Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Aug 8: Veteran Kambala achiever Kedubari Guruvappa Poojary of Gurupur died in an accident on Sunday August 8. He was 78.

The accident took place between a car and a two-wheeler at Kukkudakatte near Gurpur bridge on the outskirts of the city.

As was his routine, Guruvappa was on his way to the dairy at Kukkudakatte to deposit milk when a car moving from Mangaluru towards Gurpur rammed into his scooty. The impact of the accident was such that Guruvappa got thrown on to the road and sustained head injuries. He was rushed to hospital but breathed his last on the way.

Guruvappa was well-known in the field of Kambala for the past 47 years. He was into agriculture and was interested in Kambala from his childhood. He used run his buffalo after completing agriculture work.

He tamed buffaloes for Kambala, bringing them from Hubballi and Kota. Guruvappa for the first time gained recognition in Baradi Kambala. He also took part in Pookarekambala.

Guruvappa secured several medals in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts in Kambala tournaments. He initially ran buffalos in Kambala contests and later domesticated pairs of buffalos for the sport.

Buffaloes owned by Guruvappa have participated in Kambala events in Mulky, Mijar, Bajagoli, Puttur, Kavalkatte, Uppinangady, Jeppu, Katapady, Boliyar, Moodbidri, Venoor, Kajoor, Padubidri, Bolluru, Ikala, Thiruvailu, Surthkal, Pilikula, Hosabettu, and other places.

He leaves behind three sons, one daughter and thousands of Kambala fans and well-wishers.

The last rites will be held on Monday August 9 in Kedubari, Gurpur, sources said.