On Saturday the Kambala Conservation, Management and Training Academy kicked off its seventh 10‑day training camp for Kambala runners at Srushti Garden in Kadalakere, Moodbidri. The event, organized by the academy in Miyar Karkala, gathered officials, buffalo owners and local dignitaries for a week of discipline, practice and cultural celebration.
MLA Umanath A. Kotian inaugurated the programme, observing that the traditional water‑buffalo race now enjoys a modern edge and a bright future. He urged participants to follow rules, keep fit and pursue their goals with confidence.
Speaking on behalf of the Kambala Discipline Committee, its president Bhaskar S. Kotian highlighted the dual learning objective of the camp: athletes must master both ploughing with buffaloes in the fields and racing them on the track. He explained that handling smaller buffaloes first builds the courage needed to compete with larger animals, noting his own journey from farmer to buffalo owner.
Uniforms were handed out by Kishore Alva, Managing Director of the Adani Group, and former District Kambala Committee President Beluvai Sadananda Shetty. Among the attendees were Moodbidri Planning Authority President Harshavardhan Padiwal, Hokkadigoli Kambala organiser Rashmith Shetty Nonal Guttu, veteran buffalo owners Iruvailu Panila Satishchandra Salyan and Ranjith Poojary, committee members Subhashchandra Chouta, Jwala Prasad and Umesh Karkera, and trainer John Cyril D'Souza.
Gunapal Kadamba, convener of the Kambala Academy, opened the gathering with a welcome address, while Ravindra Shetty Kukkundoor acted as the programme’s compere and concluded the ceremony with a vote of thanks.
The camp aims to preserve the folk sport’s heritage while equipping a new generation of racers with the skills and discipline required for competitive Kambala.
Image: varthabharati.in
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati DK