Mangaluru: The coastal city witnessed a moment of sporting history on December 29 when a four-year-old Kambala speed record was emphatically broken at the Rama–Lakshmana Jodukere Kambala. In a breathtaking finale, a pair of buffaloes owned by 80 Badagabettu Kallapapu Shreek Sandeep Shetty registered the fastest run ever recorded in the traditional slush-track sport, setting a new benchmark that is expected to stand as a reference point for years to come.
The record-breaking feat came in the Neegilu senior category final, the most keenly watched event of the meet. The buffalo pair, Gandhi Maidan Santu and Surathkal Pancha, stormed through the 125-metre track in just 10.87 seconds. This extraordinary timing translates to a 100-metre equivalent of 8.69 seconds, officially making it the fastest run in the history of Kambala.
A thrilling finale to the Mangaluru Kambala
The concluding race of this season’s Mangaluru Kambala drew huge crowds, with enthusiasts lining the track to witness the final contests. Expectations were already high after impressive performances in the earlier rounds, but the final exceeded all anticipation. As the buffaloes surged forward, guided expertly by their jockey, the clock stopped at 10.87 seconds, triggering loud cheers and celebrations from spectators and organisers alike.
The run was guided by jockey Mastikatte Swaroop from Kundabarandadi, whose skill and experience played a crucial role in maintaining balance and speed on the slippery track. Swaroop’s calm control and precise timing ensured that the buffaloes could deliver their maximum potential at the most crucial moment of the competition.
From season’s best to all-time record
Interestingly, the same pair had already announced their dominance earlier in the day. In the semi-final race of the Neegilu senior category, Gandhi Maidan Santu and Surathkal Pancha clocked 11.06 seconds over the 125-metre distance, which was then the fastest timing of the ongoing season. That performance itself had placed them among the strongest contenders for the title.
However, the final proved to be even more special. Improving their own semi-final timing by nearly two-tenths of a second, the buffaloes not only secured first place but also erased a long-standing record from the Kambala history books. The achievement highlighted the consistency, conditioning and preparation behind the team, from the owner and trainers to the jockey.
Previous record decisively broken
The earlier all-time Kambala speed record had been set in 2021 at the Kakyapadavu Kambala. On that occasion, buffaloes owned by Mijaru Prasad Nilaya Shakti Prasad had completed the 125-metre track in 10.95 seconds. That timing had remained unbeaten for four years and was widely regarded as a near-perfect run under Kambala conditions.
At Mangaluru, the new record of 10.87 seconds decisively surpassed the earlier mark, underlining the exceptional nature of the performance. Experts and long-time followers of the sport noted that such improvements at the elite level of Kambala are rare, making the latest achievement all the more significant.
Strong participation and competitive spirit
The Mangaluru Rama–Lakshmana Jodukere Kambala saw participation from as many as 141 pairs of buffaloes, reflecting the scale and prestige of the event. Competitions were held across six categories — Kanehalage, Addahalage, Haggada senior, Neegilu senior, Haggada junior and Neegilu junior — ensuring opportunities for both experienced champions and emerging talent.
Each category witnessed intense competition, with narrow margins often separating winners from the rest. The Neegilu senior category, however, stood out due to the historic timing recorded in the final, drawing particular attention from media and spectators.
Category highlights and results
In the Neegilu senior category, first place was claimed by 80 Badagabettu Kallapapu Shreek Sandeep Shetty with the record-breaking time of 10.87 seconds. The second place went to Mangaluru Marakada Bayadi Mane Santh Sanjay Shetty, whose buffaloes completed the track in 11.44 seconds, a strong performance in its own right.
Other categories also delivered memorable moments, with impressive runs in Haggada senior, Haggada junior, Addahalage and Neegilu junior divisions. These contests showcased the depth of talent and preparation present across different levels of Kambala racing, reinforcing the sport’s enduring popularity along the Karnataka coast.
A new benchmark for Kambala
The historic run at Mangaluru has once again reaffirmed Kambala’s legacy as a sport that combines speed, skill and deep-rooted tradition. Beyond the numbers on the stopwatch, the event symbolised the passion of owners, the discipline of jockeys and the cultural pride associated with the centuries-old sport.
Conclusion: With a four-year-old record now rewritten, the Mangaluru Kambala of 2024 will be remembered as a landmark edition. The new timing of 10.87 seconds has set a formidable benchmark for future competitions, inspiring participants and thrilling fans, while ensuring that Kambala continues to evolve without losing its traditional essence.