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Karada(Kadanga): In the run-up to the Muddanda Hockey Festival-2025, a Grand Torch Run was flagged off on Monday at the Pandanda Ainmane (ancestral house) in Karada, Kodagu district.
The event was inaugurated by Virajpet MLA Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna and will continue in the coming days, covering the ancestral homes (ainmanes) of families that have previously hosted the tournament. The hockey festival itself will be inaugurated on March 28.
The Kodava hockey festival, which began in 1997, was the vision of Pandanda Kuttappa, a former first-division hockey referee and ex-employee of the State Bank of India. Recognising Kodagu’s deep-rooted passion for the sport, he conceptualised a tournament that would serve as a platform for Kodava families to come together through hockey. Over the years, several prestigious families have continued to support and host the event.
Speaking at the torch run flag-off, Ponnanna expressed his appreciation for the festival’s silver jubilee celebrations, calling it a symbol of Kodagu’s sporting spirit. He lauded the Kodava Hockey academy and Muddanda family for their efforts in organising this year’s edition and wished for its success.
During the event, local residents and members of the Pandanda family urged the authorities to construct a statue of Pandanda Kuttappa, honouring his contribution to Kodava hockey. Responding to the request, Ponnanna assured that he would review the proposal and take necessary action.
The Grand Torch Run will continue until the festival’s inauguration on March 28, passing through several ancestral homes that have played a role in shaping this unique hockey tradition.
The event was attended by Pandanda K. Bopanna, president of the Kodava Hockey Academy, members of the Pandanda and Muddanda families, and hockey enthusiasts from across Kodagu.
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