Madikeri :

The month-long Kuppanda hockey festival between Kodava families, will take place at Virajpet Junior College ground from Apr. 15.

Announcing this at a press meet here on Friday, the Hockey Fest Committee President Maj. General (retd.) Kuppanda P. Nanjappa said two fields at Virajpet Junior College ground is being readied for the fest, which is expected to cost Rs.1 crore.

About 300 Kodava families are expected to take part in the fest, for which more than 10 companies including Reliance Group, have come forward for sponsorship. Besides, Chief Minister Siddharamaiah has assured of Rs. 35 lakh to a delegation comprising Home Minister K.J. George and Virajpet MLA K.G. Bopaiah, which met him recently, he said.

Outlining the special features of this year’s tournament, Nanjappa said that an exhibition match will be played between MEG team and Coorg XI, cultural events, motorbike stunts by Indian Army, brass band, para sailing, etc., former international hockey stars M.P. Ganesh, Maneyapanda Somaiah and Konganda Uthaiah will be the chief guests, he said.

The registration of Hockey teams will commence from Feb. 9 and the last date for registration is Mar.15, he added.

For more details, call Mob: 99005-00456. Fest Committee office-bearers Kuppanda Sachith, Kuppanda Devaiah, Kuppanda Thimmaiah, Kuppanda Mohan Monnappa, Kuppanda Ramesh Nanaiah were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / February 08th, 2015