Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Feb 15: The 16th annual Jeppinamogaru floodlit Jaya–Vijaya Jodukare Kambala, organised by the Jaya–Vijaya Jodukare Kambala Committee in memory of late J Jaya Gangadhara Shetty of Mannutota Guthu and Nadaje Guthu, was held on Saturday with traditional fervour and large public participation.

Addressing the gathering, former union minister D V Sadananda Gowda said organising a folk sport like Kambala, which attracts thousands of spectators, is not an easy task. He urged the state government to extend financial assistance of Rs 25 lac for every Kambala held across the coastal belt, along with an additional Rs 25 lac from the local administration, taking the total support to Rs 50 lac per event. He also stated that he would write to the government pressing for the demand.

MRG group chairman Dr K Prakash Shetty said Kambala is a traditional folk sport handed down by elders, and it is heartening to see entrepreneurs and political leaders coming forward to preserve and promote the heritage sport.

MLC and former minister C T Ravi also addressed the gathering. President of Adani South India Group Kishore Alva and former minister Krishna J Palemar conveyed their best wishes on the occasion.

Kambala Committee president J Anil Shetty Mannutota Guthu, former minister B Nagaraj Shetty, MLA Yashpal Suvarna, Satish Kumpala, former corporator J Nagendra Kumar and several other dignitaries were present. Honorary president of the Kambala Committee Vedavyas Kamath welcomed the gathering.

120 pairs of buffaloes participate

A total of 120 pairs of buffaloes competed in various categories, including 52 pairs in Negilu junior, 30 pairs in Negilu senior, 25 pairs in Haggada junior, 13 pairs in Haggada senior, 9 pairs in Kane Halage and 8 pairs in Adda Halage events, making the traditional rural sporting spectacle a grand success.