Kodagu/Mysuru: From the lush hills of Kodagu to international hockey arenas, Pullangada U. Bopanna has carved a name for himself as one of India’s finest goalkeepers. Known for his quick reflexes, composed temperament, and fearless defence, Bopanna stands alongside Kodagu’s legacy of producing six international hockey goalkeepers — a rare achievement for any region.
Early Life and Education
Born on January 25, 1977 in Besagur village, Kodagu, to B. Upendra and Kaveramma (née Tamane Kirundanda), Bopanna completed his primary education at St. Thomas School, Gonikoppal. He later moved to Bengaluru, studying at St. Joseph’s Indian High School (Class 8–10) and then Al‑Ameen College.
Rising Through the Ranks
Bopanna’s talent was evident from his school days. He represented Karnataka at the 9th Sub‑Junior Nehru Hockey Tournament in New Delhi (1991‑92) and was part of several title‑winning school and state‑level teams. At the 38th School Games Hockey Championship in Chandigarh (1992), he donned the Karnataka colours, later leading the state in sub‑junior, junior, and senior categories in over 30 national tournaments. He was named Karnataka’s Best Goalkeeper (1996‑97).
National and International Representation
Bopanna took part in more than 200 national training camps organised by the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF), from junior to senior levels. His resume includes prestigious assignments like the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup (1996), Commonwealth Games (1998), Indo‑Pakistan Test Series, Asia Cup Junior World Cup qualifiers, and a victorious Junior India tour of Russia.
Domestic Career Highlights
Alongside international appearances, Bopanna played for Sports Authority of India (SAI), Air India (1998‑2000), and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) for seven years, clinching honours in tournaments such as the MCC Tournament, All‑India Nehru Tournament, Lal Bahadur Shastri Tournament, and the Bombay Gold Cup, where he was named Best Player.
Off the Field
Married to Soumya Rohini — an international hockey director — the couple has a son, Appanna, currently pursuing a BBA in Sports Management at Jain College, Bengaluru. Both Bopanna and Rohini, along with their son, actively participate in the Kundyolanda Family Hockey Festival every year, and were jointly felicitated at the 2024 edition.
Legacy and Inspiration
Bopanna’s career has become a blueprint for young Kodava goalkeepers. Admirers hope he will continue contributing to Kodagu hockey and guide emerging players. His own advice for the position is clear — a goalkeeper must maintain physical fitness, sharp vision, agility, patience, concentration, and the courage to lead a team to victory while accepting both wins and losses with grace.
