The 17th edition of Kodava Families’ Hockey Namme (festival) began at the Balugodu Kodava Cultural, Heritage and Sports Centre near here today, under the aegis of Madanda family.

Kodava Hockey Academy President Pandanda Kuttappa, who founded the Kodava Families’ Hockey Tournament in 1997, inaugurated the fest by pushing the ball with a silver stick. The inaugural match was played between Kodagu XI and Punjab XI, with 1-1 goals tie when we went to Press.

The Madanda Hockey Namme has 225 Kodava family teams participating and the finals will be held on May 12.

Federation of Kodava Samajas President M.N. Belliappa, speaking as the chief guest, recalled that the Kodava Cultural Centre at Balugodu village was the result of a discussion with his friend K.B. Ganapathy, Editor-in-Chief of Star of Mysore, about 13 years ago. “I discussed with my friend Ganapathy about the need to set up a museum-like cultural centre in Kodagu and thanks to the then Chief Minister S.M. Krishna and former Minister M.C. Nanaiah, we could purchase the land in Balugodu,” said Belliappa and added that the government has granted Rs. 2 crore for the project.

Federation of Kodava Samajas Secretary C.K. Kashiyappa, sports person J. Appachu, Olympian Dr. A.B. Subbaiah, Madanda Sports Committee President M.S. Poovaiah, Akhila Kodava Samaja President Mathanda C. Monnappa and others were present.

The Kodava Cultural Centre at Balugodu is a picturesque land of 15 acres located 6 kms from Virajpet town. Various programmes showcasing Kodava culture and heritage will be held at this venue. Cost of the project is estimated at Rs. 12 crore. A huge auditoium-cum hall, with a capacity of 1500 people is under construction. It has a museum where traditional household articles and antiques are displayed.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / April 14th, 2013