Bengaluru gears up for Kambala: State govt backs buffalo racing

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Bengaluru is all set to host the popular Indian sport of buffalo racing known as 'Kambala,' with the backing of the State Government. This traditional sport, originating from coastal Karnataka, gained nationwide recognition following the success of the blockbuster movie 'Kantara.'

A significant ceremony, named 'kere pooja,' was held at the Palace Grounds on Wednesday with the Deputy Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar, as a participant.

The event is named 'Bengaluru Kambala-Namma Kambala.' Following the ceremony, Shivakumar announced that the state government would provide a grant of Rs 1 crore to promote Kambala sports and an additional five lakh rupees to support 20 Kambala events.

Shivakumar stressed the importance of preserving and promoting this indigenous and historic sport within the state. Discussions are underway with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the Kannada and Culture Department regarding the allocation of funds for Kambala sports.

Shivakumar recognised the cultural heritage and the collective efforts to safeguard and promote Kambala sports in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. He commended MLA Ashok Rai's initiative to introduce Kambala sports in Bengaluru and emphasised that the region's culture is the nation's most valuable asset.

Shivakumar expressed the government's full support for organising Kambala sports in Bengaluru. The event witnessed the presence of notable figures, including former Deputy Chief Minister and BJP MLA Ashwath Narayan, and Congress MLAs N.A. Harris and Ashok Kumar Rai, as well as Kambala Committee members Gurukiran, Prakash Shetty, Gunaranjan Shetty, and Umesh Shetty.