Madikeri: The 27th annual Gowda community sports meet ‘Kutumba 2026′, organised by Kodagu Gowda Yuva Vedike, will be held from May 1. It will be inaugurated at Galibeedu High School Ground.Vedike secretary Pudiyaneravana Rishith Madaiah told reporters the sports meet began in 2000 under the leadership of the Kedambadi family. It was later conducted under Kodagu Gowda Cultural Academy, led by Tumtaje Ganesh. The tradition continued by the vedike since 2013.The meet will begin with cross-country races: 3km for children, 5km for women, and 8km for men. The men’s route will pass through the eight Gowda family clusters of Galibeedu — Kochana, Poojarira, Ududoli, Kolumudiyana, Karkarana, Kombarana, Yaladalu, and Achapattira. A traditional coconut shooting event will also be held, along with 12-bore, .22 rifle and air rifle competitions.From May 2, a family-based Super 9 tennis ball cricket tournament will be held at the Madikeri District Stadium, with 250 to 300 families taking part.From May 7, the community’s first rink hockey tournament will begin, with 5+2 players per family. Other events on May 15 and 16 include a carrom tournament and a new cultural contest ‘Mr Gowda and Miss Gowda’ featuring athleticism, appearance, attire, language, customs, community history and technology.While last year’s meet cost around Rs 25 lakh, this year’s edition is expected to cost about Rs 50 lakh.
