Track 30 is built by Kambala enthusiasts and was inaugurated on 19 August.
Udupi: A team of Kambala enthusiasts have built a 130-metre practice track in the middle of a field in Udupi district, to capitalize on the growing popularity of the rugged sport.
The Sita river track at Kalibailu, about 24 km from here, was built without using heavy machinery, and was inaugurated on 19 August. The tracks used for big-ticket competitions measure between 130 and 150 meters.
Many young Kambala jockeys from the region aspire to become jockeys, especially after gaining national recognition for the record set by renowned jockey Srinivasa Gowda, leading some observers to call him the Usain Bolt of the muddy track.
Kambala season starts in November and lasts till April every year. Although it carries a cash prize or gold coins of Rs 5,000 or more, it is more about the prestige and honor of participating in the event.
Abhijeet Pandeshwar, a member of Kambala team Mudahdadu Pandeshwar Sanstha, told TOI that the region is famous for traditional (harke) kambala and a lot of enthusiasts participate in the competitions held in the undivided Dakshina Kannada district.
“We have many enthusiasts and patrons whose buffaloes have won awards. But due to lack of track, they are unable to do regular exercise. So, we decided to build a track on a stretch of private land with the support of 30 Kambala enthusiasts, who have been working on the project for almost a month,” said Abhijeet.
Sources said that the major events in the Kambala calendar include Moodbidri Kambala, Miyar Kambala and Puttur Kambala. There are two types of Kambala: the traditional game held in November and December; And its modern version which starts in the second week of November and ends in the first week of April.
Traditional Kambala events usually begin in the afternoon and end by evening, followed by worship at the temple. These events mostly take place in Udupi and Kundapur. The Bajgoli Lav-Kusha duo Kere Kambala, held in 1969–70, signaled the advent of modern Kambalas and these events are held on artificial tracks.
At least nine pairs of buffaloes have been brought to the newly constructed track for practice since its inauguration four days ago. Abhijeet, a Kambala commentator and a co-operative bank employee, said inquiries about the track are gradually increasing.
The organizers do not charge an entry fee as they want to create a pool of new talent. “In the long run, we hope to own the Jodukere Kambala track (or a dual track) and organize Kambala events. However, it will depend on the success of this project,” said Abhijeet.
Apart from the support of the local panchayat, the project was directed by KV Ramesh Rao of Sri Rakteswari Mandir, Pandeshwar, Sasthan and team’s Kambala patron Ganesh Pujari Melbettu and Kambala jockey Gopal Naik Muddumane Shirur.
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