Eliminating cruelty, focus on new Kambala training

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Oct 30, 2018:   The Kambala Samrakshane Nirvahane Tarabeti Academy at Meeyaru, near Karkala, the only academy training youth to become `Kambala buffalo jockeys,’ the unconventional stick covered with sponge is the new addition to the existing syllabus.

 

It is now evolving to a new form abandoning all forms of cruelty to animals (buffalo). 

At the Academy, formed with the twin objectives of inculcating the required skills to sustain the rural sport and to adhere to the restrictions imposed by the court, the aspiring jockeys are told how the stick with the sponge, which replaces the whip, would not hurt the animal.  Prior to the start of Kambala season, rigorous training is imparted to the aspirants for 12 days from October 21.

The training includes Yoga, different types of exercises, running race, Kambala practice, the preparation of rope and the decoration of bamboo sticks used in the sport. The training also includes tying the buffaloes and giving bath to the animals after oiling them.

Prof Kadamba, the brain behind the academy, says the training begins from the food and the nutrition given to the buffaloes.

He said already 122 youth had been trained so far and 70 of them were actively engaged in the field.

For the training session 2018, 27 youth had been shortlisted from as many as 155 applicants. Main coach Sarapadi John Cyril D’Souza, who is assisted by four physical education trainers, says after the 12-day training, a youth can earn up to Rs 7 lakh in four months.

"Unlike in past, postgraduate degree holders and marketing people are also making a beeline to get trained in the academy," he added.


The training begins from 5.30 am and goes on until late evening. The training is followed by  cultural programmes on all 12 days. The Academy’s contributions was recognised by state government and was presented with `Kreedaposhak award’, an year ago. The award money of Rs five lakh was spent on the activities planned in the Academy, added Kadamba.

The Academy had tied up with the Bidar University to launch a research study on Kambala. The study will also look into the technical aspects of the sport.

The buffalo race is not only for entertainment but it is a test of the beast as well as man’s agility, he added.