The clan of Kodavas in the Indian state of Karnataka have a long history of association with the game of field hockey. The district of Kodagu which is the land of the Kodavas is considered as the cradle of Indian hockey. More than 50 Kodavas have represented India in international hockey tournaments, out of which over 7 have also participated in Olympics.The Kodava hockey festival was started in t
he year 1997 and was the brainchild of 69 year old Pandanda Kuttappa. The passion for hockey in Kodagu is so much that more than 200 families participate in an annual hockey festival. This festival is recognized as one of the largest field hockey tournaments in the world and has been referred to the Guinness Book of Records. However it has already found a mention in the Limca Book of Records, which is an Indian variant of the Guinness Book. The 18th edition of Kodava hockey festival will be hosted by Thathanda family in 2014. List of families hosted the event since 1997 to 2013,
Pandanda,Kodira,Ballachanda,Cheppudira,Nellamakkada,Chekkera,Kaliyanda,Maleyanda,Biddanda,Kallichanda,Mandettira,Alamengada,Mandepanda,Maneyapanda,Machamada,Iychetira,Madanda.
