The Kodava Hockey Festival is a month-long celebration of hockey, tradition, and sportsmanship in Kodagu, Karnataka. It’s considered one of the world’s largest field hockey tournaments and has been featured in the Guinness Book of Records and the Limca Book of Records. The festival is a central part of the Kodava community’s heritage and is known for bringing people together.
The festival was started in 1997 by retired banker Pandanda Kuttappa, who want to use sports to bring the Kodava community together after noticing disharmony among families. The first year’s tournament had 60 teams, but in 2024, 364 teams participated, setting a Guinness record. The festival is open to people of all ages and genders, and it’s not uncommon to see three generations playing together on the same team.
The Muddanda family has a long tradition of service and excellence in a wide variety of fields. Several family members have served in the Indian Army, contributing to the nation’s defense and upholding the proud Kodava legacy of military service. Others have made a name for themselves in sports, continuing Kodagu’s rich sporting tradition, while some have found success in the entertainment industry, bringing Kodava culture to a wider audience. In addition, many Muddanda family members are involved in social services, dedicating their efforts to improving the lives of others and working towards the betterment of society.
The family’s professional reach extends to multinational corporations and entrepreneurship, where many members have built successful careers and businesses, contributing to the economic development of the region. The diversity in professional achievements reflects the versatility and ambition of the Muddanda family.
Among the many members of this distinguished family, a few have risen to prominence, becoming well-known names and faces in the Kodagu district. These individuals have worked tirelessly for the upliftment of society, often leading initiatives that benefit the less fortunate and marginalized communities. Through their dedication to social causes and their commitment to public service, these family members have upheld the values of the Muddanda family, leaving a lasting impact on the district of Kodagu. Their efforts continue to inspire the younger generations of the family, ensuring that the Muddanda legacy of service, excellence, and community building will endure for many years to come.
