Amid the scorching heat of the sun, thousands in Kodavas have gathered not out of religious affinity but to witness a clash of hockey sticks. Finding it itself again after years of disaster and pandemic, Kodava Hockey Namme is back in all its glory. It has actually spread joy in the whole State after the inauguration.
Dodging opponents, defeating them in a group, pretending the next step or the hockey sticks in firm contact with the ball, and searching for the goal. The sport in which once India could boast of being an enormous figure before being dethroned by cricket is still encapsulated as a sport that enthralls speed, craft, and energy. Hockey is hence regarded as a very strategic and professional sport.
Pandanda Kuttappa and his sibling Pandanda Kashi took the initiative to introduce this tournament for the Kodava community which has had some start players playing at the international level. Rightly, they have earned the adjective of the 'father of Kodava Hockey Namme'. Sports has always connected people and they also hoped that hockey would also serve a similar purpose for bringing the Kodavas together. This will actually create a platform for the talented.
But hockey has a strongly knitted relationship with the pitch as the game is heavily dependent on the movements of the ball. So, the brothers decided to undertake the beautification of various grounds in the district - even in the rural areas as their people don't have the access to expensive sports accessories.
In 1997, the first Kodava Hockey Tournament was organised by the Pandanda brothers at Karada village. It was called the Pandanda Hockey Cup. The fund of Rs 2 lakh for the tournament has been collected by the community. A total of 60 Kodava 'okkas' (families) kick-started the hockey namme' that gave an equal opportunity to girls.
From 1997 to 2018, consecutively the hockey namme was organised. The sport was launched keeping in mind the history, culture, and heritage of the Kodava community. Kuttappa set some rules in place for the sport and promoted co-existence within the community. Initially, the community did not have any sponsors. The umpires, commentators and even technical team members, and even the guests who were invited were all Kodavas. It began as a simple hockey tournament that gained wide attractions in different corners of the country. The hockey fest has transcended the fields and has reached every household. The extent of funds was never a big deal for the community rather passion and involvement of the community were given paramount importance. This sport wants to reinvigorate the love of hockey in people. Owing to urbanisation, the community at rural levels has now started to come outside the threshold. To keep that 'we-feeling' alive, Kuttappa and Kashi planned to organise the annual hockey fest. Participation fell up and down but massive participation of families was seen in the 2018 Kulletira Hockey Cup.
In 2001, Kuttappa was honoured with the People of the Year Award for Kodava Hockey Namme. Recipient of awards at many places, he calls to break records of participation of families in the upcoming tournaments. The spectator space has been modulated from canopies to massive galleries. The organizers and the sponsors are ready to contribute a hefty amount for the revival of the sport. This hockey fest is now also supported by the government. The fest has seen a host of icons during it's inaugural events. The fest has now assumed a place of tourism identity in the State.
It has been realised that hockey fest is somewhere digressing from it's motto. Very few players have made their way to the national hockey tournaments. Basic training of the sport is much required. The government's support should enlarge more for the inclusive participation of many families. Nevertheless, hockey is in the genes of Kodavas and the fest promotes it's community passion for the game. There is no ags restriction for participating in the tournament. Special exhibition matches are also being organized.
The grandeur of the sport and the community spirit that is coming along due to the community initiative is actually making people revitalise about hockey. Hockey should be patronised by people as much as the other sports are. The Kodava community is etching its name in the history of the growth of sport in the State.
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Reference:
- www.kodavas.in
- www.gktoday.in