Kodava Hockey Utsav from tomorrow

Shrikanth Kallammanavara, Ammathi (Madikeri), Apr 19, 2012

Aichettira family to host the event

The very unique hockey match of the State, Kodava Hockey Utsav, that takes place between the Kodava families every year, will begin on April 21.

Ready for the game: Preparations are underway at Ammathi High School grounds for the 16th Kodava Hockey Utsav from April 21. (Right) Aichettira family members who are hosting this year’s Kodava Hockey Utsav watch the preparations be. DH PhotosThe 16th annual Kodava Hockey Utsav will be inaugurated by Assembly Speaker K G Bopaiah.

The members of Aichettira family who are hosting this year’s Hockey Utsav are eagerly waiting for the festival to begin, which will be held for 25 days, till May 13.

The grand hockey festival will witness over 217 teams representing different Kodava families fighting for the prestigious cup.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Aichettira Hockey Cup Utsav President K Anil said that national and international hockey stars like S K Uttappa, V R Ragunath, S V Sunil and M B Aiyappa are going to be the show stealers for this year.

The inauguration, first match, semifinal and final matches will be held at Ammatthi High School grounds.

A huge gallery with a seating capacity of 25,000 is being built at the school grounds to enable spectators to watch the matches. The preparations are going on in full swing as only one day is left for the Utsav to begin.

The place surrounding the ground has been cleaned, drainages have been laid and drinking water facilities have been made for the purpose. LCD screens have been installed at three places in the ground for comfortable view of the match.

Special attraction

The special attraction of this year’s match is a special match that has been arranged between the Indian hockey team that has been selected for the forthcoming Olympics and the Coorg XI team.

The match will be held soon after the Utsav inauguration.

Aichettira family head I P Kuttappa informed that Indian hockey coach Michael Nobbs too will be present during the match.

The State government has granted Rs 30 lakh for the Hockey Utsav and several private companies too have come forward to sponsor the programme.

In addition, Cabinet Minister S M Krishna has granted Rs 12 lakh from his MP’s fund due to the effort of Prema Kariyappa who is also Aichettira family member.

The money has been utilised for the construction of toilets near the ground. The trophy and cash prize will be given to the winning teams from all categories. Aichettira K Anil said that cash prize of Rs five lakh will be given to the winners of the festival.