Kundyolanda Hockey Carnival: A grand celebration of Kodava culture and sportsmanship

The festival will take place from March 30 to April 28, 20242. Photo: Kundyolanda family

Napoklu: The much-awaited Kodava Hockey Festival is back, and this time it promises to be grander than ever. Organized by the Kundyolanda family, the festival will take place from March 30 to April 28, showcasing the rich tapestry of Kodava culture and the spirit of sportsmanship.

Dinesh Cariappa, the convenor of the Kundyolanda Hockey Carnival (KHC), expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Our goal this year is to create history by organizing the largest field hockey tournament to date. It goes beyond merely sport; it's about nurturing community spirit and giving back to our people."  A staggering 360 Kodava family teams have registered for the tournament, signifying the deep-rooted passion for hockey within the community.

Athletes representing various Kodava families participate in a Kodava hockey festival, showcasing their prowess on the field. File Photo

What sets this year's festival apart are the numerous special events organized every week. From snack fairs to free health check-ups, from bride-groom search initiatives to professional guidance for the youth of Kodagu, the festival serves as a platform for holistic development and communal bonding.

In a bid to recognize and reward exceptional talent, the organizers have announced exciting prizes. The man of the match will be awarded an E.V scooter, while individual outstanding players will receive valuable trophies and cash prizes. With a total of 5,760 players, 730 coaches and managers, and 40 technical staff participating, the tournament promises intense competition and memorable moments.

Ramesh Muddaiah, president of Kundyolanda Hockey Carnival, expressed optimism regarding governmental support, stating, "We have optimism that the Karnataka Government will continue its support for the hockey festival, as it has in the past. Such governmental backing would greatly enhance our endeavors to ensure the success of this grand carnival."

The festivities will kick off on March 30 with an inaugural match between the Indian Navy team and the Coorg 11 team. This opening encounter sets the stage for a month-long celebration of sport, culture, and camaraderie. As the hockey sticks clash and the cheers resonate across the lush green fields of Napoklu, the Kodava Hockey Festival 2024 promises to be an unforgettable experience for participants and spectators alike.

Members of the Kundyolanda family gather at their ancestral Ainmane in Sannakki Kolakeri. Photo: Kundyolanda family

Originating from the visionary insight of late Pandanda Kuttappa, a former State league referee, in 1997, the Kodava hockey festival now operates under the guidance of the Kodava Hockey Academy. Witnessing a decline in hockey standards within the district, Mr. Kuttappa conceived the notion of a tournament among families to inspire more youths to embrace the sport.

Unlike conventional events with fixed venues, organizers aspire to establish a permanent location for the festival, which has roamed across the district in past editions. Yet, beyond numerical or material gains, the Kodava hockey festival has achieved a unique feat: bringing together distant families in unity.

Dubbed the Kodava Hockey Nammé (festival), the event is annually hosted by a different family, which lends its name to the occasion. Each family can only host the event once, with interested families applying to the Kodava Hockey Academy for consideration and subsequent evaluation determining the tournament's allocation.

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