Madikeri: While the family hockey tournament (’Hockey Namme’) remains immensely popular among Kodava families, various other sporting events—like cricket, kabaddi, football, and volleyball—have also become regular features.
Continuing this legacy, the Alemada family (originally from Kiruguru) is organising the ‘Alemada Thok-Namme – 2026’ in Ponnampet this year. The sports festival is scheduled to take place on Oct 10 and 11 at the KPS School grounds in Ponnampet. The competition will feature categories for the 12-bore shotgun and the 0.22 rifle. Prizes worth a total of Rs 3 lakh, along with trophies, will be awarded during this shooting tournament. The prizes include a trophy for the winner; Rs 50,000 cash and a trophy for the runner-up; and Rs 40,000 cash and a trophy for the third-place finisher. Prizes for the fourth and fifth places are Rs 30,000 cash and a trophy, and Rs 20,000 cash and a trophy, respectively, according to the Alemada family members.
Preparations are currently underway by the family. This shooting competition promises to draw significant attention as an event fostering camaraderie among Kodava families. Preparations are underway for this two-day competition, which is being organised in collaboration with the Kodava Shooters Federation and will adhere to its regulations. Each Kodava family is permitted to field up to four teams, each of two members. Additionally, there will be an open air-gun event; registration for this specific event can be done on-site on the day of the tournament.
Last year, the Pemmaanda family gave this activity the format of a family sports tournament.