Tag Archives: Pandanda K Bopanna

26th Kodava Family Hockey Festival: Kulletira trounces Cheppudira family to clinch Chenanda Cup

May 4, 2026Amazing Feats, Records, All, Sports2026 Kodava Hockey Festival, 26th Kodava Hockey Festival, Ajjikuttira Family, Ajjikuttira S Bopanna, Avaneesh Mandappa, Chenanda Cup, Cheppudira, Cheppudira Arun Machaiah, Cheppudira Family, Cheriyaparambu, Coorg, Dr Santosh Uthappa, General Thimayya Stadium - Cheriyaparambu - Napoklu, General Thimmaiah Stadium, Justice Ajjikuttira S Bopanna, Kodagu, Kodagu District, Kodagu First, Kodagu Hockey Academy, Kodava Community, Kodava Hockey Festival, Kulletira, Kulletira Family, Napoklu, Pandanda K Bopanna, Pandanda K Bopanna - President - Kodava Hockey Academy, Paradanda, Paradanda Family, Roshan Lokesh, Sadeed Singh, SLN Coffee, V Badaga Village, Vachan Chinnappa, Virajpet, Virajpet MLA A S Ponnannaadmin

Madikeri:

Amid loud cheers from a packed crowd of over 25,000, the Kulletira family team clinched the ‘Chenanda Cup’ at the 26th Kodava Family Hockey Tournament defeating the Cheppudira family 3–1 yesterday.

The final of the month-long Kodava Family Hockey Festival was held yesterday at General Thimmaiah Stadium in Cheriyaparambu near Napoklu. With this win, Kulletira lifted their fourth title in the prestigious tournament.

The summit clash saw an evenly fought first half, with Cheppudira earning several penalty corners but failing to convert them. Both teams scored once in the third quarter to keep the contest open. However, Kulletira took control in the final quarter, striking twice to seal the victory.

Roshan Lokesh, Avaneesh Mandappa and Shubham Chettiyappa scored a goal each for Kulletira, while Vachan Chinnappa netted the lone goal for Cheppudira.

The winning Kulletira family team was awarded Rs. 3 lakh and a silver rolling trophy. Runners-up Cheppudira family received Rs. 2 lakh and a trophy, while Paradanda family, who finished third, received Rs. 1 lakh.

The festival concluded with the ceremonial handover of the flag to the Ajjikuttira family, who will host the 27th edition in 2027. The Chenanda family, organisers of this year’s event, handed over the flag.

Mandaviya assures support

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, who was the chief guest, assured financial support to promote sports, stating that such assistance is the Government’s responsibility and not charity.

He said he had long heard about the Kodava community’s passion for hockey and was glad to witness it first hand. Referring to the International Olympic Committee’s vision of sports as a unifying force, he noted that the Kodava community had upheld this spirit for generations.

“This land has produced 18 Olympians. It is the duty of both the Centre and the State to nurture Kodagu’s sporting talent,” he said. He added that sports should remain free from politics and promised to promote shooting in the region by identifying and training young talent.

Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar said the festival reflects the growing sporting culture in the country. Highlighting Kodagu’s contribution to Indian sports, he said the family hockey tradition inspires youth, encourages women’s participation and strengthens national unity.

He urged the Centre to set up a shooting academy in Kodagu under the Khelo India scheme.

Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna termed the festival a model initiative for the district. He said work on an 11-acre sports training centre at V. Badaga village in Virajpet has already begun with State support and appealed to the Centre for assistance in building a stadium.

Kodagu Hockey Academy, President Pandanda K. Bopanna, retired Justice Ajjikuttira S. Bopanna, SLN Coffee CEO Saheed Singh, Dr. Santosh Uthappa of Narayana Hospital, Sports Authority of Karnataka Vice-Chairman Cheppudira Arun Machaiah and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / May 03rd, 2026

Guinness World record for world’s largest hockey festival

May 10, 2025Amazing Feats, Records, All, Sports, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), World Opinion25th Kodava Hockey Festival 2025, Ajjinikanda Mahesh Nachaiah, Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy, Kodagu has the Guinness World Record for the - Worlds Largest Hockey Festival, Kodava Hockey Academy, Kundylanda Family, Navin Poonacha Kanganda, Pandanda K Bopanna, Pandanda Kuttappa, Worlds Largest Hockey Festivaladmin

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

Kodava Family Hockey Namme turns 25: Stage set for Muddanda Cup Hockey Festival from Mar. 28

March 16, 2025Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Sports, World OpinionA S Ponnana, A S Ponnanna - Legal Advisor to Chief Minister Siddharamaiah, Ainmanes, Ainmanes in Ponnampet, Ainmanes of Kodava Families, Badakada Deena Poovaiah, Cauvery College - Virajpet, Cheppudira Cariappa, Coorg, Dr Mantar Gowda, Field Marshal K M Cariappa College Ground - Madikeri, General Thimayya Circle, Karada Village, Kecchettira Prasanna, Kodagu, Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Venkata Raja, Kodagu District, Kodagu First, Kodagu Hockey Academy, Kodagu SP K Ramrajan, Kodava Family Hockey Namme, Kodavathi, Kukkera Jaya Chinappa, Kundylonda Hockey Carnival, Kundyolanda Family, Madikeri, Madikeri MLA Dr Manthar Gowda, Maja Run in Kodagu, Maletira Srinivas, Mantar Gowda - Madikeri MLA, Mekerira Ravi Pemmaiah, MLC M P Suja Kushalappa, Muddanda B Devaiah, Muddanda Cup Hockey Festival 2025, Muddanda Cup Hockey Tournament, Muddanda Rashin Subbaiah, Muddanda Roy Thammaiah, Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, Pandanada Bopanna - President - Kodava Hockey Academy, Pandanda Family, Pandanda Family Ainmane, Pandanda K Bopanna, Pandanda K Bopanna - President - Kodava Hockey Academy, Police Parade Grounds - Madikeri, Ponnampet, Suja Kushalappa, Vandana Trust, Venkataraja - Kodagu Deputy Commissioner, Virajpet, Virajpet Kodava Samaja - Honorary Secretary - Maletira Srinivas, Virajpet MLA A S Ponnannaadmin

Madikeri:

The Kodava Family Hockey Namme (Festival) celebrates its 25th edition this year, with the Muddanda Cup Hockey Tournament set to begin on Mar. 28 and continue until Apr. 27.

Matches will be played across three different grounds, with 370 teams already registered for the competition.

Addressing the media in Madikeri yesterday, Kodagu Hockey Academy President Pandanda K. Bopanna noted that while 360 teams participated in last year’s Kundyolanda Hockey Fest, this year’s registrations have already reached 370, with a few more days left for additional entries.

He announced that the inaugural ceremony will feature an exhibition match between Kodagu Hockey Academy XI and Karnataka XI.

Tournament Director Badakada Deena Poovaiah and Coordinator Muddanda Roy Thammaiah will oversee the event.

Cheppudira Cariappa will serve as the main commentator, assisted by Maletira Srinivas, while Kecchettira Prasanna will be in charge of match coordination. The inauguration will also include a special felicitation ceremony honouring the Kundyolanda family, which achieved a Guinness World Record last year.

Umpire training

Hockey Academy Working President Mekerira Ravi Pemmaiah revealed that a training programme for hockey umpires will be conducted on Mar. 19 and 20 at Cauvery College, Virajpet, urging young hockey enthusiasts to participate.

Academy Vice-President Kukkera Jaya Chinnappa stated that several dignitaries, including Virajpet MLA and Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor A.S. Ponnanna, Madikeri MLA Dr. Manthar Gowda, Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, MLC M.P. Suja Kushalappa, Rajya Sabha MP Ajay Maken, Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Vekatraja, and Kodagu SP K. Ramrajan, will attend the grand opening ceremony.

Kreeda Jyothi

Muddanda Hockey Festival Chairman Muddanda Rashin Subbaiah confirmed that matches will take place at Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Grounds and the Police Parade Grounds. As part of the festival’s silver jubilee celebrations, a special ‘Kreeda Jyothi’ (Sports Torch) marathon will be held, visiting the Ainmanes (ancestral homes) of Kodava families.

The marathon will commence at 8 am on Mar. 25 from the Ainmane of the Pandanda family in Karada village, the pioneers of the Kodava Family Hockey Festival.

It will pass through eight Ainmanes in Ponnampet and surrounding areas before concluding on Mar. 28. On the inaugural day, a rally carrying the sports torch will proceed from General Thimayya Circle to Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Grounds, flagged off by MLA A.S. Ponnanna.

To commemorate 25 years of the festival, a women’s hockey tournament has been introduced as part of the Muddanda Hockey Festival. So far, 30 women’s teams have registered, and more entries are expected before the Apr. 10 deadline.

The women’s matches will be played at the Police Parade Grounds in Madikeri. Star Indian hockey players Lalremsiami Hmarzote from the women’s national team and Indian men’s team captain Harmanpreet Singh will visit Madikeri during the tournament.

Matrimonial meet

The festival will also feature a thand-bendhu (matrimonial meet) and a quiz competition at the venue. A special cyclothon is scheduled for Apr. 26, and DJ music will entertain spectators from the pre-quarterfinal stage through the final.

An open ‘Maja Run’ from Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Circle has also been planned as part of the celebrations. Parking arrangements have been made for 2,000 vehicles, and Bengaluru-based Vandana Trust will assist in waste management throughout the month-long event.

Additionally, a shooting competition will be held on Apr. 20 at Ground No. 2, featuring three categories: 50-metre .22 rifle shooting, 30-metre 12-bore gun shooting, and 15-metre air rifle egg shooting. A traditional coconut shooting competition will also be organised.

Muddanda Family President Muddanda B. Devaiah urged members of the Kodava community to participate in large numbers in the rally from General Thimayya Circle to Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Grounds, marking a significant milestone in the history of the Kodava Family Hockey Festival.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / March 16th, 2025

Kundyolanda Family Cup Creates History

April 30, 2024Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Sports, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), World OpinionKodagu District, Kodagu First, Kodava Family Hockey Tournament, Kodava Family Hockey Tournament 2024 - Awarded - Guinness World Record - Largest Field Hockey Tournament in the World, Kodava Hockey Academy, Kodava World Records, Kundyolanda Clan, Kundyolanda Family, Kundyolanda Famiy, Largest Field Hockey Tournament in the World, Pandanda K Bopanna, Pandanda K Bopanna - President - Kodava Hockey Academy, Swapil Dangarikar, World Records of Kodaguadmin

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

Kundyolanda Cup Family Hockey Fest Begins In Kodagu

April 2, 2024Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Sports24th edition - Kodava Hockey Festival 2024, 24th Kundyolanda Kodava Hockey Festival 2024, Ajjikuttira S Ponnanna, Akhila Kodava Samaja, Book - The Vanishing Kodavas, Deputy Commissioner DC - Venkat Raja, General Thimayya Ground - Napoklu, Kambiranda Kaveri Ponnappa, Kodagu First, Kodava Hockey Academy, Kodava Hockey Festival, Kundylonda Hockey Carnival, Kundyolanda Cup, Kundyolanda Family, Kuttani, Lt Col Baleyada Subramani, Paikera Kalaiah, Pandanda K Bopanna, Pandanda K Bopanna - President - Kodava Hockey Academy, Pandanda Kuttappa, Paradanda Subramani, Suja Kushalappa -MLC - Kodaguadmin

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

Kuppanda team wins Kodava hockey cup title in Madikeri

December 30, 2023Amazing Feats, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Records, All, SportsA B Subbaiah, A K Ponnanna, Air Marshal Baltikalanda U Chengappa, Ajjikuttira Kanchan Ponnanna, Anjaparavanda B Subbaiah, Appachetolanda Manu Muthappa, Appachettolanda Mittu Erappa, C S Poonacha, Cheppudira S Poonacha, Cheranda Kishen, Kaig Group, Kodagu District, Kodagu First, Kodava Family Members, Kodava Hockey Academy, Kulletira Avinash, Kulletira Team, Kundyolanda Clan, Kundyolanda Family, Kuppanda, Kuppanda Family, Kuppanda Somaiah, Kuppanda Team, Kuppanda Wins Kodava Hockey Cup, Kuttanda Sudhin Mandanna, Kuttanda Sudhin Mandanna - Kaig Group, Madikeri, Napoklu, Olympian Anjaparavanda B Subbaiah, Olympian Cheppudira S Poonacha, Pandanada Leela Kuttappa, Pandanda K Bopanna, Pandanda Kuttappa, Pandanda Leela Kuttappaadmin

Nearly a month after the Kodava hockey tournament started at Napoklu in Kodagu district, the finals were held on Sunday.

The Kuppanda family team beat 3-time champion Kulletira team by a margin of 4-2 goals in the shoot out. Kuppanda became champion for the first time in the 23rd edition of the hockey tournament.

Madikeri :

Nearly a month after the Kodava hockey tournament started at Napoklu in Kodagu district, the finals were held on Sunday. The Kuppanda family team beat 3-time champion Kulletira team by a margin of 4-2 goals in the shoot out. Kuppanda became champion for the first time in the 23rd edition of the hockey tournament.

Kulletira had won the tournaments in 1998, 1999 and 2002.

It entered finals for the first time since 16 years, while for the Kuppanda team it was their first shot at the title.

Kuppanda and Kulletira scored one goal each in the stipulated time period. Then they were given a shoot out opportunity which resulted in the Kuppanda team win the match by 4-2 goals. Kuppanda Somaiah scored a goal for his team in the 16th minute of play while Kulletira Avinash equalised the score for his team in the 22nd minute.

Kuppanda team received Rs 3 lakh cash and a trophy. Satisfied with the runners-up title, Kulletia team got two lakhs and a trophy. The winners will also get a rolling trophy given by the Kodava Hockey Academy. A cultural programme was organised before the final tournament. Kodava traditional dances were performed in the middle of the field , and many hockey fans from the district and outside the district took part, Kodava family members witnessed this exciting match in Napoklu in the scorching sun.

The 24th year of hockey is planned in 2024 by the Kundyolanda family team.

The main guests on the occasion were Pandanda Leela Kuttappa wife of the Kodava hockey founder late Pandanda Kuttappa, Air Marshal Baltikalanda U Chengappa, Kuttanda Sudhin Mandanna of Kaig Group, former Indian hockey captain Dhanraj Pilley, Olympian Cheppudira S Poonacha, Triple Olympian Zafar Iqbal, Olympian Anjaparavanda B Subbaiah, Cheranda Kishen, Ajjikuttira Kanchan Ponnanna and others.

Appachettolanda Mittu Erappa presided. Kodava Hockey Academy president Pandnada K Bopanna inaugurated. Convener of the tournament Appachettolanda Manu Muthappa was present.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> City News> Mysuru News / by G Rajendra, TNN / April 10th, 2023