Coorg gears up for hockey fest Times News Network "That's why four Arjuna awardees MP Ganesh, BP Govinda, MM Somaiah Hyderabad: Have you heard of a two and myself – hail from Coorg,” he said. month hockey tournament involving as “So far, our district has produced 34 intermany as 287 teams and 4,500 players? It is nationals.” held annually in Coorg, probably more Though Coorgis have nose for other popular for coffee plantations than its love sports like rallying, cricket, tennis and affair with hockey. With as many as four athletics, hockey has a pride of place. players in the Indian team for Sultan Azlan “Coorgis cannot imagine life without Shah tournament, Coorgis' romance with hockey. Parents will encourage their chilthe sport continues to blossom. drean to play at an early age. As a result, the Former Indian goalkeeper AB Subbaiah game flourishes at the club level. Any spoke to The Times of India on the side- hockey coach is assured of enrolling 50 enlines of the Indian camp on what makes thusiastic youngsters,” the amiable Subhockey tick in his native district. “Hockey baiah explained. is part of our culture. Coorgis grow up Coorg's affinity with hockey, Subbaiah with sticks in their hand and a dreams in said, can be traced back to the days of the their minds about representing India. British Raj.