Muddanda Hockey Namme Begins in Kodagu, Celebrates 25 Years of Kodava Hockey Festival

Ahead of the inaugural ceremony, a traditional Kodava rally was taken out from Gen. K.S. Thimayya Circle to the College Grounds. Photo: The Kodagu Express

Madikeri: The much-anticipated Muddanda Hockey Namme, marking its 25th edition, was inaugurated today in Madikeri, Kodagu district. The month-long tournament, running from March 28 to April 27, is being held across three grounds, bringing together the Kodava community in a grand celebration of sport and culture.

A record 396 teams have registered for this year’s edition, surpassing the 360 teams that participated in last year’s Kundyolanda Hockey Fest. The tournament continues the legacy of uniting Kodava families through their shared passion for hockey, which holds deep cultural significance in the region.

Ahead of the inaugural ceremony, a traditional Kodava rally was taken out from Gen. K.S. Thimayya Circle to the College Grounds, adding a festive spirit to the event. The opening ceremony also featured an exhibition match between Kodagu Hockey Academy XI and Karnataka XI, setting the stage for an exciting competition.

The Muddanda Hockey Namme is a key event in Kodagu’s sporting calendar, reinforcing the district’s reputation as a hockey powerhouse while preserving the Kodava heritage. With a record number of teams, this year’s tournament promises to be one of the most competitive and engaging editions yet.

Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Wadiyar, Madikeri MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda, Virajpet MLA AS Ponnanna, MLC Mandepanda Suja Kushalappa,Former MLA, KG Bopaiah, Deputy Commissioner Venkatraja, SP K. Ramarajan, Kodagu University Vice-Chancellor Ashok Sangappa Alura and Pandanda K. Bopanna, president of the Kodava Hockey Academy, and members of the Muddanda family were present.