Category Archives: Records, All

June 2025 Weekend Plan: Coorg – Nature’s Gift Near Bangalore

Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), , , , , , , ,

Looking for a peaceful escape from the busy city life of Bangalore? June is the perfect time to take a weekend trip and enjoy the calm beauty of South India. One of the best weekend getaways near Bangalore in June 2025 is Coorg. Also known as Kodagu, Coorg is often called the “Scotland of India” because of its green hills, coffee plantations, cool weather, and peaceful atmosphere. It’s just around 250 km from Bangalore and is ideal for a short break with family, friends, or even solo.

Let’s explore why Coorg is the perfect weekend getaway this June.

Green landscapes and fresh air In June, Coorg becomes even more beautiful. The monsoon begins, and the rains make everything green and fresh. The smell of wet soil, the sound of birds, and the misty hills create a peaceful mood. If you are someone who loves nature, you will enjoy every moment here. The scenic drives through winding roads covered with thick forests and coffee plantations are a treat to the eyes. You can stop at many places on the way for pictures or just to breathe in the clean air.

Popular places to visit in Coorg

Coorg has something for everyone. Here are some must-visit spots:

Abbey Falls – A stunning waterfall hidden in the forest, Abbey Falls is a great place for nature lovers and photographers. The short walk through coffee plantations to reach the falls is a lovely experience.

Raja’s Seat – This viewpoint offers a beautiful view of the hills and valleys, especially at sunset. It’s a peaceful place to sit and enjoy the fresh breeze.

Madikeri Fort – For history lovers, Madikeri Fort gives a glimpse into Coorg’s past. It also has a museum inside with interesting displays.

Dubare Elephant Camp – If you’re traveling with kids or love animals, this camp is a fun place. You can watch elephants being bathed and fed and even take part in some activities.

Talacauvery – This is the birthplace of the river Cauvery. It is also a holy site and offers beautiful views from the hilltop.

Local food and coffee Coorg is also known for its tasty local food. Try dishes like Pandi Curry (pork curry), Kadumbuttu (rice dumplings), and Noolputtu (rice noodles). These are full of local flavors and are best enjoyed at homestays or small local restaurants.

And of course, don’t miss the coffee. Coorg produces some of the best coffee in India. You can visit a coffee plantation, learn how coffee is grown, and sip a fresh cup while enjoying the cool weather.

Where to stay

Coorg has many options for all kinds of travelers. From budget hotels to luxury resorts, and cozy homestays in the middle of coffee plantations, you will find a place that suits your needs. Staying in a homestay will also give you a chance to talk to locals, learn about their culture, and eat home-cooked food.

Perfect weekend itinerary

Here is a sample weekend plan for June 2025:

Day 1 (Saturday)

Leave Bangalore early in the morning

Reach Coorg by noon and check into your hotel or homestay

After lunch, visit Abbey Falls and Raja’s Seat Enjoy local dinner and relax

Day 2 (Sunday)

Visit Dubare Elephant Camp early in the morning

Head to Talacauvery and Madikeri Fort Try local food for lunch

Leave for Bangalore by late afternoon

Tips for travel in June

Carry an umbrella or raincoat, as it may rain suddenly

Wear comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing

Book your stay in advance as Coorg is popular during weekends

Try to leave early from Bangalore to avoid traffic

Why Coorg is perfect for June

June is the start of the rainy season, and Coorg looks like a green paradise. The weather is cool and perfect for walks, sightseeing, or simply relaxing with a hot cup of coffee. It’s close to Bangalore and easy to reach by road, which makes it a great weekend choice.

Whether you’re looking for nature, adventure, food, or just a peaceful time, Coorg gives you all. So, pack your bags and make your June weekend refreshing and unforgettable with a short trip to Coorg.

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source: http://www.nativeplanet.com / Native Planet / Home> Travel Guide / by Neha Choubey / May 23rd, 2025

Coorgs’ roots go back 3,000 years: Study sparks intrigue over Karnataka community’s ancestry

Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All, World Opinion

The study is the first to probe the genetics of the Coorgs, a community with a distinct socio-cultural identity whose ancestry has long been debated with competing theories linking them to Alexander’s armies, Eurasian settlers, or ancient south Indian people.

A charming waterfall named Malalli flows gracefully in the idyllic locales of Coorg hill station in Karnataka, India. Sourced by the Telegraph

A new genetic study has traced the roots of the Coorgs to nearly 3,000 years ago, offering fresh insights and deepening the intrigue around the ancestry of this close-knit population in Karnataka’s western ghats.

The study is the first to probe the genetics of the Coorgs, a community with a distinct socio-cultural identity whose ancestry has long been debated with competing theories linking them to Alexander’s armies, Eurasian settlers, or ancient south Indian people.

The Coorgs, also known as the Kodavas, are a small, tradition-rich community with a distinct martial heritage, customs, and a strong sense of clan-based identity, living in the hilly, forested, and picturesque Kodagu district.

Scientists at the University of Delhi South Campus and the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, analysed genomic signatures in a sample of 144 Coorgs to determine their genetic distances and affinities to other populations.

Their study has revealed that the Coorgs consist of three distinct lineages — classified as Coorg-1, Coorg-2, and Coorg-3. Coorg-3 is the oldest, dating back 98 generations, or nearly 3,000 years ago. Coorg-1 diverged 64 generations ago, around 1,920 years ago. The third group, Coorg-2, emerged more recently — about 330 years ago — from the admixture of Coorg-1 and Coorg-3.

Among the three groups, Coorg-3 stands out as the most distinct. However, the identity of its ancestral source population from 3,000 years ago remains unresolved. The analysis did reveal more recent genetic mixing between Coorg-3 and northwest Indian populations about 23 generations ago, or roughly 690 years ago.

The study, published in Communications Biology, also found that Coorg-1 and Coorg-2 are genetically distinct from other ethnolinguistic groups in Karnataka such as the Kannadigas, Konkanis and Tuluvas.

Members of Coorg-1 show the highest genetic similarity to a hunter-gatherer tribal group called the Palliyars, found in the southern Western Ghats.

The admixture between Coorg-1 and Coorg-3 appears to have begun around 11 generations ago, or 330 years ago, giving rise to Coorg-2.

Practices such as family exogamy and caste endogamy have likely helped preserve the genetic separation of these three lineages over centuries, Delhi University geneticist B.K. Thelma and her co-authors K. Thangaraj, Anirban Mukhopadhyay, Loumos Kumar and Kiran Sran said in their study.

Earlier genetic research has shown that contemporary Indian populations arose from a mix of two ancestral groups — ancestral North Indians and ancestral South Indians — between roughly 1,900 and 4,200 years ago.

But the ancestry of the Coorgs has remained elusive. Scholars have variously proposed links to Alexander’s army during his 4th-century BCE campaign in northwestern India, to Indo-Scythians or Sakas who moved from Central Asia into northwest India in the 2nd century BCE, or to prehistoric inhabitants of the southern Western Ghats.

Analysis of mitochondrial DNA — passed down through mothers — has revealed that about 40 per cent of Coorg maternal lineages are South Asian. Y-chromosome data points to Eurasian, Middle Eastern and India-specificsignatures. These results suggest male-dominated migrations from Eurasian and Middle Eastern regions and subsequent assimilation with local women.

source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / The Telegraph Online / Home> Science-Tech / by G S Mudur / May 15th, 2025

‘I have never had a Plan B, hockey has always been my top priority’: Poovanna aims to make India debut after recovering from serious injury 

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Sports, , , , ,

 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

New team of KSA, Mysuru

Education, Records, All, Samajas, Associations, Clubs (wef. Sept. 03rd, 2022)), Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , , ,

From left: Kundyolanda Aiyappa (Cultural Head – Amakka), Theetharamada Thanush Ganapathy (Vice-President), Puchimanda Dipshika Daychamma (Joint Treasurer), Mookonda Sanjana Damayanthi (Joint Secretary), Motteyanda Ishani Kuttappa (President), Kaliyanda Richa Poovamma (Cultural Head – Pommakka), Mandetira Degul Ganapathy (Hon. Secretary ) and  Allaranda Kariappa (Treasurer).

A group photo of the new team of Kodava Students Association (KSA), Mysuru.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Photo News / May 07th, 2025

Veteran shuttler feted

Records, All, Sports, , , , , , , , ,

Mysuru:

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

52 tribal families refuse to leave Karnataka’s Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, say it’s their ancestral land

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Over 150 tribes from Jenukuruba, Betta Kuruba, Yarava and Paniya communities have occupied the forest land in Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, demanding implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA).

The tribals talking to forest officials in the Nagarahole Tiger ReservePhoto | Special Arrangement

Madikeri :

The 52 tribal families who entered the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve claiming land rights under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) continue to stay put inside the forest as a way of protest. Meanwhile, the forest department is urging them to vacate, citing legal and implementation hurdles.

Over 150 tribes from Jenukuruba, Betta Kuruba, Yarava and Paniya communities have occupied the forest land in Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, demanding implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA).

However, as per the forest department, the status quo has to be maintained until July 25, following the SC order. Further, the foresters are unable to force eviction as 50% of the population of the tribes who have occupied the land consists of women and children.

“We have not occupied the forest land, but we are occupying our ancestral land. We were evicted from the place under the Wildlife Protection Act nearly 45 years ago. After this, we stayed in line houses of the estates in the surrounding areas and we have been living in pitiable conditions since then. Following the FRA Act, we saw hope of reoccupying our ancestral land lawfully. It is a historical injustice that we were thrown out of the ancestral land and we have suffered enough,” shared Jenu Kurubara Shivu, one of the tribal leaders and secretary of Nagarahole Adivasi Tribe Forest Rights Implementation Committee.

He explained that they have been protesting for the implementation of the FRA from 2009-10. “After we learnt about FRA, a total of 52 tribal families put forth applications for the sanction of the forest right,” he explained.

He added that a joint verification process was ordered in 2021 and in 2024, a joint verification by the forest, revenue, tribal welfare and panchayat raj was conducted.

“While the report on the joint verification had to be submitted in four months, the same has been delayed invariably. The joint verification has not been signed by the concerned department officials, highlighting the inefficiency of the government departments,” he alleged.

He explained that numerous protests were led in the recent past and they had been shunned by the officials who he alleged extended false assurances.

“But this time, we have occupied our ancestral land and the indefinite protests will continue until we are granted our rights,” he voiced. The tribes have occupied the forest land for the past five days and have built make-shift structures for their deities inside the forest zone.

Meanwhile, the letter to the CM from retired PCCF BK Singh urged the government to temporarily stop the grant of land under the FRA. Further, Singh has also filed a petition with the SC and status quo of forests has been ordered till July 25, preventing any new activities or changes.

He has urged the state not to treat FRA as a land grant as this would escalate wildlife conflict and urged the government not to sanction land for those who occupied the forest after December 13, 2005.

Meanwhile, the forest department is of the opinion that the applications filed by the tribes for FRA were rejected in 2011. As per the government records, Attur Kolli Forest, the land that is now in conflict under FRA, falls under the Nagarahole Range and as per the previous data, there was no signs of habitat.

While the tribes had applied for rights under FRA in 2009, the same was rejected in 2011. Nevertheless, the SC ordered for a re-verification process of the applications in 2019 and a re-verification was carried out in 2024.

However, the report of the re-verification data has not been submitted by the Sub Divisional Level Committee and the District Level Committee till date, which is being opposed by the tribes.

“The tribes have occupied the forest land and we cannot force them out as there are women and children. Further, status quo has been ordered in natural forests following a petition by retired PCCF BK Singh. The status quo must be maintained till July 25 until further notice,” confirmed Ananya Kumar, Nagarahole Division ACF.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Prajna GR / May 09th, 2025

Revitalize Your Farm with Coorg Oranges: A Unique, High-Demand Crop with Rich Heritage and Good Potential

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Records, All, , , , , ,

Coorg oranges, a unique citrus variety with a distinct sweet-sour taste, hold cultural, economic, and ecological significance. Despite challenges like declining production and pests, their Geographical Indication recognition offers hope for revival, making them a valuable crop for farmers in Coorg.

Coorg oranges are vulnerable to pest and disease infestations, such as citrus greening, fruit rot, and the damaging effects of citrus psyllids, which degrade fruit quality. (Image Credit- Pexels)

Coorg oranges, a distinctive variety of citrus fruit, are believed to be a man-made hybrid of mandarins (Citrus reticulata). With their greenish-yellow color, tight skin, and sweet-sour taste, these oranges are a significant part of the agricultural landscape in Coorg, Karnataka, India. Historically cultivated in the region, they have played a vital role in local culture, cuisine, and economic development. Although their production has declined over the years, efforts to preserve this unique citrus variety continue through Geographical Indication (GI) recognition and conservation initiatives.

Significance of Coorg Oranges

Coorg oranges hold deep cultural, economic, and ecological significance, symbolizing prosperity and tradition in the Kodava community. Historically cultivated for centuries, they play a vital role in local cuisine, festivals, and agricultural heritage. Economically, these oranges were once a major cash crop, sustaining local farmers and fueling agribusiness, while also contributing to Coorg’s eco-tourism appeal.

Known for their unique sweet-sour taste, Coorg oranges stand apart from conventional varieties with their resilient greenish-yellow skin and rich natural oils, which enhance their aromatic flavor and make them an integral part of the region’s biodiversity.

Coorg Oranges Cultivation

The cultivation of Coorg oranges requires a specific climate and soil conditions, making Coorg’s Western Ghats region an ideal environment for their growth. Their farming involves careful propagation, maintenance, and harvesting techniques.

Soil and Climate Requirements

  • Prefer well-drained loamy soil with adequate organic matter.
  • Thrive in the moderate temperatures and high humidity of Coorg.
  • Rainfall between 1,500 to 2,500 mm annually is ideal for their growth.

Propagation Methods

  • Primarily propagated through grafting, ensuring genetic consistency and quality.
  • Requires regular pruning to maintain productivity.
  • Proper spacing and irrigation enhance yield and fruit quality.

Harvesting Season

  • The oranges mature between November and January, marking the harvest period.
  • Farmers pick fruits when they are firm, full-sized, and greenish-yellow.
  • Post-harvest handling is crucial to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.

Challenges

Coorg oranges, once historically significant, now face several challenges threatening their continued cultivation. The shift towards coffee plantations over the years has led to a decline in orange orchards, and poor maintenance practices have further reduced fruit yields. 

Additionally, these oranges are vulnerable to pest and disease infestations, such as citrus greening, fruit rot, and the damaging effects of citrus psyllids, which degrade fruit quality. Climate change also plays a role, with erratic rainfall patterns disrupting the growth cycle and rising temperatures affecting flowering and fruit development. 

On top of these environmental and agricultural issues, orange farmers also struggle with market and economic difficulties, including a lack of support, incentives, and increasing competition from other citrus varieties that impact demand.

Coorg oranges are not just a fruit—they are a symbol of Coorg’s rich agricultural heritage. Despite challenges such as declining production and pest issues, the GI recognition provides hope for revival. Their distinct flavor, nutritional benefits, and historical significance make them an essential part of Coorg’s identity. Conservation efforts and renewed interest in traditional farming practices may help ensure the survival of this remarkable citrus variety.

First published on: 03 May 2025, 17:28 IST

source: http://www.krishijagran.com / Krishi Jagran / Home> Agripedia / by Kirti Narwal / May 11th, 2025

Guinness World record for world’s largest hockey festival

Amazing Feats, Records, All, Sports, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), World Opinion, , , , , , , , ,

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

Monsoon preparedness: DC tells officials to take precautionary measures in Kodagu

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Deputy Commissioner Venkataraja presiding over the district disaster management authority meeting in Madikeri on Friday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Venkataraja on Friday directed nodal officers and engineers concerned to take necessary precautionary measures for monsoon preparedness.

He was speaking while presiding over the district disaster management authority meeting, held at his office in Madikeri.

The Deputy Commissioner said monsoon is likely to begin in June, and precautionary measures must be taken to prevent disasters caused by heavy rainfall.

Mr. Venkataraja stressed the importance of ensuring that there is no loss of human or animal life during the monsoon.

Nodal officers have already been appointed and must take necessary measures within their respective jurisdictions, with extra vigilance in sensitive areas, he told the meeting.

Fire and emergency services personnel must gear up to safeguard people in flood-prone areas and coordinate with the National Disaster Response Force teams during the season, he added.

Officials from the Department of Health and Family Welfare were told to stock necessary medicines and raise awareness to prevent the outbreak of communicable diseases. The Deputy Commissioner instructed engineers from the Public Works and Panchayat Raj Departments to repair roads in their jurisdiction.

Additional Deputy Commissioner R. Aishwarya, Additional Superintendent of Police Dinesh Kumar, and other district and taluk-level officials were present.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / May 09th, 2025

Kodava Students Assn – Mysuru hosts hockey tourney

Education, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, Samajas, Associations, Clubs (wef. Sept. 03rd, 2022)), Sports, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mysuru:

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