Kambala introduces strict new rules; prizes only if water hits target

Kambala introduces strict new rules; prizes only if water hits target

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, December 10, 2025: Kambala authorities have introduced strict rules this season to ensure discipline and punctuality. In the kane halage (slush board) category, prizes will now be awarded only if the buffalo pair splashes water exactly onto the designated target. Timings have also been fixed for bringing the buffaloes to the track and releasing them, and organisers have been instructed to complete each Kambala event within 24 hours.

A meeting on this season’s arrangements and rules was held in the city under the leadership of Karnataka Kambala Association president Belapu Deviprasad Shetty. Office-bearers of Kambala committees, organisers, buffalo owners, judges, releasers, and jockeys took part.

Earlier, in the kane halage category, if the buffalo pair did not hit the target, the prize was decided based on the height of the water splash during the race. This often led to confusion and debate. Hence, from this year, a prize will be awarded only if the splash hits the 6.5 or 7.5 pole target. Previously, there were four (pass) rounds of running in this category. Starting this year, teams will be allowed five rounds within a fixed 3.5-hour window. If a team fails to complete five rounds within this time, they will not get further opportunity.

All Kambala events this season must be completed within 24 hours, and the Association has taken several decisions to ensure this.

In the addahalage, negilu, and haggu junior categories, once a race ends, 3 minutes will be given to bring the buffaloes for the next run; delays will lead to disqualification. In all categories, 5 minutes will be allowed to release the buffaloes onto the track.

In the senior categories of addahalage, negilu, and haggu, 5 minutes will be allowed after a race to prepare the buffaloes for the next run.

Time limits for releasing buffaloes in each race are as follows:

Haggu Junior: 8 minutes

Negilu Junior: 6 minutes

Final (junior categories): 10 minutes

Haggu Senior: 12 minutes

Negilu Senior: 10 minutes

Adda Halage: 10 minutes

Final (senior categories): 15 minutes

In all categories, the decision of the judges will be final and cannot be questioned under any circumstances, the Association has declared.