The 18th edition of Kodava Hockey Namme-2014, hosted by the Thathanda family, was inaugurated at Virajpet PU College on Sunday.

Kodava Hockey Academy president and Kodava Hockey Namme founder P Kuttappa inaugurated the event by hitting a silver ball with a silver hockey stick in the presence of thousands of hockey lovers even as it drizzled. Major General A K Singh, in-charge of Karnataka and Kerala Sub Area, Karnataka Madhyama Academy president M A Ponnappa, Kodava Folklore expert Prof I K Biddappa, Thathanda family president T Shambhu Nanaiah were present.

They were brought to the stage by Kodava Valaga and traditional Dudi Kot Paat.

An exhibition match was held between SAI women’s team, Kodagu, and SAI women’s team Mysore.

Ummathat, Bolakot and other traditional Kodava dances were performed.

As many as 234 teams are playing the Kodava Hockey Namme which will go on for the next 29 days.

The winners will get `1 lakh and trophies and runners-up will get `50,000 and trophies.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service – Madikeri / April 21st, 2014