Over 400 teams expected to participate in Chenanda Hockey festival

Madikeri: Chenanda Hockey festival organisers said they expect registration of over 400 teams for the Chenanda Hockey Namme 2026.The tournament will be held at Napoklu's four grounds from April 5. The registration process for the hockey tournament commenced, and the organisers said they anticipate participation of over 400 Kodava families. They said at least 200 women's teams are expected to participate in the event.
Speaking to reporters in Madikeri, Chenanda Hockey Fest secretary CS Madhu Madaiah said, "Preparations at the three grounds is in full swing, and the fourth ground is being readied by Kundyolanda family. The registration process for the teams began at 33 centres across the district. Registration can also be done online." He asked all Kodava families to participate in the tournament. Confirming that the inaugural would take place at Napoklu on April 5, he added that chief minister Siddaramaiah and Union sports minister Anurag Singh Thakur would take part in the valedictory ceremony on May 2.Renowned tennis player and Padma Shri awardee Rohan Bopanna of Kokeri will be felicitated during the event, he stated.He said that during the first week of Jan, for the first time, a hockey tournament was organised for all primary and high school boys and girls of the Kodava community at Murnad. "In this, 24 good hockey players between the ages of 10 and 15 were selected. They will be trained by skilled hockey players in Napoklu for about 1 month from March 25," he said.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Women's day wishes, messages and quotes !