Real estate workers during hockey practice in Munnar | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
With the number of migrant workers in Munnar plantations increasing, Kanan Devan Hills Plantations (KDHP), one of the largest plantation companies in the region, is launching a hockey tournament to encourage sports enthusiasts among its workforce. The sport is very popular among the laborers of Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand and Assam and they organize matches across different estates. The company took notice and decided to organize the Ripple Tea hockey tournament to promote emerging talent, sources said.
“The initiative is aimed at promoting sportsmanship and nurturing talent among our workers. The tournament is not just for migrant workers, teams comprising local employees from other estates like Pallivasal and Periyakanal are also participating,” the official said.
“Over the last few years, the sport has seen tremendous growth and new players have shown exceptional talent. By organizing an annual inter-state tournament, the company intends to provide a structured platform to bring this talent to the limelight,” he said.
Final on May 16
This is the first time a hockey tournament of this magnitude is being held in Munnar, officials said. The opening edition will start on May 12 and the final will be held on May 16. The matches will be played at the Kanan Devan Sports Ground, which is currently undergoing renovations to meet competitive playing standards.
KDHP has been hosting the annual Finlay Shield interstate football tournament, which has been running for 77 years. Started in 1941 by EH Francis, the British managing director of the Kanan Devan Hills Producers Company, it remains one of the oldest football tournaments in India.
Published – 11 May 2026 20:49 IST
