Karnataka State Kambala Association gets official recognition as state sports body

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Oct 10, 2025: The Karnataka State Kambala Association, based in Udupi, has received official recognition from the State Sports Authority. This recognition empowers the association to organize and oversee Kambala competitions across the state and also enables it to receive annual government funding. Kambala will now be included in the state sports budget and will gain access to facilities provided for major sports disciplines.

The Youth Empowerment and Sports Department has officially granted state sports body status to the Karnataka State Kambala Association, with the recognition valid for three years or until further government orders, as stated by Commissioner Chetan R. in the official notification.

The association’s president had requested the Karnataka Sports Authority for recognition, and the Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada recommended the same. On May 5, 2025, during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the government decided to grant recognition to promote rural sports and acknowledge the unique cultural importance of Kambala.

The association, chaired by Deviprasad Shetty, has 18 office bearers, with Jeevandhar Ballal, Jeevanadas Adyantaya, and Gunapal Kadamba serving as honorary advisors. It will ensure the organized conduct of Kambala events in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts and is responsible for preparing the official Kambala calendar.