Kodava HockeyFestival
Uniting families through sport since 1997. A celebration of heritage, community, and the spirit of hockey.
Preserving Heritage Through Sport
The Kodava Hockey Festival stands as one of Kodagu's most iconic cultural and sporting traditions—an annual celebration that unites families, preserves heritage, and showcases the unparalleled passion of the Kodava community for hockey.
To safeguard, promote, and professionally administer this extraordinary legacy, the Kodava Hockey Academy was formally constituted in 2016 as the parent governing authority of the festival.
The Academy was founded under the visionary leadership of Founding President Pandanda Kuttappa, the legendary architect of the Kodava Hockey Festival. Together with a dedicated team of like-minded leaders, he laid the foundation for an institution committed to preserving the festival's cultural depth and sporting excellence.
Learn More About UsOur Vision
To preserve and elevate the Kodava community's rich sporting heritage by fostering unity, excellence, and youth development—while ensuring the Kodava Hockey Festival stands as a globally recognized symbol of cultural pride and athletic achievement.
What We Stand For
Unity
Bringing families, clans, and generations together through fellowship and sport.
Inspiration
Motivating youth through exemplary leadership and sporting role models.
Heritage
Preserving the cultural identity and traditions of the Kodava community.
Innovation
Embracing modern practices while honoring ancestral customs.
Integrity
Upholding fairness, transparency, and ethical leadership in every action.
Festival History
28 years of tradition, unity, and sporting excellence. From 60 families in 1997 to 360+ teams today.
Thathanda Cup
Host: Thathanda Family
The Thathanda family, one of the smallest Kodava families with under 225 members, hosted this edition. They are the only Kodava family to have organised inter-family tournaments in three disciplines: Cricket (2000), Hockey (2014), and Rink Hockey (2014).
Kuppanda Cup
Host: Kuppanda Family
Led by Major General Kuppanda P. Nanjappa (AVSM, Vir Chakra). The final between Chendanda and Palanganda ended 0-0, with Palanganda Muthanna scoring the winning goal in the tie-breaker. The Kuppanda Ainmane is 160 years old.
Shantheyanda Cup
Host: Shantheyanda Family • Venue: Madikeri
A record-breaking 299 teams participated. The grand finale was attended by then Defence Minister Sri Manohar Parrikar. The Shantheyanda family, believed to be descendants of a Palegara Chieftain, traces roots to the 11th century.
Biddatanda Cup
Host: Biddatanda Family
Attracted 306 family teams. The Biddatanda family from Napoklu has deep connection to Makki Sarthav, a paramount demigod of Kodagu. Their ancestor Ponnana was a master of 65 vidhyas including martial arts, and served as leading General of the Kodagu Army.
Kulletira Cup
Host: Kulletira Family
Record 334 family teams. The Kulletira family's legendary warrior Kulletira Ponnanna played pivotal role resisting Tipu Sultan's invasion. He was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Kodava army by Doddaveerarajendra.
Appachettolanda Cup
Host: Appachettolanda Family
Festival returned after pandemic. First-time finalists Kuppanda (Kaikeri) defeated three-time champions Kulletira in a dramatic tie-breaker. The Appachettolanda family traces origins to Ball Mavathi village, established around 1810 AD.
Kundyolanda Cup
Host: Kundyolanda Family
The 103-member Kundyolanda family from Sannakki Kolakeri hosted this edition. According to their Karona, the clan has existed for 820 years. Their Mundhmane was built around 320 years ago and renovated in 2018.
Muddanda Cup (Silver Jubilee)
Host: Muddanda Family
The 25th Silver Jubilee edition hosted by the Muddanda family. The family has members who served with distinction in the Indian Army, excelled in sports, entertainment industry, and social services. Many have built successful careers in MNCs and entrepreneurship.
Pandanda Kuttappa
15 March 1935 – 2020
Born in Virajpet, Kodagu, Pandanda Kuttappa emerged from the illustrious Pandanda family. In 1997, driven by a visionary desire to unite the Kodava community and preserve its unique cultural identity, he conceived the Kodava Family Hockey Festival—an idea that would transform Indian sports culture.
A distinguished banker at State Bank of India and a senior national hockey umpire, he established the tournament with just 60 families, growing it into the world's largest family sports gathering with 360+ teams participating annually.
The festival has attracted India's greatest hockey icons including Dhanraj Pillay, Leslie Claudius, M.M. Somaya, and in 2012, Michael Nobbs (then coach of India's Olympic Hockey Team) graced the event for an exhibition match.
The Clan Legends
Athletes who have played at state level and above, bringing pride to the Kodava community
M.P. Poovamma
Athletics - 400m
Beijing & Rio Olympics, Asian Games Gold, Arjuna Award 2015
Ashwini Nachappa
Sprints
Seoul Olympics 1988, Arjuna Award 1990
Pramila Aiyappa
Heptathlon
Double Olympian (Sydney 2000, Beijing 2008)
Codanda Muthaiah
Decathlon
5x National Champion, 1958 Asian Games
Cheppudira Poonacha
Hockey
Barcelona Olympics 1992
Prajwal Mandanna
Sprints - 100m
World Junior Athletics, Asian Championship Bronze
Are You a Kodava Legend?
If you have played at state level and above in any sport, register to be featured in our Hall of Fame. We want to celebrate every Kodava athlete who has brought pride to the community.
Register as Legend26th Kodava Hockey Festival
Following the successful Silver Jubilee edition in 2025, the 26th edition continues the proud tradition of bringing Kodava families together through the sport of hockey.
Contact Us
Have questions? Want to get involved? Interested in hosting a future tournament? We'd love to hear from you.