Hockey dying in one of its traditional nurseries - Coorg

The Times of India carried an article yesterday talking about the changes in the Kodava community, from the Coorg region in southwestern Karnataka, as modernity replaces traditions and people migrate to other locations for better opportunities. The Kodavas are known for their physical attributes and mental fortitude and the Coorg region has been a traditional nursery for Indian hockey. The region has produced hockey legends such as M P Ganesh (the first Kodava to captain the national team), M M Somaiah, B P Govinda, Len Aiyappa and Mandepanda Monappa. However, the interest in hockey is fast fading in the region. The story is representative of the sad state of affairs that Indian hockey finds itself in. The Kodavas’ passion for hockey is now limited to an annual tournament in Madikeri.