Mangaluru: Thirty five out of 42 first-time Kambala runners trained by the Kambala Conservation, Management and Training Academy took part in a practical run at Moodubidire Thursday, marking their first step towards entering the competitive circuit in this traditional sport.The 12-day training camp, offered for free, which began on Sept 26, concluded with a competition on Oct 8, where only the newly trained runners were allowed to handle and run the buffaloes. Academy president Gunapala Kadamba told TOI two trainees suffered minor injuries during training.“This year’s batch performed very well. The trainees showed good physical fitness, interest and the basic skills required to run the buffaloes. The fact that they learnt to handle and tie the mara (wooden bar) within a short period was also appreciated by experienced Kambala participants,” he said.The academy received 123 applications, of which 72 candidates were shortlisted following medical and fitness tests conducted by experts from Alva’s Education Foundation. The final batch comprised 42 newcomers.The latest batch includes youth from different backgrounds, including graduates, postgraduates, those with ITI qualifications and from agricultural backgrounds.Trainees came from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, Kasaragod, Bhatkal, Byndoor and other parts of Karnataka. This year’s camp is open to applicants from all districts.Besides practical and theoretical training in buffalo care and handling, the programme included sessions on yoga, physical exercises, nutrition and personality development.During the first five days, trainees were not allowed to run buffaloes. Instead, they learnt to bathe and groom them, handle the ropes and prepare them for Kambala.Kadamba said the academy aimed not merely to produce runners, but to provide youngsters with a foundation to continue in the sport. They need sustained practice, experience and contact with buffalo owners, progressing through junior and sub-junior races.The academy is also connecting trainees with sponsors and Kambala organisers. Some have already been approached for events, but they need greater exposure and support, he said.Started in 2011 by 11 Kambala enthusiasts, the academy has trained 100-150 youngsters. Of them, 50-60 remain active, while 10-15 have progressed to running senior events. This was its seventh training camp. The academy conducts the training for free.Kadamba said former trainees now account for a significant share of leading runners. Srinivasa Gowda of Mijar, one of the early trainees, later gained national attention for his Kambala performance.However, some trainees left the sport after completing the programme to pursue other career options. The academy plans to hold its next training camp around Mahalaya next year.
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