The Karnataka Kambala Association has approached the state government seeking a special financial package of Rs 5 crore for Kambala events across the coastal districts. The request comes ahead of the state cabinet meeting scheduled to be held in Mangaluru on September 18.
A delegation led by association president Dr Deviprasad Shetty Belapu has reportedly submitted the proposal to the office of Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and the Chief Secretary. The association wants the request to be considered during the upcoming cabinet deliberations.
The organisation has argued that Kambala has grown beyond a local traditional event and has gained recognition as an important cultural and sporting activity from coastal Karnataka. Large crowds from different parts of the country and abroad follow the competitions each season.
Organising the events, however, involves considerable expenditure. According to the association, conducting a single Jodukare Kambala can cost between Rs 40 lakh and Rs 50 lakh.
The expenses cover several aspects of the competitions, including arrangements at the venue, prize distribution and other requirements involved in conducting the races. Organisers also spend money on recognising and encouraging the participants.
Owners of the racing buffaloes and the runners are offered gold medals and cash prizes at competitions. The association says these incentives have become an important part of encouraging continued participation and keeping the traditional sport active.
The financial burden has become a concern for organisers as the number and scale of Kambala events have increased. The association believes government support would make it easier to conduct the competitions in a more organised manner without placing the entire cost on event organisers.
Under its proposal, the association has sought funding for 25 Jodukare Kambala events held across the two coastal districts. It has suggested that the Sports Department provide Rs 2.5 crore and the Tourism Department contribute another Rs 2.5 crore.
Together, the two departments would provide the proposed Rs 5 crore special grant.
The association has also highlighted the tourism potential of Kambala. The races attract visitors to coastal Karnataka and create interest in the region’s traditional culture. Supporters believe that stronger promotion of the sport could bring more visitors and provide additional opportunities for local communities.
Kambala is closely connected with the cultural identity of the coastal districts. The traditional buffalo races have been conducted for generations and have gradually developed into large public events that draw spectators from outside the region as well.
The Karnataka government has already recognised the Kambala Association under the Karnataka State Sports Authority framework, according to the association. Its representatives say this recognition has helped strengthen the position of Kambala as an organised sporting activity.
Association president Deviprasad Shetty Belapu said the financial realities of organising Kambala events have made government assistance increasingly important. He described the sport as a cultural and sporting symbol of coastal Karnataka and urged the government to consider the sentiment attached to it.
The timing of the request is also significant, with the state cabinet meeting scheduled in Mangaluru. The association hopes the government will take up the proposal and make a formal announcement regarding financial assistance for the upcoming Kambala season.
The demand combines cultural preservation with sports and tourism promotion. The association believes that a dedicated grant would not only support organisers but also help maintain the standard of competitions and encourage the younger generation to remain connected with the traditional sport.
For now, the Rs 5 crore proposal remains a request submitted by the association. The final decision will depend on the state government’s consideration of the proposal and the outcome of the cabinet discussions.
If approved, the proposed assistance would provide financial support for 25 Kambala events and could give organisers greater confidence while preparing for the upcoming season.
