The much-awaited Biddatanda Hockey Festival began at General Thimayya Ground at Government PU College premises here this morning.

A total of 306 teams are taking part in the hockey tournament which is the highest ever since the tournament began in the year 1997. The first hockey festival was held at Karada in which a total of 60 family teams took part. The tournament was won by Kaliyanda and Anjaparavanda had emerged runner-up. Last year, the tournament was conducted by Shantheyanda family at Madikeri in which a total of 299 teams took part. Kaliyanda team emerged as champions while Palanganda were the runners-up.

This year, the tournament has been named as Biddatanda Hockey Namme as it is being conducted by Biddatanda family.  The tournament was inaugurated by Olympian and the legendary hockey player A.B. Subbaiah here.  The inaugural match was played between V.R. Raghunath led Rest of India and Indian Army’s Coorg Regiment.

The organisers have built new metal galleries for the spectators to watch the matches. This apart, separate technical division, media gallery, VIP gallery and eatery stalls have also been established at the venue.

Kodava Family Hockey Namme Founder Pandanda M. Kuttappa, Biddatanda Family Pattedar Prof. B.C. Ponnappa and others were present at the fest which ends on May 14.

Kodava Hockey Festival  Winners