Madikeri : The 22nd edition of Kulletira family cup ( Kulletira Hockey Namme-2018) will begin at Napoklu and 333 teams will slug it out for the coveted trophy during the month long tournament, starting April 15.
Disclosing the format of the tournament , hockey fest organising committee secretary Kulletira Ajit Nanaiah said the tournament will be held in General K S Thimmaiah stadium Jointly organised by Kulletira family, Kodava Hockey Academy, Hockey Coorg and Hockey India.
The prestigious tournament for Kodava families will be inaugurated by Kulletira family Pattedar S Madappa in the presence of Karnataka state Additional Advocate General A S Ponnanna , former Olympian and National Hockey Academy CEO M P Ganesh as chief guests.
Kodagu-Mysuru MP Pratap Simha, state minister M R Seetharam, MLA’s K G Bopaiah, Appacchu Ranjan, MLC Veena Acchiah are among the dignitaries likely to be present during the inaugural with several other leaders and local elected representatives.
DC Sreevidya, SP Rajendra Prasad and other from the officials’ from district administration are also likely to present at the inaugural.
A book release and music audio release are also on the anvil. Traditional dance forms of Kodagu like Ummathat, Bolakat will be performed at the venue on the opening day.
Due to the increase in the number of participating teams the tournament period has been extended to May 20, K A Nanaiah said.
Three venues have been kept ready for the tournament extending over a month with adequate arrangements to continue the games in progress in case of interruptions due to rain.
Procession and gun salute has been cancelled due to the election model code of conduct in force in the district.
Inaugural match will be played between former India Olympians and Kodagu Olympians.
Winners’ of the tournament and the ‘Player of the tournament’ will be presented with tradition items and head gear used during Kodava ceremonies and weddings. All participating teams will be presented with ‘Vadikatti’ as souvenirs.
A floodlit league tournament involving 6 renowned teams will be held in this edition of the tournament. Indian Oil, RCF, South Central Railway, Mumbai eleven and Karnataka eleven are likely to take part in the floodlit version .
