Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has decided to accord official state sport status to Kambala, the centuries-old buffalo race of coastal Karnataka. The move, approved by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, is expected to be formally announced in the coming days. This recognition marks a significant milestone for Kambala, which has long been celebrated as both a sport and a cultural festival in the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.
Formation of Kambala Association
As part of the decision, a dedicated Kambala Association has been constituted. The body will be led by the existing Kambala Committee president and supported by a 13-member team. The association is tasked with streamlining the organisation of races, standardising practices, and ensuring that buffalo owners, jockeys (runners), and event organisers receive proper support from the state.
The recognition also comes with financial backing. The government has sanctioned ₹40 lakh for conducting Kambalas in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, regions where the sport enjoys immense popularity and participation.
Cultural and historical significance
Kambala, traditionally held between November and March, is a competitive sport where pairs of buffaloes, driven by a jockey, race through slushy paddy fields. Rooted in agrarian traditions, it has evolved into a major community festival attracting thousands of spectators. The event not only highlights the bond between farmers and their animals but also symbolises the coastal districts’ unique cultural identity.
The recognition of Kambala as a state sport is expected to boost efforts to preserve and promote the tradition, especially among younger generations. It is also seen as a response to years of campaigning by Kambala enthusiasts and associations who sought official status to ensure the sport’s continuity.
Benefits of state sport recognition
With Kambala being recognised as a state sport, participants and organisers will now be eligible for grants, training facilities, and other forms of government support. Buffalo owners and runners, who invest significant effort and resources in preparing for races, are expected to benefit the most.
The formation of a Kambala Federation is also underway, aimed at further professionalising the sport and creating a structured calendar of events across coastal Karnataka. State recognition is likely to attract more sponsorships, infrastructure upgrades, and wider participation.
Looking ahead
The move by the Siddaramaiah-led government has been widely welcomed in the coastal belt, where Kambala has been at the centre of cultural pride. Supporters believe that official recognition will help elevate the sport to new heights, potentially drawing national and even international attention in the future.
For now, the announcement is being seen as a victory for local communities who have safeguarded the tradition over centuries, ensuring its survival despite modern challenges and legal hurdles in the past.