By Dr. Tilak Ponappa
Despite the hype and glamour that surrounds other sports, especially cricket, hockey holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Kodagu. The Family Hockey Tournament remains a popular event and there are several talented youngsters who emerge in these matches. Many such players from rural areas learn their craft on natural surfaces. Since all major tournaments are now conducted on synthetic surfaces and youngsters from the more affluent countries begin their hockey journeys by playing on such grounds, it confers a great advantage to players from these countries.
