Team Palanganda clinch Kuppanda Cup

MADIKERI: Palanganda edged past Chenanda 1-0 in a shootout to emerge champions of the Kuppanda Cup - the 19th edition of the Kodava Hockey Festival - at the Government College grounds in Virajpet, Kodagu, on Saturday.
Aiyappa's conversion in the shootout helped Palanganda, who were runners-up in 2013 and 2014, clinch their fifth family hockey title. Palanganda had earlier won the Kallichanda Cup (2006), Maneyapanda Cup (2010), Machamada Cup (2011) and the Ichetira Cup (2012).
With over 35,000 fans watching the action, the teams fought hard but neither side was able to make a breakthrough in regulation time. Palanganda, however, could have finished the contest early had they converted the six penalty corners among several scoring opportunities that came their way. The Chenanda defenders were effective in thwarting opponent threats, but their forwards found it tough to breach the Palanganda defence.
The winners took home a cash award of Rs 2 lakh while the runners-up were richer by Rs 1 lakh. The losing semifinalists were give Rs 50,000 each. The 20th edition of the tournament will be conducted by Shantheyanda at Madikeri in 2016.
Palanganda's Amar Aiyamma, a BPCL striker, emerged as the tournament's top scorer with eight goals while Chenanda Somanna was declared the 'Player of the Tournament'. Mandetira goalkeeper Bojanna was adjudged the Budding Player of the Tournament. Team Kongettira bagged the Fair Play award while Kademada bagged the Promising team award.