Madanda family is the host of the tournament
The 17th edition of Kodava families hockey tournament was flagged off in a colourful note at Kodava Samaja Okkuta Cultural and Sports Complex at Balugodu near Virajpet on Sunday.

Kodava Hockey Academy Founder president Pandanda M Kuttappa inaugurated Madanda hockey utsav by moving the ball using a silver hockey stick.

Speaking on the occasion, Kuttappa said as international hockey players will be taking part in the tournament, it will help the youth to give priority to sports. To encourage sports meet among Kodava families, a full fledged stadium is getting ready with the help of elected representatives.

Balugodu Kodava Samaja Okkuta president M N Belliappa said that the tournaments brings together people under one roof.

Ninada institute students and Kodava Okkuta office- bearers presented Kodava dance on the occasion. The spectators were seen cheering the cultural programmes. After the inaugural session, there was a match between Punjab eleven and Kodagu hockey eleven.

The spectators were seen cheering their favourite players and teams. Though in the first half, none of the team could score a goal, in the second half, Harpreeth from Punjab eleven scored the goal at 31st minute. Muthanna from Kodagu eleven scored the goal at 59th minute. The players were given memento by the hockey utsav committee.

Akhila Kodava Samaja president Mathanda Monnappa, Youth service and sports department joint director J M Appacchu were present.

Karnataka Hockey secretary Dr A B Subbaiah was felicitated on the occasion.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / Maddikeri, DHNS – April 15th, 2013