Mukkatira Cup Cricket Namme gets a colorful start

Madikeri A.3: The 24th annual ‘Betri Mukkatira Cup Cricket Namme 2026’ organized among Kodava families has been formally launched.

Vice President of the State Sports Authority and former member of the Legislative Council Cheppudira Arun Machayya, Sri Shantha Mallikarjuna Swamiji of Armeri Kalancheri Mutt, President of the sports meet Mukkatira Suresh Pemmaiah and other dignitaries hoisted the flag of the Kodava Cricket Association at the Lalu Muddayya Stadium in Bachettira, Moornadu. Association President Keethianda Carson Cariappa launched the prestigious Mukkatira Cup Cricket Namme by hitting the ball with a silver bat.

State Sports Authority Vice President Cheppudira Arun Machayya, who participated in the meeting as the chief guest, said; Kodagu district has also been included among the 10 sports districts of the country identified by the Central Government. The distinction of being the first sports district in South India goes to Kodagu district. He said that the reason for the existence of sports events continuously in Kodagu district is due to its presence.

While 17 sportspersons from the state have been awarded the Arjuna Award, 9 of them are sports achievers from Kodagu. The sports sector can grow only when there is organization in the communities. Arun Machayya said that facilities are available only when various sports institutions get recognition from the government.

Development of the sports sector

There are sports talents involved in almost all sports in Kodagu district. However, there is a lack of basic facilities to promote sports in the sports district. Arun Machayya assured that he is committed to the development of the sports sector in the district as the Vice President of the State Sports Authority.

8 crores have been sanctioned for the construction of a synthetic track at the General Thimmaiah District Stadium in Madikeri and work will begin. A sports hostel will be constructed at a cost of Rs 2 crore for the women's sports hostel and Rs 2 crore in Ponnampet. MLA Ajjikuttir S. Ponnanna has identified and reserved 11 acres of land near Balugod for the sports complex, and Rs 30 crores are available for its construction. Action will also be taken for the development of all the grounds and hostels under the jurisdiction of the Youth Services and Sports Department. He said that the government is providing Rs 80,000 every month for the higher training of Unnati Ayyappa, Sinchana Kaveramma, Chandoora Poovanna, S.V Sunil, and Thekkada Bhavani, who are engaged in training with the aim of the next Olympic sports. He said that the government is providing a grant of Rs. 80,000 every month for their higher training.

Encouragement of elders is memorable

Sreeshantha Mallikarjuna Swamiji of Arameri Kalancheri Math gave his blessings and said that there are several schools in Kodagu district that have seen centuries. In these schools, elders had built well-equipped grounds for sports centuries ago. Athletes are being recognized due to the encouragement and motivation of elders. He said that all athletes and sports enthusiasts should remember this work of elders.

Sports events should be held to bring out talents. The Kodava Cricket Association has been doing that work for several years, and this is helpful in selecting athletes for the state and national levels. Shantha Mallikarjuna Swamiji said that with such sports events, it will be possible to introduce our culture, system, tradition and rituals to the next generation.

Athletes should change

Senior hockey athlete Baleyada Karuna Kalappa said that in the past, there were no facilities required for sports. In those days, despite poverty, dozens of athletes were able to achieve success at the state and national levels. Today, all the facilities are available and should be utilized. Athletes should also change their mentality, he said.

The government is providing grants to Kodava hockey, similarly, Kodava cricket should be provided to us too.

If the Mukkatira family submits a request to the government through the MLA to provide grants, it may be possible to get the grants. He advised them to make necessary efforts in that regard.

Mukkatira Cup Cricket Tournament President Mukkatira Suresh Pemmaiah said that 289 teams have registered their names in this time's cricket tournament and have supported the tournament. Parents should encourage their children to play sports. Children should be enrolled in various sports camps. This will help in developing discipline, dedication and sportsmanship in children. Not only will physical strength also increase. This will also help in personality development, he said.

Tribute to families

On this occasion, dignitaries honored 23 families who have been organizing Kodava Cricket Namme continuously for the past 23 years in collaboration with the Kodava Cricket Association. The Ummatthaat performance by the Pommakkad Koota of the Murnadu Kodava community attracted the attention of the audience.

Exhibition match

As part of the Mukkathira Cup Cricket Namme, an exhibition match was held between the strong cricket teams of North Coorg and South Coorg. The dignitaries introduced themselves to the players and wished them well.

Businessman Jinith Ayyappa of Machettira, Madhu Bopanna of Manavattira, Police Officer Patrapanda Ponnappa, Pemmudiyanda Venu of Murnadu Vidya Sanstha and others were present.

Before the opening ceremony, the Mukkatira family offered special prayers to the Guru Karona at their home in Betri Ain and prayed for the smooth conduct of the match. Later, they reached Moornadu village and presented the Mukkatira Cricket Nammeya logo with a Dudikott pot, a variety of Takki Bolcha, and a Kodagu.

Disclaimer: This article has been translated by xklsv.com using advanced AI-based translation tools. Please note that the use of AI for translation is still experimental and may not be 100% accurate. The original content is sourced from shakthidaily.info, and Shakthi Daily is not responsible or liable for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies that may appear in the translated version, including spelling, grammar, or contextual misunderstandings.

If you come across any mistakes or inconsistencies in this translation, we kindly request you to report them by sending an email to [email protected]
Your feedback will help us improve the quality.

The image in this article  has been generated using artificial intelligence and is intended for illustrative purposes only. It may not reflect real-world accuracy.