In order to promote hockey, the game must be played in schools, said M.A. Ganapathi, Inspector-General of Police, Uttarakhand, here on Sunday.
He was addressing the crowd during the finals of Maneyapanda 2010, the 14th edition of Kodava Family Hockey Festival. Indian hockey was at the helm of glory when it was still played in schools, Mr. Ganapathi said. Adequate infrastructure was needed to revive the game, he said. Conducting seminars may also help the cause, he added.
Minister for Sports and Youth Services Goolihatti D. Shekhar, said he would not be able to announce any decision regarding the promotion of the game at this juncture owing to election code of conduct. However, he promised to make efforts to live up to the expectations of hockey-lovers in the district.
Chairman of the Embassy Group, Bangalore, Jitu Virwani, the main sponsor of the hockey festival, addressed the gathering. Pandanda Kuttappa, founder of the Kodava Hockey Festival and president of the Kodava Hockey Academy, spoke. Guests included cine actor Ambareesh, the former Minister K.J. George, M.C. Nanaiah, MLC, KPCC general secretary Mittu Chengappa and Olympian B.P. Govinda.
In the finals, Palanganda family team defeated a fighting Mukkatira (Bondha) by a 4-2 margin. Star player Amar Aiyamma scored a hat-trick while his brother Ajay Aiyappa scored the fourth goal for Palanganda. Musical programmes were held in the evening. Machamada family will host the next edition of the festival here next year.
