Maneyapanda Twenty 10 Kodava hockey festival inaugurated
The 14th edition of the Kodava family hockey festival was inaugurated on April 18 by Union Sports Minister M.S. Gill at Ponnampet in Kodagu district.
The tournament known as Maneyapanda Twenty 10, being hosted by the Maneyapanda family, has participation from 214 Kodava families.
After releasing balloons in the air to mark the occasion, Mr Gill said: “Kodava family hockey festival is unique in the history of Indian hockey. About 800 families come together without seeking any financial aid from Centre and State governments to organise the hockey tournaments, which is highly commendable.”
Lieutenant General Ballachanda K Chengappa, GOC, Southern Command, and the founder of the Kodava hockey festival Pandanda Kuttappa, were present on the occasion.
At an exhibition match, the Kodagu team led by Olympian C S Poonacha defeated Indian Olympian Star team led by Dhanraj Pillai by 3-2 goals.
The finals of the Maneyapanda Cup will be held on May 9. The winners will take home Rs 1 lakh, runners-up Rs 75,000 and the third-placed team Rs 50,000.
