STATE LEAGUE

Madikeri to host Super Division

KSHA’s Flagship League To Be Played In Two Tiers; Gates To Be Introduced

Bangalore: The Super Division hockey league will be held on the newlylaid pitch in Madikeri from September 15 to October 12.

This is the first time that the Karnataka State Hockey Association has shifted its flagship league out of Bangalore, the reason being the worn-out turf at the Akkithimmanahalli stadium.

Though the Department of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS) has said that it would replace the turf as soon as the monsoon ends, the hockey association decided to play it safe so that it could complete its league before the
national season begins.

Madikeri has been a realistic option for the last couple of years but continued delay in laying the turf forced the KSHA to conduct the league on the old turf at the KSHA stadium. “With Madikeri getting a new synthetic pitch, we decided to shift the league,” KSHA secretary K Krishnamurthy told TOI.

The league in Madikeri will also feature another first — with hockey fans having to pay and watch the games. “We have decided to re-introduce gate money. The last time we charged the public was about 17 years ago when we played the league at the Sullivan police ground . With hockey being a popular game in Kodagu, I am sure people will be willing to buy tickets for the matches.”

Obviously, the money earned will be ploughed back into the league. The KSHA, which offered prize money of Rs 1.25 lakh for the winners and Rs 75,000 for the runners-up, plans to raise the amount to Rs 1.5 lakh and Rs 1 lakh respectively.

“We would like to give cash awards for the fourth-placed team too. Last year, the team ending third got Rs 50,000. This time, it may be increased to Rs 75,000. The team finishing fourth may get Rs 25,000,” Krishnamurthy said.

In such a scenario, the KSHA is looking for sponsors to back the event.

Unlike in the past, the Super Division will be played in two tiers. The top six teams of the 12 which figured in the Super Division last year — including Indian Oil, Army XI and Fortis — will get direct entries into the tournament proper. BPCL and Namdharis, who opted out because of the worn-out turf, will join them to form a group of eight. They will be joined by two outfits which top an eight-team preliminary round. The ten teams will then play a roundrobin league for the title.

“The preliminary round will comprise the other six teams from the Super Division plus the two promoted from A Division,” Krishnamurthy explained.

With every team forced to meet the expenses on their own in Madikeri, the schedule will be drawn with extra care so that no team is stretched. “We will ensure that the outstation teams finish their matches in about 15 days time. We will also invite outstation umpires to maintain high standards in officiating.”

The KSHA also has plans to conduct an all-India tournament or a national-level championship in Madikeri. “But that will depend on the success of the league. Kodagu deserves the best of hockey action. If the league is received well, we will be encouraged to bring more events to this district,” Krishnamurthy said.