Kodagu, often hailed as the cradle of Indian hockey, has a proud tradition of producing some of the country’s finest players. Legends like M P Ganesh, M M Somaya, S V Sunil, and V R Raghunath all trace their roots to this district in Karnataka. That legacy lives on, with 11 players from Kodagu making it into Karnataka’s 18-member squad for the ongoing Junior Men’s National Championship in Jalandhar, Punjab.
“It is a moment of pride for Kodagu to see so many youngsters in the state team. This is possible because of the history and reputation our players have built over decades,” said coach Thanu Nanjappa. Karnataka, with one victory and one loss so far, has advanced to the quarterfinal stage.
The squad was finalized after rigorous training sessions last month, where about 50 players were shortlisted before being pruned to 18. Leading the team is Dhruva B S, a Kodagu player who also represented Karnataka in the previous Nationals. “From school days, hockey is immensely popular in Kodagu, with tournaments at every level offering youngsters the platform to shine,” said the 19-year-old captain.
Another player, Vishwajith, noted that the sport runs deep in Kodagu families. “Hockey is in our blood. Our relatives encourage and inspire us, which keeps us motivated,” he said.
The Kodava Hockey Festival, a unique community event, has played a major role in strengthening this culture. Schools and sports hostels further nurture talent, ensuring a steady stream of players. In fact, during state-level trials, nearly half the participants are often from Kodagu, proving its unmatched contribution to Karnataka hockey.