Kulletira team wins Kodava Family Hockey Tournament, Union Minister promises support in future

Madikeri: Amid loud cheers from a packed crowd, the Kulletira team emerged champions of the 26th edition of the Kodava Family Hockey Tournament-- Chenanda Cup on Saturday, defeating the Cheppudira team 3–1.

With this, the Kodava Family Hockey festival held in Napoklu town of the taluk concluded. This marks Kulletira family’s fourth championship title.

The final match witnessed intense competition in the first half, with Cheppudira earning a series of penalty corners. However, they failed to convert these opportunities into goals.

In the third quarter, both teams scored one goal each. Later, in the final quarter, Kulletira netted two goals to seal the victory.

For Kulletira, Roshan Lokesh, Avaneesh Mandappa, and Shubham Chettiyappa scored one goal each, while Vachan Chinnappa scored the lone goal for Cheppudira.

Minister promises Centre's support

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, who watched the final of the unique tournament, was all praise, saying, “The Kodava Family Hockey Tournament is a model for the entire nation.”

Mansukh Mandaviya speaks during the final match of  26th edition of the Kodava Family Hockey Tournament--Chenanda Cup

He also assured that the Central government would extend support to the Kodava Family Hockey Tournament in the future.

He said it was good to see a community keeping a hockey tournament alive and carrying it forward as a movement.

With plans to host the Olympics in the country in the coming years, this tournament has given him a new perspective in shaping sports policy.

The winning Kulletira team was awarded a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh along with a silver rolling trophy.

The runner-up Cheppudira team received Rs 2 lakh in cash and a trophy, while the third-place winner Paradanda team was given a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh.