Family hockey tourney ends with a colourful note

25,000 people witness the final match

Before the final round could commence, Kodava Sahithya Academy had organised a cultural programme including ‘Ummathat’ and ‘Huthari Kolata,’ which was liked by the spectators.

A large number of hockey fans were seen hurrying towards the venue to witness the final round.  It is estimated that as many as 25,000 people witnessed the final match on Sunday. The spectators’ gallery has capacity to accommodate 25,000 people and by 10 am, the gallery was full. The roads and empty spaces around the venue were jam packed with vehicles. Police were deputed at every nook and corner of the city as CM B S Yeddyurappa was expected to witness the finals. Due to the political situation in the State, the CM could not make it to the finals.

When the final rounds started at about 12.15 pm, the seats were insufficient and people were seen thronging outside the gallery.

The organisers had to get chairs from outside to make space for people. Despite the heat, Palaganda and Kaliyanda teams played the match in the afternoon. The members of both the teams gave no scope for fights and arguements, thereby making the job of the umpires very easy.

Though Kaliyandas lost the match, their sportsmenship bagged them laurels from sports lovers. Last year the Maneyapanda Cup was also bagged by Palanganda team. Though many of the spectators wanted Kaliyandas to lift the ‘Macchamada Cup’, it fell into the hands of Palangandas. But the crowd largely cheered for the Kaliyandas, which showed their popularity as a team.

The Palangandas entered the field with music and dance and exited the field as winners with band, music and traditional dance.

A laser show was held in the evening along with fusion music from a Chennai based band.