26th Kodava Family Hockey Festival Launches with Cultural Splendor in Napoklu
The 26th edition of the celebrated Kodava Family Hockey Festival officially began on Sunday in Napoklu, located near Madikeri. This year's prestigious event is being hosted by the Chenanda family, who organized a grand procession as part of the festival's opening ceremonies.
Inaugural Ceremony and Distinguished Guests
The festival commenced with a flag hoisting and celebratory inauguration ceremony, attended by numerous hockey enthusiasts and local dignitaries. Kodava Hockey Academy president Pandanda Bopanna formally launched the Chenanda Hockey Namme-2026 by pushing a silver ball with a silver hockey stick, symbolizing the start of the tournament.
Earlier in the program, Virajpet MLA AS Ponnanna inaugurated the festivities. He reflected on the festival's 25-year legacy, emphasizing the importance of remembering those who have supported it over the decades.
Major Announcement on Sports Infrastructure
MLA Ponnanna addressed long-standing concerns about sports facilities in Kodagu district, which has produced approximately 18 Olympians. He revealed that a state-of-the-art sports complex is currently under construction in V Badaga.
- The project is funded jointly by the Central and State governments.
- The total cost is estimated at Rs 40 crore.
- Construction is already underway, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah scheduled to officially launch the work soon.
Recognition of Kodagu's Hockey Legacy
MLC Mandepanda P Suja Kushalappa highlighted Kodagu's significant contributions to Indian hockey, noting that the district has gifted the nation many exceptional players. He credited Kodava hockey with playing a crucial role in developing the sport locally and urged attendees to remember the vision of Pandanda Kuttappa, the festival's founder.
Prominent Attendees and Exhibition Match
The event saw the presence of several notable figures, including:
- Karnataka Sports Authority vice-president Cheppudira Arun Machaiah
- Chenanda Hockey Namme president Karumbaiah
- Madikeri MLA Manthar Gowda
- Kodava Hockey Academy executive president and Olympian Cheppudira Poonacha
- Hockey Coorg president Palachanda Lavakumar
- Chenanda Cup executive president Deena Chengappa
- Secretary CS Madaiah and treasurer CP Achaiah
The opening day concluded with an exhibition match, setting the stage for the competitive games to follow in this annual celebration of hockey and community spirit.
