Dog Show Steals the Spotlight at Muddanda Kodava Hockey Festival in Madikeri

The fusion of sport and pawsitive vibes made for a unique day in Muddanda hockey festival, Madikeri where hockey sticks and wagging tails united in celebration.

MADIKERI: Amidst the roar of cheering hockey fans and the swift clatter of sticks, a delightful surprise stole the show at the ongoing Muddanda Cup hockey festival today — a grand dog show that drew as much applause as the matches themselves. Held on the hockey ground, the event showcased a diverse array of dogs, charming spectators with their elegance, discipline, and endearing antics.

Organised with the support of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, the event brought together pet lovers, canine enthusiasts, and sports fans in a heartwarming celebration of loyalty, affection, and animal care.

↓ WATCH: The Kodagu Express Talks | 25 Years of Kodava Hockey: A Festival of Unity ↓

Inaugurating the show, Akhila Kodava Samaja president Paradanda Subramani praised the bond between humans and dogs. “Among loyal domesticated animals worthy of human trust, dogs top the list,” he said. “Raising pets nurtures pure love. Every household should care for animals with kindness and compassion.”

The hockey ground came alive as dogs from 17 different breeds paraded with poise. From the stately Great Dane to the sturdy Rottweiler, from the fluffy Siberian Husky to the graceful Mudhol Hound, the variety on display was a treat to the eyes. Popular breeds like the German Shepherd, Beagle, Golden Retriever, Labrador, Pug, and Bulldog also made their presence felt, drawing excited murmurs and camera flashes from the crowd.

District Deputy Director of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Dr. Lingaraju H. Doddmani, used the occasion to highlight the importance of vaccination. “Rabies is a fatal but preventable disease. Free rabies vaccinations are being provided at all veterinary hospitals across the district. I urge everyone to ensure their pets are vaccinated on time,” he said, adding that responsible pet ownership begins with regular health check-ups.

Polyclinic District Deputy Director Captain Dr. C.P. Thimmaiah echoed these sentiments. “The number of people adopting dogs is increasing, and rightly so. If we can’t raise other animals, we should at least raise dogs, as they bring immense companionship and peace of mind,” he said, urging more residents to embrace adoption.

Muddanda Hockey Festival Committee president Muddanda Rashin Subbaiah said the dog show was a conscious effort to support dog lovers and engage the community. “Dogs are not only loyal companions but are in high demand nationally and internationally. Events like these promote awareness and admiration for these animals. We hope to include dog shows in future hockey festivals too,” he said.

Great Dane crowned champion:

As the event concluded, the winning dogs were showered with accolades. Kechettira Madan’s majestic Great Dane took home first place, while Sharankumar of Kushalnagar won second with his Rottweiler. The third prize went to A.K. Somanna’s Mini Pinscher from Arekadu. Fourth and fifth places were bagged by M.I. Rahul’s German Shepherd from Madikeri and Tanya Tangamma’s Siberian Husky, respectively.

All participants received certificates, while the winners were awarded attractive trophies and recognition for their well-groomed and well-behaved pets. The district veterinary department also administered free rabies and deworming vaccines to all dogs at the event, promoting pet health and welfare.

Also present on the occasion were Assistant Director of Animal Husbandry Dr. Prasanna, retired Deputy Director Dr. K.P. Ayyappa, and Muddanda Cup Hockey Festival Committee members, including secretary Muddanda Adya Poovanna and vice president Dean Bopanna.

To advertise on The Kodagu Express website, kindly call us at 9108795369 or mail us at thekodaguexpress@gmail.com 

Join The Kodagu Express WhatsApp Group: CLICK HERE 

Follow us on Instagram and X(Twitter)