In a vibrant celebration of a monumental sporting century, the Jayanagara Kodava Sangha took a significant step to secure hockey's future by organizing a special tournament for children. The event, held to mark 100 years of India's international hockey journey, brought together young talents aged 8 to 13 on a modern turf in Bengaluru.
Celebrating a Century of Glory with Grassroots Action
The tournament, held on Sunday at Turf City in JP Nagar's 7th Phase, was more than just a competition; it was a statement of intent. It connected the sport's legendary past with its hopeful future. Indian hockey's story began with an Olympic gold medal at the 1928 Amsterdam Games, leading to decades of global dominance spearheaded by icons like Major Dhyan Chand. For a hundred years, hockey has been integral to the nation's sporting identity, with the Kodava community from Kodagu contributing an extraordinary number of players to the national cause.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Champions
Understanding that future success must be built from the ground up, the Sangha's initiative focused on early exposure and inspiration. The goal was to ignite a passion for hockey in children during their formative years and encourage parents and schools to see sports as a viable pathway. The event was inaugurated by former Indian hockey star and Arjuna Awardee Raghunath V.R., whose presence as an Olympian motivated the young participants.
The ceremony also featured Sub-Junior Karnataka player Kottangada N. Joyappa and Kangira Bheemaiah, Chairman of the Kodava Samaja Legal Cell, as Guests of Honour. Later, Chiriapanda Suresh Nanjappa, President of Kodava Samaja Bangalore, and Mallengada S. Muthanna, its Joint Treasurer, presided over the prize distribution. President Nanjappa committed to promoting similar hockey events across other Kodava Sanghas in the city, signaling a broader movement.
A Legacy Event for the Future
Every child who participated received trophies and mementos, emphasizing that encouragement and taking part are as crucial as winning. Organizers clarified that this was not a one-off event but a foundational effort. A member of the Jayanagara Kodava Sangha Sports Committee stated that commemorating a century of hockey is not just about honoring history but actively investing in the next generation. They stressed that for hockey to thrive for another 100 years, it must begin with nurturing children's interest today.
By using a modern turf for fast-paced matches, the tournament provided a genuine competitive experience. This grassroots effort in Bengaluru stands as a practical tribute to India's rich hockey legacy and a proactive investment in its future stars.
