Representative image of the Kambala festival.
Credit: PTI Photo
Mangaluru: In a bid to get recognition for the coastal folk sport of Kambala, organisers have constituted 'Kambala Federation of India'. They have submitted a request to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of the Union government, seeking recognition on the lines of other sports federations.
Speaking to DH, Zilla Kambala Samithi President Devi Prasad Shetty said, "We have established the Kambala Federation of India under my leadership. The Deputy Commissioners of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, DK MP and Udupi-Chikmagalur MP will be permanent members. M N Rajendra Kumar, President of the SCDCC Bank, and K Prakash Shetty, Chairman of MRG Group, are honorary presidents. Gunapala Kadamba, Bhaskar Kotian, Barkur Shantharam Shetty, Vijay Kumar Kanginamane, Naveenchandra Alva, and P R Shetty are members of the federation.”
“Through the Federation we aim to get recognition from the government for Kambala. This will also help in getting grants from the government as well. Further, once recognition is granted, permission can also be sought for organising kambala outside the state as well,” he said.
"For organising one Kambala event, including track preparation, night lighting arrangements, catering, tent setup, sound system, and prizes including 16 pavan (128 grams) of gold, costs between Rs 25 lakh to Rs 45 lakh. Organisers bear these expenses from various sources. Sports recognition for Kambala would help in obtaining government grants," he explained.
Training centre
Along with the formation of the federation, efforts are under way to constitute a 'State Kambala Association' and obtain recognition from the state government. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has promised to grant the recognition. There are also plans to set up a training centre and a Kambala Bhavana. “We have sought about two acres of land at Pilikula for the purpose. The training centre also aims to impart skill development training for youths in preparation for kambala, including making ropes and other equipment used during the race. We also want to showcase the history of Kambala through Kambala Bhavana,” Shetty added.