The heartland of Indian hockey, Kodagu, erupted in celebration on Wednesday, commemorating a monumental century for the sport. The region, which has produced countless legends for the nation, fittingly hosted a grand event to mark 100 years since India's debut in international hockey.
A Tournament to Honour a Legacy
Spearheaded by former Indian athletics star Ashwini Nachappa through her Ashwini Sports Foundation, the centenary was celebrated with the Masters Cup. This was an invitational inter-school state-level tournament for players under 18. The event reached its conclusion on the newly laid astroturf in Gonikoppal, symbolizing a bridge between the sport's rich past and its future.
A Galaxy of Hockey Stars Descends on Kodagu
The occasion turned into a grand reunion of Indian hockey greatness. The gathering was led by MM Somaya, a pivotal member of India's gold-winning 1980 Olympic team. He was joined by the legendary former captain Dhanraj Pillay and Dilip Tirkey, the ex-India skipper who now presides over Hockey India.
Adding to the prestige were Olympians hailing from the Kodagu region itself, including BK Subramani, AB Subbaiah, CS Poonacha, and VR Raghunath. Their presence underscored the area's profound and continuous contribution to the national hockey landscape.
Emotion, Education, and a Call to Action
Over 500 students from Karumbaiah's Academy of Learning and Sports (KALS) presented a special 12-minute performance. It was a fusion of dance and acrobatics, dedicated to both the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram and the hockey centenary, beautifully linking national pride with sporting heritage.
Ashwini Nachappa captured the sentiment of the day, stating, "Hockey is not just a sport in this region; it is an emotion. This is our way of commemorating a sport that has given us immense joy and pride."
Dilip Tirkey expressed his gratitude to Ashwini and her husband Datta Karumbaiah for uniting hockey icons across generations. "They have set an example by seamlessly integrating sport and education," he said. Tirkey also emphasized Kodagu's invaluable role and urged all stakeholders to leverage the region's natural environment and deep sporting culture to propel the legacy forward.
The Masters Cup was more than just a tournament; it was a powerful homage from the cradle of Indian hockey, ensuring the flame of passion for the sport is passed on to the next generation.
