Helped a brace by Olympian Nikkin Thimmaiah, Chendanda won their maiden title in Kodava family hockey tournament organised by Biddatanda family on Sunday. In the finals held at Gen K.S. Thimayya Stadium at Chendanda recorded a facile 4-1 win against Paradanda.

The winning team took an early lead with forward Nikkin Thimmaiah scoring in the fifth minute. Later, he doubled the lead with a fine field goal in the 10 minute. Paradanda managed to score complementary goal after Dheeraj Muthanna converted a penalty corner.

Chendanda had lost in the finals of the 2015 edition of the tournament (Kuppanda Cup) against Palanganda. The winners took home a cash prize of Rs. 2.5 lakh and a trophy while Paradanda pocketed a cash prize of Rs 1.5 lakh and a trophy. Six other teams which had made it to last-eight round — Palanganda, Anjaparuvanda, Koothanda, Nellamakkada, Mandepanda and Karineravanda were   awarded Rs. 25,000 each.

Earlier, the final match was inaugurated by Lt. Col B.K. Subramani. Biddatanda family Pattedar B.C. Ponnappa presided the valedictory ceremony. Distirct in-Charge Minister M.R. Seetharam, MP B.K. Hariprasad, MLCs Veena Acchaiah and Sunil Subramani, MLAs K.G. Bopaiah and Appacchu Ranjan, DC  Dr. Vincent D’Souza and others were present.

Later, Pandanda M. Kuttappa handed over flag to the members of Kulletira who will be hosting the 2018 edition of Kodava Family Hockey Namme. The Police English Band from Mysuru and Ninada stunts by the Yuvaka Sangha of Bittangala enthralled the audience.