Season-2 of KHPL from July 3 to 5

10 franchises take part in players’ auction, total

of 174 players drafted to various teams

A group photo of the Mysuru Kodava Samaja Youth Wing team, who will be hosting the Kodava Hockey Premier League in Mysuru.

Mysuru – The stage is set for the second edition of the Kodava Hockey Premier League (KHPL), with organisers successfully conducting the player auction ahead of the much-anticipated tournament scheduled to be held from July 3 to 5 at the Chamundi Vihar Stadium Hockey Turf in city.

Organised by the Kodava Samaja Youth Wing Mysuru in association with Kodava Samaja, Mysuru, under the aegis of Hockey Mysore, KHPL has emerged as a unique franchise-based hockey competition aimed at promoting the sport while nurturing emerging talent from the Kodava community.

The player auction, held at a private hotel in city, witnessed enthusiastic participation from franchise owners, players, community leaders and hockey enthusiasts.

More than 268 players had registered for the league, from which 174 players were drafted across 10 franchise teams, while 30 icon players were retained by their respective franchises.

Every franchise squad comprises 18 players and is mandated to include two U-18 players and one woman player. The format provides young players with an opportunity to share the dressing room and playing field alongside experienced professional and national-level players, thereby gaining valuable exposure, mentorship and first-hand learning experiences.

The auction ceremony was attended by Kodava Samaja Mysuru President Ponjanda Ganapathy, Vice-President Machimada P. Nanaiah, Treasurer Kottangada Pemmaiah, Pandanda Bopanna and Muddanda Rashin Subbaiah besides several office-bearers and members of the Kodava community.

A symbolic highlight of the event was the ceremonial handover of the rolling trophy by Pale Taluk, champions of the inaugural edition, marking the commencement of another competitive season.

Organisers have confirmed that all matches of KHPL Season-2 will also be telecast live on YouTube, enabling supporters and hockey enthusiasts worldwide to follow the three-day tournament.

According to the organisers, KHPL has evolved into more than just a sporting competition, serving as a platform for youth empowerment, grassroots hockey development and community engagement. Several players associated with previous editions have progressed to higher levels of competition, underscoring the league’s growing contribution to the sport.

With an expected footfall of over 8,000 spectators and a projected digital reach exceeding 20,000 viewers through live streaming, KHPL Season-2 is expected to draw significant attention from hockey enthusiasts.

The three-day tournament promises high-quality hockey action, competitive rivalries and a celebration of the Kodava community’s longstanding contribution to Indian hockey.

For further information interested may contact Kodaga Samaja Youth Wing President Varun Nanjappa Hanchettira on Mob: 89519-49351 or e-mail: ksywmysuru@gmail.com.