Karnataka State Kambala Association to release new rules, flag, and emblem soon

Karnataka State Kambala Association to release new rules, flag, and emblem soon

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Oct 12, 2025: The Karnataka State Kambala Association will soon release a comprehensive set of rules governing the conduct of Kambala, the traditional slush track buffalo race, along with its official flag and emblem, announced Association President Belapu Deviprasad Shetty in Mangaluru on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Shetty said the Sports Authority of Karnataka had, on October 7, officially recognised the Kambala Association as a State sports institution for organising Kambalas. The recognition will be valid for three years.

The Association has framed specific rules to standardise the conduct of Kambalas. One of the key provisions includes a ban on jockeys or other personnel from hitting buffaloes after they cross the slush track and enter the plain land. In addition, electronic sensors will be installed at the start and end of the 125-metre slush track to record race timings accurately.

Association Secretary and Kambala referee Vijay Kumar Kanginamane said the new rules specify timing protocols for the start and end of each event and for individual races. “All organisers must strictly follow these rules. Any Kambala found violating them will be blacklisted,” he cautioned.

Mr. Shetty said the rules, along with the official emblem and flag, will be released during the Association’s upcoming general body meeting.

This year’s Kambala season will feature 25 events across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, beginning with the Panapila Kambala on November 15 and concluding with Harekala Kambala and Badagabettu Kambala on April 18 and April 25, 2026, respectively. The Harekala and Badagabettu Kambalas are new additions this season.

Mr. Shetty noted that Bengaluru Kambala was not held last year due to a lack of demand. “If there is interest, it can be scheduled after April 25,” he said, adding that a Kambala event in Mysuru during next year’s Dasara is also being considered.

At present, the State Government provides ₹2 lakh per Kambala, which Mr. Shetty termed inadequate. The Association has sought ₹2 crore in total assistance so that ₹8 lakh can be allocated to each organiser.

To further meet the ₹40-lakh expenditure required for each Kambala, the Association is exploring an IPL-style sponsorship model, allowing corporate entities to adopt and fund individual Kambalas, Mr. Shetty added.