The tournament was inaugurated by Ten Sports Vice-President Cheranda M Kishan at Ponnampet Junior College grounds. As many as 228 Kodava families are taking part in the tournament.
Before the commencement of the tournament, pooja was offered at Ponnampet Basaveshwara temple. Kodavas clad in their traditional attire added colour to the procession. The utsav was flagged off with eight Machamada family members shooting in the air 15 times.
Speaking after inaugurating the utsav, Kishan said that there is close affinity between Kodagu and hockey.
“Bringing together the various families under one roof through hockey is a Limca record. The tradition should continue,” he said.
Kodava Hockey Utsav Founder Pandanda Kuttappa said the hockey utsav which began with 60 teams has grown to 250 teams taking part in the tournament.
The tournament helps in bringing together the community members and identifying the sports talents.
As there is no reservation for Kodavas, through hockey utsav, they should try to build their future.
Tata Coffee Vice-president Ajjikutteera S Muthanna called upon the sports persons to honour the decisions of the umpire.
Ponnampet Gram Panchayat President Rekha Sridhar, Macchamada Hockey Utsav Working President Dali Changappa and others were present. Utsav President Kanda Bheemaiah welcomed the gathering. Gonikoppa Kaveri College students presented Bolakat dance.
The match between Karnataka 11 and Kodava 11 team ended in a draw with 2-2.
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