Women's hockey a new attraction for Kodava family hockey festival

Kayapanda Shashi Somaiah

Madikeri, Apr. 12: The family hockey festival among Kodava families, which started in 1997 with the Panda Cup, has grown to a point where it is recognized not only at the national but also at the global level, and has set a world record in the Guinness Book of Records as well as the World Book of Records. Starting with the participation of 60 families, this hockey has created a sports sensation not only among our Kodava families but also in the entire Kodagu, which is a matter of pride for the district. There are many success stories behind the success of this hockey festival, which has grown from 60 to approximately 400 families (the highest was 396).

Now, a new step has been taken to create history through the Muddanda Cup Hockey Festival, which was held in Madikeri last year. Last year, as a new attraction during the hockey festival, the women's hockey tournament organized by the Muddanda family and the young man Rashin Subbaiah, who was the executive president, has also been successful.

This is a unique but very exciting, entertaining and highly competitive tournament between women's teams. This match is played without a goalkeeper on a 70x120-meter field. A small goal box, one and a half sticks wide, 60 feet long from the central line (one side) is a platform for women and girls to show their hockey skills. Five players (additional three) can be in a team. Another special thing is that there is no hit. No tap..no slop. No scooping..just pushing, dribbling and a small amount of tapping. This hockey match is exciting and entertaining.

First attempt success

This first attempt at the Muddanda Cup has been a success beyond expectations. Not only did 58 family teams participate in the initial year, but last year's tournament also set a world record in the World Book of Records in its first year.

More teams this year

The Chenanda family, the organizers of the 2026 hockey festival, has continued women's hockey as usual. About 63% of the families have already registered their names, and there is still time to register.

Tamane - Bamane

Another special feature is that the women representing the respective family can also play for the family they are married to or for the hometown team.

Crowded audience

This attracts attention like a little hockey. The rules for scoring goals, penalty corners and tiebreakers are another attraction. Due to this, the spectators gathered in large numbers last year to watch this entertaining and exciting hockey match. The first year, the Kambir family was victorious, while the Kechettira (Kadagadalu) team won the runners-up award. This time, the sponsorship of women's hockey is being provided by Panda Pushpa Subbaiah (Tamane: Ammatanda), a Kodava woman who represented the country for the first time in women's hockey. Last year too, she had donated Rs. 50 thousand each to the four achievers.

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