Mangaluru: A Kambala gold medal is usually a prized possession for buffalo owners, symbolising victory and sporting excellence. However, the Padavu Kanadaka Kambala team from Mangaluru has demonstrated that compassion and gratitude can be more valuable than a trophy by gifting its winning gold medal to a former worker battling health problems.

The team, which secured first place in the ‘Hagga Kiriya’ category at the recently held Mysuru Kambala, decided to present its 16-gram gold medal to Veerappa, a resident of Kolattamajalu in Bantwal taluk, who had worked with the team for several years caring for its buffaloes.

The gesture has earned appreciation for recognising the dedication of a person whose contribution behind the scenes helped the team over the years.

Gold medal worth Rs 2.30 lakh gifted

The buffaloes belonging to Flavy D’Souza of the Padavu Kanadaka team from Shaktinagar, Mangaluru, secured first place in the Hagga Kiriya category at the Mysuru Kambala.

The team won a gold medal weighing 16 grams, currently valued at approximately Rs 2.30 lakh. Instead of retaining the prize as a memento of its sporting achievement, the owners decided to gift it to Veerappa, who had been associated with the team for a considerable period.

Veerappa, who hails from Kolattamajalu in Bantwal taluk, had dedicated several years to looking after the team’s buffaloes. His responsibilities involved caring for the animals, an important aspect of Kambala preparations and competitions.

He continued working with the team until last year, when health problems forced him to discontinue his duties.

The team owners remained aware of his contribution and the difficulties he was facing after falling ill. Moved by his circumstances, they decided that the gold medal won at Mysuru Kambala should go to him as a gesture of gratitude and support.

Recognising the people behind Kambala victories

Kambala is a traditional buffalo race deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of coastal Karnataka. While the buffaloes and their owners generally receive public recognition for their performances, the sport also depends on the dedication of several people who work behind the scenes.

From feeding and grooming the animals to training them and preparing them for competitions, the contribution of handlers and caretakers is essential to a team’s journey.

Veerappa had been part of the Padavu Kanadaka team’s journey for years, looking after its buffaloes with dedication. By gifting him the medal, the owners acknowledged that the team’s achievements were also built on the hard work of people who often remain outside the spotlight.

The decision also reflects the personal bond that develops between Kambala teams and the workers who spend years caring for their animals.

For the Padavu Kanadaka team, the medal represented more than a sporting achievement. It became an opportunity to recognise a former worker’s contribution and extend support during a difficult phase of his life.

Team had gifted another gold medal in 2024

This is not the first time the Padavu Kanadaka team has chosen to share its winning prize with someone facing difficulties.

In 2024, the team’s famous buffalo pair, Dooja and its partner, secured first prize at the Navoor Kambala in Bantwal.

Following the victory, the team gifted its gold medal to Navoor Savya Gangayya Poojary, who had suffered a leg fracture after falling on the Kambala track.

The decision was widely appreciated as an example of generosity and concern for someone who had suffered an injury during the traditional sporting event.

The latest gesture towards Veerappa continues that approach, with the team once again choosing to use a sporting achievement to support an individual in need.

Compassion beyond competition

The Padavu Kanadaka team’s decision to gift its second winning medal to someone facing personal hardship highlights the importance of gratitude and compassion within the Kambala community.

While winning medals and securing prizes remain important milestones for buffalo owners and their teams, the gesture towards Veerappa has brought attention to the human relationships that form an integral part of the traditional sport.

By recognising the contribution of a former worker who stood alongside the team for years, the owners have sent a message that sporting success should also be measured by how people remember and support those who helped them along the way.

The gesture serves as a reminder that behind every Kambala victory are not just the buffaloes and their owners, but also the dedicated individuals whose hard work makes those achievements possible.