Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Apr 13: Deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday announced that Kambala, the traditional buffalo race of coastal Karnataka, will be officially included in the Dasara sports meet from this year.

He was speaking at the valedictory ceremony of the second edition of the 'Gurupura Kambalotsava', a night-time Mudloor-Addoor Jodukare Kambala event, held at the Manibettu Guthu fields in Gurupura under the leadership of KPCC general secretary Inayat Ali.

"Kambala, a traditional sport of the coastal region, must be preserved. The world has immense faith in the religious ethos of Dakshina Kannada. One cannot achieve success without learning to accept defeat gracefully. Similarly, in Kambala, sportsmanship must prevail. Our traditions and culture are flourishing through this sport. Our government will continue to encourage it," he said.

Shivakumar further announced, "From next year, Kambala will be part of the Dasara sports events held during the Nada Habba Mysuru Dasara celebrations. It should become a tradition and continue for generations. We aim to promote Kambala at the international level. Let us nurture and support this sport by setting aside all differences of party, caste, or creed. I and the government are fully committed to this."

Highlighting the region’s potential, Shivakumar said, "Dakshina Kannada has the largest coastal stretch in the country. The government has already discussed measures to promote religious tourism and cultural tourism by utilizing this. Along with boosting tourism, we will also emphasize promoting the coastal region’s rich culture."

He assured that the government will always stand with the people of the district and will extend full support to the preservation and promotion of Kambala, which reflects the unique culture of the coast.