The thirteen day Gowda family cricket tournament, Periyana Cup Cricket was inaugurated today at Madikeri. Around 140 Gowda families play cricket, including men and women.

Fifteen family teams demonstrated colorful march past before the inauguration. Professor Somanna received the guard of honor.Mrs.Savitri inaugurated the tournament by lighting the lamp.

The sponsoring Gowda Cultural Academy president Tumtaje Ganesh proposed welcome. Pattedar Periyana Uthaiah presided over the meet.K.G.Bopaiah proposed vote of thanks and P.L.Shivkumar compered the programme. Baladi and Dambekodi family teams played the exhibition match.

RAIN CREATS HAVOC

Thunderbolt since a week has created havoc in the district since ten days.

Trees have fallen on houses at Madikeri, Kushalnagar and Kudige causing damage. Agriculturists have also complained about uprooting of huge trees, destructing plantation and crops. Rain and fierce winds have blown away tiles and roof tops of many houses.

Three women were hospitalized as lightening hit them near Maragodu. Telephone and electricity connections have become erratic with poles and wires pulled across.

FAMILY HOCKEY KICKS OFF

The eighth year family hockey tournament ‘ Maleyada Cup Hockey 2004’ kicked off yesterday in the grounds surrounded by  rich scenic beauty at  Gargandur in Somwarpet taluk.

Around 235 Kodava families including players of international repute will play in the hockey festival  which will lost for 21 days.

 While Mr. M.A.Ponnappa inaugurated the function by lighting the lamp, Mr. C.A.Poovaiah inaugurated tournament by hitting at a silver hockey ball, using a silver hockey stick.

Each day eighteen tournaments would be played in three grounds.