Get ready for a significant update to Karnataka’s traditional buffalo race, Kambala! The Karnataka State Kambala Association is on the verge of unveiling brand new regulations for these exciting slush track events. In a recent announcement from Mangaluru, Association President Belapu Deviprasad Shetty also revealed that an official flag and emblem for Kambala will be introduced soon.
Speaking to reporters, Mr. Shetty highlighted a major milestone: on October 7, the Sports Authority of Karnataka officially recognized the Association as a state-level sports body responsible for organizing Kambala races. This prestigious recognition is valid for three years, and the Association has been diligent in formulating comprehensive rules to ensure fair and organized conduct of all Kambala events.
A key aspect of the new rulebook focuses on animal welfare: ‘Kambala’ jockeys and other personnel will be strictly prohibited from hitting buffaloes once they transition from the muddy track onto the plain land. To ensure precision and fairness in competition, advanced sensor technology will be deployed at both the starting line and the 125-meter mark of the slush track to accurately record race timings.
Furthermore, detailed timings for the commencement and conclusion of the entire event, as well as for individual races, have been clearly laid out. Vijay Kumar Kanginamane, the Association Secretary and a seasoned Kambala referee, emphasized that all organizers must adhere to these new regulations without exception. Any Kambalas failing to comply will face blacklisting, ensuring the integrity of the sport.
Mr. Shetty reiterated that the official rules, along with the distinct Kambala emblem and flag, are slated for a grand release during the upcoming general body meeting of the Association.
Looking ahead to the new season, Mr. Shetty confirmed that a total of 25 Kambala events are scheduled across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. The season will kick off with the Panapila Kambala on November 15, and conclude with the Harekala Kambala on April 18, 2026, and the Badagabettu Kambala on April 25, 2026. Notably, Harekala and Badagabettu Kambalas are exciting new additions to this year’s calendar.
Regarding other locations, Mr. Shetty noted that Kambala was not held in Bengaluru last year due to a lack of demand. While there’s no immediate request for this year, a Bengaluru event could potentially be scheduled after April 25, 2026, if interest arises. Furthermore, there’s an exciting proposal to host a Kambala during the prestigious Mysuru Dasara festival next year.
Currently, the State Government provides ₹2 lakh in aid for each Kambala event. Considering this amount to be insufficient, the Association has formally requested a significant increase in funding to ₹2 crore from the government. This enhanced allocation would allow approximately ₹8 lakh to be distributed to each Kambala organizer, providing much-needed financial support.
Exploring IPL-Style Sponsorship
To bridge the considerable funding gap—with each Kambala costing around ₹40 lakh to organize—the Association is actively exploring an IPL-style sponsorship model. This innovative approach aims to attract corporate entities to financially support individual Kambala events, ensuring their sustainability and grandeur, Mr. Shetty explained.