Ujire: Reflecting the festive spirit, the divisional-level matches also had Tula Nadu’s cultural programmes, and traditional games that enthralled visitors, offering an exciting day of celebration and competition.
The divisional matches of the 16th Isha Gramotsavam unfolded today in a display of exceptional skill and rural sporting spirit at the Ratnavarma Stadium in Ujire, Karnataka. After a series of thrilling cluster-level matches that set the stage for fierce competition, the winning and runner-up teams from the clusters faced off in an intense men’s Volleyball contest.
The event brought together 16 formidable teams and 130 talented players, who delivered an electrifying performance that kept the audience on the edge of their seats. After an intense day of close matches, Aleef Star, Chikkamagaluru defeated Palli friends, Udupi to win the divisional round.
Launched by Sadhguru in 2004, Isha Gramotsavam is a unique social initiative aimed at bringing the spirit of sports and playfulness into the lives of rural people. Unique in its format, Isha Gramotsavam is not open for professionals, setting the stage for everyday rural folks- from daily wage earners, fishermen, and housewives among others, to break away from their daily grind and come enjoy the celebratory and unifying power of sports.
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The event was graced by several distinguished guests, including Dr. S.V.S.R. Krishna Bandaru, Associate Director of Quality Assurance at MIT MAHE, and Dr. Nagesh H.R., Principal of Canara College of Engineering. Dr. Gangadharan K.V., Dean of Planning and Development at NITK Surathkal, Dr. Manjunath Bhandari of Sahyadri College of Engineering and Management, and Gururaj Poojary, a Commonwealth Games 2022 bronze medalist in the 61kg weightlifting category, were also be present.
Applauding the initiative, Dr. Nagesh H.R., Principal of Canara College of Engineering, said, “This is a great initiative by the Isha Foundation that will help people become physically, mentally, and socially stronger. The games were very well organized by Isha, and I am happy to have been one of the Chief Guests.”
True to its festive spirit, the day came alive with a vibrant showcase of Tula Nadu’s cultural performances and traditional games, immersing visitors in the region’s rich heritage. Adding to the excitement, participants are competing for a total prize pool of Rs.52 lakh.
The sporting extravaganza spans over two months, covering Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, and the Union Territory of Puducherry. More than 43,000 players, including 10,000 rural women, are competing in Volleyball and Throwball, making this one of the most inclusive grassroots sports events in the region.
The teams that win the divisional matches will advance to the championship finals, scheduled for December 28, 2024, at the iconic Adiyogi in Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore. The competition across all levels—cluster, divisional, and final—offers a cumulative prize pool of ₹52 lakh, ensuring that participants at every stage are recognised and rewarded for their skill and effort. The grand finale will see the best teams vying for the ultimate glory and the lion’s share of the prize money, making it a truly high-stakes event.