mysuru) and Machanda Prakash (Vice-President, Kodava Samaja Cultural & Sports Club, Mysuru).
Ajjetira Vikram Uthappa anchored the high-octane evening as Master of Ceremonies, while the Kottangada Ayudh Appanna fired up the crowd as the official auctioneer, adding energy and excitement to every bid.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports /June 04th, 2025
Shuttle badminton has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, with a growing number of young players taking it up professionally. What began as a recreational pastime among British expatriates in the 1860s has steadily evolved into a mainstream sport embraced by the younger generation. Pioneers like Prakash Padukone, the first Indian to win the All England Badminton Championship in 1980, played a key role in bringing national recognition to the sport. He was followed by Pullela Gopichand, who also won the prestigious All England title, Olympic medallists like Saina Nehwal — India’s first Olympic badminton medal winner — and P.V. Sindhu, a double Olympic medallist and BWF World Champion, who helped place India firmly on the global badminton map.
Kodagu, a region renowned for producing hockey legends, has also made its mark in badminton through players like Ashwini Ponnappa, who has won multiple medals in international competitions. Now joining the list of Kodagu’s badminton achievers is 17-year-old Boppanda Diya Bheemaiah.
Coming from a family of sports people, Diya has made significant strides in national and international badminton. She was part of the Indian women’s team that participated in the Asian U-17 Badminton Championship held in Chengdu, China, last year, where she competed in the doubles event.
Her achievements include: Bronze in singles and silver in doubles at the Nepal Junior International Series held in Tripureswar in December 2024; Silver in singles and bronze in mixed doubles at the 36th Sub-Junior Badminton Tournament held in Tamil Nadu in 2024; and Winner of the U-19 All India Krishna Khaitan Badminton Tournament – 2024, held in Panchkula, Haryana, among other accolades.
A II PUC student at Vidyaashram College in Mysuru, Diya trains under coach Arun Pemmaiah at Sports Park, Mysuru. Her father, Boppanda B. Bheemaiah, is also a badminton coach, while her mother, K.K. Kusuma (Kambiranda), a former international athlete, now works as a fitness coach. Diya’s younger brother, B.B. Vishal Uthappa, is also a budding badminton player.
Star of Mysore caught up with Diya Bheemaiah for an interview as she prepares for the upcoming National Junior Championship to be held in Bengaluru. Following this, she will head to Guwahati, Assam, to train at the National Centre of Excellence — a facility where only a select few players are offered the opportunity to train. Excerpts…
Star of Mysore (SOM): What inspired you to take up badminton?
Diya Bheemaiah: I used to watch my father play when I was a kid. Initially, I picked it up just for fun, but I gradually developed a deep interest in the sport. I’ve been playing professionally for the past eight years now.
SOM: Why did you shift your base from Madikeri in Kodagu to Mysuru?
Diya Bheemaiah: It was purely for badminton. I moved here when I was in the 6th standard and stayed in a PG accommodation. After the COVID-19 pandemic, my family shifted to Mysuru. It had become difficult to practice in Madikeri, my hometown, especially during the rainy season when we could barely step out of the house. That’s when we decided to move to Mysuru permanently.
SOM: Can you tell us about your daily routine and diet?
Diya Bheemaiah: I wake up around 5 am and attend my fitness session from 5.45 am to 7.15 am. After a short break, I have my on-court session from 9.30 am to 12 noon, where I focus on strokes and technique. Then there’s a lunch break, followed by another session from 1.30 pm. After that, I take a two-hour break before heading to the gym from 6 pm to 7.15 pm. That’s my daily routine for now.
As for my diet, my mother is particular about it. She prepares nutritious meals every day. Of course, to achieve anything great in sports, you have to sacrifice your cravings. It’s been a couple of years since I’ve had ice cream and junk food is completely off my list.
SOM: How have your parents supported you in your badminton endeavours?
Diya Bheemaiah: They’ve been extremely supportive. My mother takes care of my diet and fitness, while my father helps me improve my game. One of them always accompanies me during tournaments to ensure I stay focused and eat healthy.
SOM: You play in all three categories — singles, doubles & mixed doubles. How do you manage different techniques and mindsets required?
Diya Bheemaiah: In singles, the player is solely responsible for his/her performance and has to give the best. In doubles, it’s all about trust and coordination with your partner. When things aren’t going well, it’s also about encouraging each other and making a strong comeback together.
SOM: Badminton is an expensive sport. How have you been managing?
Diya Bheemaiah: Right now, my parents and coaches are supporting me financially. But there is a need for sponsorship. Even though many of us perform well, we often don’t receive any sponsorship. Players end up spending from their own pockets for racquets, training and travel. The State Government has not been very supportive either. The Karnataka Badminton Association only covers our travel and stay during the national championships. I feel that society should come forward and support sportspersons who are consistently performing.
Diya Bheemaiah seen with her father Boppanda B. Bheemaiah, mother K.K. Kusuma and younger brother B.B. Vishal Uthappa.
SOM: Being a Science student, how are you managing your studies along with badminton?
Diya Bheemaiah: Thankfully, my college has been supportive. They not only consider my attendance but also send me daily online class recordings, which help me stay updated academically. Besides, my teachers are always available. I can call them anytime to clarify my doubts.
SOM: Your plans after II PUC?
Diya Bheemaiah: Professional badminton will always be my priority. However, I also intend to specialise in Sports Psychology. But for now, my focus is on badminton and completing my II PUC with good marks. As for my dream — I aspire to become the World No. 1 and make history by winning three Olympic medals for the country.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by S N Venkatanag Sobers / May 31st, 2025
In a celebration of heritage, athleticism and community spirit, the Kodava Samaja Youth Wing Mysuru (KSYWM) is set to host the Kodava Hockey Premier League (KHPL 2025) in association with Kodava Samaja Mysuru and under the aegis of Hockey Mysuru. The much-anticipated tournament will take place on June 27, 28 and 29 at the Chamundi Vihar Stadium, Mysuru.
KHPL 2025 will feature ten dynamic franchises — Coorg United, Kodavu Warriors, Pale Taluk, South Side Rangers, Team Kodava Tribe, Connecting Kodavas, Anjigeri Naad, Coorg Titans, Kakot Strikers and MTB Royals — who will compete in what promises to be three days of thrilling hockey action.
The grand player auction is scheduled for June 1 at ibis Styles Mysuru, the official hospitality partner for KHPL 2025.
Office-bearers and Working Committee Members of Kodava Samaja Youth Wing Mysuru — President:Kotera Vedith Uthaiah, Vice-President: Pebbatira Dimple Danny, Secretary: Battira Bojanna, Joint Secretary: Appaneravanda Viharika Mandappa, Treasurer: Hanchettira Varun Nanjappa, Joint Treasurer: Kademada Shreyas Muthanna — seen during the KHPL 2025 logo launch.
Lending prestige and vision to the league is a distinguished panel of advisors including Anjaparvanda B. Subbaiah, Honorary Secretary of Hockey Karnataka and former Olympian; Konganda Dilip Biddappa, President of Hockey Mysore; Pandanda Bopanna, President of Kodava Hockey Academy and Kotera Muddaiah, Vice-President of Hockey Mysore. Mentoring the young talents are two accomplished hockey personalities — Bolliyapanda J. Cariappa, Coach of Indian Junior Hockey Team, and Karineravanda Somanna, a former Indian hockey player.
In a historic first for Kodava hockey, KHPL 2025 mandates each team to include one female player and two emerging players under 18. This progressive step brings gender inclusivity and youth empowerment to the forefront, ensuring 10 women and 20 young talents shine on the Kodava hockey stage.
For details, contact KSYWM
President Kotera Vedith Uthaiah on Mob: 88804-01206.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / May31st, 2025
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
Poovanna suffered a facial injury during the Hero Hockey India League 2024/25
Bengaluru :
After a brief stint with the Indian junior team in 2023, Poovanna Chandura Boby is now training with the senior core group ahead of European leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League leg. The 22-year-old is currently part of the senior national camp at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre in Bengaluru and has made it into the 40-member core group.
With the junior team, Poovanna had a fruitful spell winning the Gold and Bronze medals at the 2022 and 2023 Sultan of Johar Cup respectively. He was also part of India’s Men’s Junior Asia Cup winning squad in 2023 and made it to the senior national camp in August 2024.
About his experience training in the camp, Poovanna said, “I’ve played for junior team in 2023 and now training with the senior players, I see a lot of differences between them and us. There’s a lot of work we need to put in to get to that level. It doesn’t matter how fit you are, you need to get much better to compete against European teams. We are getting gassed out every session, but we need to push hard to keep up. It has been a brilliant journey so far.”
Poovanna played the Hero Hockey India League 2024/25 for champions Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, however, he couldn’t play the complete tournament due to an unfortunate injury. In their seventh match against JSW Soorma Hockey Club, Poovanna suffered a facial injury while defending a penalty corner.
“It was a penalty corner and I generally don’t rush third, so I didn’t have my face mask on. Harmanpreet Singh fired a shot and it deflected off my teammate’s stick and hit my upper cheek. So, I was rushed off the field and I had to get my surgery done right away. I couldn’t play the rest of the tournament,” he explained.
He also revealed that he could have made his senior team debut during the home leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25 in Bhubaneswar but missed out on the opportunity due to his injury. “Thankfully we won the HIL but the coach told me that I was called up for the Pro League squad but I couldn’t go because of my injury. Hence, I joined the camp early, worked with the physio in order to get in good shape for the training camp in March,” he added.
Hailing from Kodagu, formerly known as Coorg, Poovana comes from a family where hockey is a proud tradition. The Kodava hockey festival is renowned worldwide for being one of the world’s largest hockey tournaments, with hundreds of families participating in the event as tradition.
“When I was a kid I used to watch those games and I always wanted to wear my family jersey, so that inspired me to start playing in school and I got naturally good at it. Playing for my family team was a dream come true for me after which I pursued the sport professionally. I have never had a Plan B, hockey has always been my top priority.”
Talking about the dynamic he shares with the other senior players of the squad, Poovanna shared, “The seniors are very easy to talk to and we youngsters learn a lot from them since they have been playing for a lot of years and have much better experience than us. We need to learn from them because we need to carry forward their legacy ahead in the coming years.”
“I look up to Manpreet Singh and Hardik Singh a lot because they play the position I play in midfield. I like how calm and composed they are when they get the ball and progress the game ahead. Some things that they do on the field are truly inspiring.”
Poovanna also spoke about his experience training under coach Craig Fulton. “I’m training under him right now and he’s really good. He’s easy to approach and you can ask him whatever you want and he gives you clear answers. Whenever we train, if someone does something wrong, he stops the game and he teaches them, which helps us a lot and gives a very valuable perspective.”
After missing out the opportunity in February, Poovanna is determined to make his Indian senior team debut and solidify his position in the squad during the European leg of the FIH Pro League. “The upcoming tournament is crucial for me and I will ensure I work on my shortcomings tirelessly and do my best with whatever chances I get,” he concluded on a strong note.
source: http://www.hockeyindia.org / Hockey India / Home / May 16th, 2025
Maleyanda Arun Poovaiah, a Badminton player of International repute, was felicitated by the organisers of Tambaram Badminton Premier League (TBPL) at Chennai recently for his contributions to the field of badminton for the past 45 years.
A six-time National Champion, Arun has won silver and bronze medals at the World Senior Badminton Championships held at Kaula Lumpur (Malaysia) and Sophia (Bulgaria) respectively.
A native of Nelji, close to Napoklu in Kodagu, Arun Poovaiah is presently based in Bengaluru and is involved in coaching budding Badminton players.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / May 13th, 2025
In the lush hills of Kodagu, a remarkable sporting and cultural phenomenon has reached a new milestone. The 25th edition of the Kodava Hockey Festival — hosted this year by the Kundyolanda family — has officially entered the Guinness World Records as the largest field hockey tournament, boasting an astonishing 3,640 players across over 360 family teams.
This year’s month-long edition ran across three grounds and finished late April.
What began as a dream in 1997 by the late Pandanda Kuttappa, a former hockey referee and State Bank of India employee, has transformed into an unparalleled spectacle of sport and community.
His vision was simple yet profound: unite the globally dispersed Kodava community through hockey — a sport embedded deep in their identity. Kodagu, often called the “cradle of Indian hockey,” has produced over 50 national players and seven Olympians, making the festival a natural extension of local pride.
“This festival is about more than just winning or losing,” Pandanda K. Bopanna, president of the Kodava Hockey Academy and son of the founder, told The Hindu newspaper.
“It’s about keeping our culture alive, connecting generations, and celebrating our heritage.”
This year’s silver jubilee celebrations were extra special. According to the official Guinness World Records entry, the event was recognised for having the most field hockey players in a tournament, overtaking all previous records.
“We have a rich tradition of serving the Armed forces. The British were already playing hockey and they found that the Kodavas had taken to the sport well. With a little bit of encouragement, the sport caught on,” says Navin Poonacha Kanganda, who has promoted the festival in the digital space, told Red Bull a few years ago.
A women’s tournament featuring 30 teams was introduced for the first time, symbolising the progressive spirit of the Kodava community. The festival torch — akin to the Olympic flame — was ceremoniously carried to the ancestral Ainmanes of past host families, reinforcing the powerful links between tradition and sport.
The Deccan Herald captured the festival’s atmosphere, describing the grounds as “a place where hockey sticks clash as fiercely as family pride, amid a carnival of Kodava culture.”
Traditional Kodava attire, food stalls, cultural performances, cyclothons, and shooting competitions lend the event the feel of a grand village fair — with hockey at its heart.
From humble beginnings in the small village of Karada with just 60 teams, the festival has grown into a massive undertaking requiring three specially-prepared mud fields, an effort largely borne by the host families.
“Despite international recognition, the festival struggles with basic sports infrastructure,” Bopanna noted. “The government must do more — a permanent hockey stadium in Kodagu would honour the festival’s contribution to Indian hockey.”
For the Kodavas, the festival is more than a sporting event.
As Ajjinikanda Mahesh Nachaiah, president of the Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy, put it: “It’s a reunion, a business hub, a marriage bureau, and a cultural festival all rolled into one.”
The clatter of sticks and laughter of reunited families echo a truth that Pandanda Kuttappa knew all along: hockey, for the Kodavas, is life itself.
source: http://www.thehockeypaper.co.uk / The Hockey Paper / Home> Features / by Hockey Paper Staff / May 06th, 2025
The Kodava Students Association (KSA), Mysuru, recently organised a hockey tournament at Chamundi Vihar Stadium, in Nazarbad, featuring 26 teams.
The two-day event showcased the commitment and unity of Kodava students pursuing higher education in Mysuru.
The tournament commenced on May 3 at 11 am in the presence of Ponjanda Ganapathy, President of Mysuru Kodava Samaja; Jammada Ayyanna, Treasurer of Jabhboomi Charitable Trust and Dr. Mathanda Aiyappa, Director of Brindavan Hospital.
KSA President Motteyanda Ishani Kuttappa presided.
During the ceremony, Jammada Ayyanna briefed the gathering on the ‘5-a-side hockey’ format, while Dr. Mathanda Aiyappa inspired the youths with motivating words, stressing the values of sportsmanship and perseverance. Ponjanda Ganapathy reaffirmed the continued support extended to Kodava students.
The opening day saw 18 matches, followed by quarter-finals, semi-finals and the grand finale on day-2, each match receiving enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.
Axilaratorz HC’ emerged as champions, while Bottiyath Naad, Kunda, finished as runners-up. ‘Blaze A’, Murnad, secured third place, with ‘Blaze B’, Murnad, taking fourth.
The closing ceremony featured a distinguished line-up of guests, including social activist Ajjikuttira Kanchan Ponnanna, wife of Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna; Puliyanda Sujatha Bopanna, Dean at Sapient College; Baleyada Karun Kalappa, retired Senior Vice-President and Regional Head of a leading firm; Manjeera Kuttappa, a Progressive farmer from Kodagu and Chendanda Shammi Belliappa, Director of Druid Solutions Pvt. Ltd. and also KSA Advisor.
Kanchan Ponnanna delivered an inspiring address to the students, while Baleyada Karun Kalappa underscored the importance of balancing sports with academics. He urged the younger generation to consider careers in civil services, highlighting the Kodava community’s under-representation. Puliyanda Sujatha Bopanna also shared motivating insights.
Chendanda Shammi Belliappa commended the KSA team for their dedication and efforts to keep the sport of hockey alive in Mysuru. He thanked contributors such as R. Ashok (Mysore University Hockey Coach), Boliyadira Chetan Subbaiah, Muckatira Karthik Nanjappa, Mandepanda Kripan, and others for their support.
In recognition of outstanding achievements, Mandepanda Jasmine Kaveramma, CEO of Growthzone Company, UAE, and Monnanda Tasmai Kariappa, professional motorcycle racer, were felicitated.
Mookonda Sanjana proposed the vote of thanks, while Ajjetira Vikram provided engaging match commentary. The tournament was seamlessly coordinated by KSA’s Hon. Secretary, Mandetira Degul Ganapathy.
KSA Committee Members
The following students have been elected as KSA Committee Members: President – Motteyanda Ishani Kuttappa, Vice-President – Theetharamada Thanush Ganapathy, Hon. Secretary – Mandetira Degul Ganapathy, Joint Secretary – Mookonda Sanjana Damayanthi, Treasurer – Allaranda Kariappa, Joint Treasurer – Puchimanda Dipshika Daychamma, Cultural Heads: Kundyolanda Aiyappa (Amakka) and Kaliyanda Richa Poovamma (Pommakka).
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / May 07th, 2025
WELCOME. If you like what you see "SUBSCRIBE via EMAIL" to receive FREE regular UPDATES.
Read More »
