Madikeri: The hockey tournament involving Kodava families for the prestigious Biddathnda Cup will commence from April 1, where more than 300 teams are likely to compete.

Announcing the tournament schedule, organising committee member Biddatanda S Thammaiah said, registration for the month long tournament will start from March 2 at 28 different centres in the district.

In the Kaliyanda Cup held at Napoklu, 281 teams had taken part to enter Limca Book of Records whereas the organisers hope to enter Guinness Book of Records with over 300 teams taking part in the tournament.

The tournament will be held at three different venues and two venues including government primary and junior college grounds have been kept ready as reserve venues in case of necessity, B S Thammaiah said. An amount of Rs 20 Lakh donated by Mysuru–Kodagu MP Pratap Simha is being utilised to keep the venues in good condition, he added.

The spectator gallery will accommodate around 30 to 40 thousand spectators and waterproof roofing will be provided this time to ensure spectators are devoid of problems, in case of rains, B S Thammaiah stated.

Eight games will be held at each venue everyday with 24 games in total and from knockout stage the games will be held in the main venue, Thammaiah clarified.

The inaugural match will be held between teams of Kodagu Eleven, comprising Kodagu players representing at state, national and international levels and even Indian hockey team will be invited for the hockey fest, Thammaiah said. Former national player A B Subbaiah is supporting the cause and negotiating with the president and CEO of Hockey India, Thammaiah clarified.

Army officials, elected representatives, district MLAs, district in-charge minister are likely to be present, he noted.

The organising committee will seek financial assistance of Rs 40 Lakh from the state government like in earlier years by taking local MLAs and district in-charge minister into confidence, Thammaiah said.

An awareness campaign to ensure cleanliness in River Cauvery and to prevent the use of plastics in the district will be launched during the tournament, B S Thammaiah revealed.

Members of the organising committee of the month long hockey fest were present during the press briefing.