The idea of combining the community of Kodava through hockey is based on the concept of family hockey, similar to the Highland Games, which play different clans in Scotland. | Photo Credit: File Photos
The Kodava Hockey Festival, which will be held from March 28 to 27 April on three premises in Madikeri in the Kodag district, celebrates its 25th year and combines the Kodava community in an event where culture and sport are converging.
It all started when the late Pandand Kuttappa, the former state bank of India and the hockey of the first division, assumed the joining all Kodava families through hockey at the end of 1997 and believed it was the perfect sport to support unity because the Kodavs spread throughout the country. Since Kodag is also known as Coorg, it is the cradle of Indian hockey, which created over 50 national players, including seven Olympians, imagined the annual hockey festival where families would compete against each other.
This initiative not only linked the community, but also celebrated its rich hockey heritage, says Pandanda K. Bopann, President of the Hockey Academy Kodava and the son of Mr. Kuttappa, who now transmits her father’s heritage.
Mr. Bopanna remembered the first days of the hockey festival and shared that it started in a small village of Karada in Kodag, with a minimum infrastructure that would organize an event. In its inauguration year, the reaction was lukewarm and did not participate in more than 60 families. In the following years, however, the festival has grown to the extent that it has won a location in the book Limca Book of Records as the world’s largest hockey tournament. “Finally, in 2024, Kodavský hockey carnival, organized by Kundyoland’s family, achieved the world record of Guinness for the largest field hockey tournament, attending 360 teams representing the Kodava families,” Mr. Bopanna added.
The idea of combining the community of Kodava through hockey is based on the concept of family hockey, similar to the Highland Games, which play different clans in Scotland. “Only Kodava (clans) families can participate, without any sex or age. Some participants have even played international level. Over the past two decades, several players who competed at the festival have represented various hockey teams,” he explained.
Women’s tournament for silver jubilee
This year the tournament has a family of Muddand serving as hosts. Before and during the tournament, a series of special events will be held to mark the Silver Jubilee, including quiz competitions, cycling and gunfighting, according to Rashin Subbaiah, President of the Organizational Committee.
“The festival torch, similar to the Olympic torch, will be transferred to traditional ancestors or Ainla from families who had previously hosted the tournament. As part of the Silver Jubilee celebrations, the female tournament will also be introduced, attending 30 teams,” Subbaiah added.
More than a game, a cultural meeting
The hockey festival evolved into an annual celebration in Kodag and resembled a fair or cultural gathering. Over the past two decades, this has happened more than just a tournament – now it serves as a platform for community members to discuss trade, business interests and even explore the marital alliance, says Ajjinikanda Mahesh Nachaiah, Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy.
“It has become an opportunity for families to join, solve the differences and strengthen their bonds. It also provides an opportunity for Kodava living outside the district to re -connect with their roots and meet with extended family members. Since the festival played during the summer holidays.
Need to support government
However, although the Copenhagen community organizing a worldwide renowned hockey festival is needed by government support. Although Kodag was in Powerhouse sport, it lacks the necessary infrastructure, including the right hockey soil and other necessary equipment.
Mr. Bopanna stressed that while the government provided financial assistance in organizing the festival, greater support for the development of permanent infrastructure is needed. “The host family bears considerable costs of preparing at least three mud reasons in the district for the tournament. The government should enter to create proper hockey reasons and facilities to maintain and promote this prestigious event,” he added.
Published – 27 March 2025 21:05
