Hockey greats celebrate centenary in Kodagu

Gonikoppal: Kodagu — the cradle of Indian hockey — fittingly celebrated the centenary of the sport synonymous with the region on Wednesday. Ashwini Sports Foundation, helmed by former Indian sprint and middle-distance queen Ashwini Nachappa, marked 100 years since India made its international hockey debut by hosting an invitational inter-school (U-18) state-level tournament, the Masters Cup. The event concluded at the newly laid astroturf here.The occasion brought together a galaxy of Indian hockey stalwarts, led by MM Somaya, a key member of the gold-winning 1980 Olympic squad, legendary former captain Dhanraj Pillay, and ex-India skipper and Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey. They were joined by Olympians from the region, including BK Subramani, AB Subbaiah, CS Poonacha and VR Raghunath.Over 500 students from Karumbaiah's Academy of Learning and Sports (KALS) presented a 12-minute dance and acrobatics routine to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram and the centenary of Indian hockey.Speaking on the occasion, Ashwini highlighted the deep-rooted significance of hockey in Kodagu. "Hockey is not just a sport in this region; it is an emotion. This is our way of commemorating a sport that has given us immense joy and pride," she said.Thanking Ashwini and her husband Datta Karumbaiah for bringing together hockey greats from across generations, Dilip Tirkey said: "They have set an example by seamlessly integrating sport and education. I feel fortunate to be here on such a momentous occasion, especially as Kodagu has made invaluable contributions to Indian hockey. I urge all stakeholders to use the region's environment and sporting culture to carry this legacy forward."