New Speed Record Set at Mangaluru Kambala, Surpassing Srinivasa Gowda’s Feat

New Speed Record Set at Mangaluru Kambala, Surpassing Srinivasa Gowda’s Feat

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Dec 28, 2025: A new all-time speed record was set at the Mangaluru Kambala, surpassing the landmark achievement of celebrated Kambala runner Srinivasa Gowda, whose feat four years ago had drawn national and international attention.

At the Ram–Lakshman Kambala held at Kuloor, buffaloes owned by Sandeep Shetty Badagabetttu created a new record in the senior “Negilu” category final by completing the 125-metre track in 10.87 seconds. The race was run by Mastikatte Swaroop Kumar. The timing translates to an equivalent 100-metre run of 8.69 seconds, bettering Srinivasa Gowda’s earlier benchmark and marking a historic moment in Kambala racing.

Earlier in the semi-final of the same event, the same pair of buffaloes, Santu and Pancha, had clocked 11.06 seconds for the 125-metre run, which was recorded as the fastest run of the season at the time. However, in the final, Swaroop Kumar went on to surpass all previous Kambala records to establish a new high-water mark.

In 2021, at the Kakyapadavu Kambala, Srinivasa Gowda, running buffaloes owned by Mizaru Shaktiprasad, had set a record by completing the 125-metre race in 10.95 seconds, equivalent to 8.76 seconds for 100 metres. His feat had drawn widespread acclaim, as it was faster than the 9-second world record set by legendary sprinter Usain Bolt, earning him recognition both in India and abroad.

Kambala racing demands exceptional speed and stamina not only from the buffaloes but also from the runner, who must match their pace throughout the race. While different from an athletics sprint, the runner’s speed plays a crucial role in achieving record timings. Srinivasa Gowda’s reputation as an exceptionally fast runner had even earned him an opportunity in a Telugu film.